“How to Get Lost and Found in...

“How to Get Lost and Found in London,” by John and Bobbye McDermott, is a delightful dissertation, with humorous text that reveals the best way to not miss the food treats, best buys and little hotels that are usually overlooked by tourists (Hunter: $9.95).

Bob Martin’s “Fly There for Less” guides the air traveler through a maze of air fares. For $8.95, you can save some mega bucks from Martin’s more than a dozen creative techniques and strategies (Teakwood Press).

For a ride on the world’s longest continuous train trip, through seven time zones, the “Trans-Siberian Rail Guide,” by Robert Strauss, fills you in on information and details. Anyone with the spirit of adventure, plus a desire to explore the present with a blend of the past, can go for a ride with this guide. Strip maps, route descriptions, flashbacks of history, city maps and more are included. An intriguing trip between Europe and Asia (Hunter Publishing: $12.95).

“Day Trips in Italy,” by Earl Steinbicker, outlines 40 one-day adventures by rail, bus or car. The guide virtually eliminates many hotel changes by suggesting a few large and small cities to serve as home base while exploring the surrounding regions. Each chapter features a town with details on tourist information, food and drink, etc. Directions are well-defined and supported by 47 large maps and 63 photos (Hastings House: $10.95).

For getting the lowdown on England’s royal family at work or play, i.e., where Princess Di shops for hats or where Prince Charles selects his ties--then Fodor’s “Royalty Watching,” by Andrew Morton, is for you. It also discloses scores of informal events where one can rub shoulders with them. (Random House: $9.95).

The Blue Guides are easily among the best travel books. The latest, “Germany,” by James Bentley, maintains the reputation. The text, maps, town plans and photographs cover almost every detail a visitor will need (W. W. Norton: $19.95).

The basics of studying abroad, including the available grants, exchange programs and job possibilities are covered in “Work, Study or Travel Abroad--The Whole World Handbook,” by the Council on International Educational Exchange. It’s geared to youth-based programs but also lists many opportunities for older and retired persons (St. Martin’s: $8.95).

If you only use the four-color maps, some with helpful reference symbols, in the “London--The Good Tour Guide,” by Mary Peplow and Debra Shipley, you will make your visit to this city a delight and fun. Many of the places featured are free (Salem House--Robert Nicholson: $8.95).

As an excellent change-of-pace cuisine, “Zagat’s Los Angeles Restaurant Survey” ($8.95), edited by Merrill Shindler and Karen Berk, should enhance your dining pleasures. It ranks and reviews 500 establishments gleaned from 1,700 patrons’ opinions. Price, service, food and decor are pinpointed in text and symbols. It’s a pocket-sized reference that virtually has it all. “Zagat’s New York City Restaurant Survey” ($9.95) covers 740 restaurants and deserves similar accolades.

If you’re thinking about visiting Europe, but are hesitant because of the shrunken dollar, Frommer’s can help with “Europe on $30 a Day,” by Arthur Frommer, ($13.95). If you’re only traveling as far as Great Britain, Frommer’s “England on $40 a Day,” by Darwin Potter ($11.95), also has hundreds of budget-saving suggestions. Both editions provide lots of detail on where to stay and eat, and how to get around (Prentice Hall).

The “Maui--A Guide for Everyone” recently mentioned has apparently sold out in bookstores. However, a copy can be obtained direct by sending $9.95 to Paradise Publications, 8110 S. W. Wareham, Portland, Ore. 97223.