Identify yourself as a senior citizen and...

Identify yourself as a senior citizen and Disneyland knocks 25% off the admission price on Thursday and Friday. Even better, the Los Angeles Zoo gives you the nod for 65% off any time. The “Discount Guide for Travelers Over 50,” by Caroline and Walter Weintz, lists more than 3,000 hotels and motels, plus a variety of things to see and do at discount prices in the United States, Canada and abroad. For example, if you want a glider lesson for 10% to 70% off, you can find it in this guide (E. P. Dutton: $7.95).

Steve Birnbaum guides are among the top. Two recent efforts are “Birnbaum’s Europe” ($13.95) and “Birnbaum’s USA 1988 for Business Travelers” ($8.95). The text is detailed, definitive and authoritative. Travelers will find them worthwhile companions (Houghton Mifflin).

“The Great American Runner’s Guide,” by Edward L. Moore, charts safe, comfortable and traffic-free routes for more than 60 cities in the Western United States. Runners on vacation will know in advance about obstacles, uphill or downhill paths, water stops, etc. The guide is well defined and includes excellent run maps (Rodale Press: $7.95).

Those considering a trip to France may want their itinerary to include places where they can get a taste of the local grape. Almost all the information needed can be found in “Webster’s Wine Tours--France,” by Philip and Mary Hyman and Rosemary George. It’s described as “the complete touring guide for wine lovers” and includes recommended routes, vineyards and specialty wines. The guide also lists a selection of hotels, restaurants and worthwhile sights (Prentice Hall: $15.95).

John Kent’s “Venice--A Color Guide to the City” will perk up a traveler’s vacation or even a travel reader’s imagination. Almost every page has brilliant watercolor annotated scale drawings of canals, piazzas and palazzi . Exploring the city by foot or gondola will be more enjoyable with this delightful guide. The detailed maps and text are above average and present the opportunity to see many sights off the beaten track (Viking: $15.95).

The Travel Survival Kit guides have two first editions, for “Jordan and Syria” ($8.95), by Hugh Finlay and “Egypt and the Sudan” ($9.95) by Scott Wayne. A visit to the areas may not be complete without these books. Besides covering almost all the bases, the vignettes of basic facts are excellent in pinpointing surroundings and events (Lonely Planet).

The “Vacation-Study Abroad 1988” is available from the Institute of International Education ($14.95). The guide provides information on more than 2,500 opportunities for students, educators and others who want to combine learning and summer travel overseas.

If you want a change of pace from the motel monotony, pick up “Bed and Breakfast U.S.A.--All 50 States Plus Canada” by Betty Rundback and Nancy Kramer. It lists 981 B&Bs; with costs, amenities, locations, etc. Two chapters tell how to start your own B&B; or reservation service. It’s a comprehensive guide and well worth $10.95 (E. P. Dutton).

“Ferryliner Vacations in North America” by Michael and Laura Murphy explains the difference between cruise ships and port-to-port ferry liners. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed, including the drive-on-or-off convenience of taking a car along to explore the area, then picking up the next ferry at another port. The guide describes the flexible alternatives of using a ferry, i.e., the affordable meals, overnight cabins and freedom of port stays (E.P. Dutton: $10.95).

“England’s Undiscovered Heritage,” by Debra A. Shipley and Mary Peplow, guides you to 100 unusual sites and monuments. It’s an impressive collection, in excellent color photos and text, of sites often missed by tourists. Centuries of England’s history are related in fascinating glimpses (Henry Holt: $12.95).

“San Diego Restaurant Poll and Guide,” by Kathy Glick and Lyn Heller, is the ideal guidebook for those who enjoy tucking a napkin. It’s a valuable reference that lists 261 restaurants by cuisine, ambiance and service. (K-Lyn: $8.95).