Deer watch from forests. Bald eagles perch...

Deer watch from forests. Bald eagles perch in trees. Porpoises, seals, otters surface along the seashore. If you’re searching for solitude, consider a visit to Washington state’s San Juan Islands. To help with trip planning, San Juan Islands Visitor Information has produced a new brochure. Tells about lodging, ferry service to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan islands. Usually motorists drive from Seattle to Anacortes (about 1 1/2 hours) to board ferries that make stops at each of the four islands. If you buy a round-trip ticket to San Juan you can stop at the other islands free. Other vacationers fly to the San Juans from Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport. It’s busy from July 4 to Labor Day. That’s when families in the Pacific Northwest head for the islands. Spring/autumn are pleasant, uncrowded. Lodging is cheaper.

The islands are bright with flowers in springtime, golden in autumn. Whatever the season, reserve accommodations. There is a good selection of lodging on the three main islands (Lopez, Orcas, San Juan). Cabins, B&Bs;, small inns and farmhouses, condominiums, resorts. For the new brochure write to San Juan Islands Visitor Information, P.O. Box 65, Lopez Island, Wash. 98261. A “trip planner” is on duty 30 hours a week: (206) 468-3663. Provides details on weather, ferries, lodging, camping, boating. If there’s no answer, a recorder will pick up your message.

Alaska Guide

Alaska’s handy Milepost Guide is being updated. One of the best publications produced on any state. More than 500 pages. Packed with details on lodging, camping, weather, state ferries, trip planning, national parks, fishing, railroads. Tells about 181 U.S. Forest Service cabins that rent for a thrifty $15 a night in Tongass and Chugach national forests. Features mile-by-mile logs on highways (Alaska, the Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and Canada’s provinces of Alberta/British Columbia). Covers visitor services for more than 250 remote villages/wilderness destinations. No matter where you’re going in Alaska, the guide, with its excellent maps, will prove helpful. On sale at bookstores or the Alaska Northwest Publishing Co., 130 2nd Ave. South, Edmonds, Wash. 98020. Sells for $14.95. If requesting by mail, add $1 for fourth-class postage, $3 for first-class. This same company publishes the excellent “Northwest Mileposts.” Covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Western Canada. Price: $14.95.

Letter From Britain

David Boyer, an American who lives in Britain, writes: “We are offering a new home to American visitors. It’s in England’s newest city, Milton Keynes, 50 miles north of London just off the M1 Motorway. It is a two-story, two-bedroom cottage and is completely furnished. Car rentals are available and are much cheaper than in London. We can arrange for your pickup and transportation from Heathrow Airport. Rental rates are $275 a week or $900 a month. You will be on your own, but we live just a couple of miles down the road.”

Write to David Boyer, 2 Pound Hill, Great Brickhill, Bucks, MK17 9AS, England.

Medieval Monastery

In England’s West Country, near the Cotswolds and South Wales, travelers have the opportunity to bed down in a restored 600-year-old ex-monastery. Possibly the last monastery built during the medieval era. (Dates from 1346). It’s near Goodrich Castle and the village of Ross-on-Wye. Features 16 self-contained vacation cottages. Antique furnishings. Private baths, fully equipped kitchens, open fireplaces, central heating. Giveaway prices, with rates starting at about $125 a week for a studio cottage for two guests. There’s also a cider mill barn that sleeps eight persons ($745 for the week). Prices include linens, logs, a welcome food basket.

Contact Oak Tree Cottages, 6 King St., Richmond, Surrey TW9 1ND, England.

A Letter From Italy

This note from Leonida and Maria Luisa Zanchetta of Milan: “We own two houses--one in Liguria in the hills of Tigullio near Portofino and another in Piemonte in the country between Milan and Genoa (a nice region that is all vineyards). Last summer with one of our daughters and my husband we visited the U.S.A. from coast to coast and came home enthusiastic. We would like to return again and thought it would be nice to get in touch with some American families. We like the American style of life and would like to practice our English. Our houses are not luxurious nor grand, but comfortable and--in our opinion--located in very pleasant places. Is there any family that would like to correspond and exchange houses?”

Write to the Zanchettas, Via Lomazzo, 58, 20154 Milan, Italy.

A Grand Tour of France

It’s called the Great France Express. A train that does a “totally civilized tour” of the French countryside, the operator tells us. On the expensive side, but it sounds tempting. You board the speedy TGV at Paris’ Lyon station. Six days, five nights. The price ($1,495) includes first-class travel aboard the train, first-class or deluxe hotels, breakfast daily, four lunches, four dinners. Organized for individual dining rather than groups. This is an escorted tour. A bellman handles the luggage, places it in your hotel room each day. None of those exhausting early morning departures, late evening arrivals. First stop, Dijon. Next, Avignon, Nice, Monte Carlo, Arles, Nimes. Dates: July 19, Sept. 13, Oct. 4.

Contact your travel agent or French National Railroads, 9465 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 713, Beverly Hills 90212. Telephone (213) 274-6934.

Note: For a 20-page Paris shopping guide, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Air France, Dept. PG, 2039 9th Ave., Ronkonkoma, N.Y. 11779. Title is “Parisian’s Guide to Paris Shopping.” You can also obtain Relais & Chateaux’s 1988 guide, listing 372 member hotels, restaurants in 37 countries by writing to David B. Mitchell & Co., 200 Madison Ave., New York 10016 or calling toll-free (800) 372-1323.

Bay Area Hotel Giveaway

Few travelers need an excuse to run off to San Francisco, but just in case, here’s one. The newly renovated (280 rooms) Miyako Hotel in Japan Center is going to celebrate its 20th anniversary by rolling back room rates to 1968 levels. Dates: March 31 through April 2. You’ll pay only $32 a night for a double, $60 for a suite. (Regular rates: $93/$300.) The refurbished lobby in the Miyako faces a Japanese garden, waterfall. There is a new ground-level restaurant plus a cocktail bar on the mezzanine. Japan Center represents San Francisco’s Little Tokyo. Sushi bars, shops, restaurants, nightclubs. For reservations call toll-free (800) 533-4567.

Low-Cost Flights

UniTravel of St. Louis is also celebrating its 20th year. A leading tour operator that purchases thousands of airline seats at low bulk rates. This company places funds in an escrow account. The reservation center operates Monday through Saturday. Tickets sent by Federal Express. Departures to 25 destinations: Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Nice, Nuremberg, Oslo, Paris, Rome, Shannon, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Zurich. Passengers have the option of staying abroad for as long as a year. Fly to one city, return from another. For a free brochure write to UniTravel, P.O. Box 16220, St. Louis, Mo. 63105.

Reader Recommendations

California--Dick and Jane Freeman, Corona Del Mar: Rave about Pelican Cove Inn just off the beach at 320 Walnut Ave., Carlsbad, Calif. 92008. Hosts Bob and Celeste Hale go far out of their way to make guests welcome. “We stayed in the Laguna Room, one of four that are decorated with antique and contemporary furniture and feature feather beds. Each room has a fireplace. Rooms from $85 a night, which includes continental breakfast. Phone (619) 434-5995.”

California--Dorothy Hundley, North Hollywood: “Delightfully surprised by Monterey Dunes--remote and beautiful, lovely furnishings. About $100 a night per room, some with hot tubs, all with kitchens. A special place. Monterey Dunes Co., P.O. Box 308, 407 Moss Landing Road at California 1, Moss Landing, Calif. 95039, phone (408) 633-4883.”

California--Elizabeth Reece, Northridge: “Delightful stay at the Village Inn B&B; with seven spotless rooms, all with private baths, decorated in Laura Ashley prints and wall coverings, many antiques and family heirlooms. Breakfasts are special treats. Owners Don and Jude Stalker are friendly hosts and pay particular attention to guests’ comfort. Rates are $59 to $79 double occupancy. Address 407 El Camino Real, Arroyo Grande, Calif. 93420, phone (805) 489-5926.”

California--Ken Roberts, Los Angeles: “You can get a taste of the macho life without having to spend weeks in Argentina or Zambia. Try Rio Bravo Resort, 11200 Lake Ming Road, Bakersfield, Calif. 93306. A room for two costs $68. The Kern River runs right through the ranch in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada near Bakersfield. White-water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, riding.”

California--John and Lou Yergat, South Laguna: “On a visit to the wine country we stayed at a delightful B&B; operated by a retired Navy commander and his wife at 5131 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen, Calif. 95422. Rates: $70/$80.”

California--Steve Kanold, Huntington Beach: “For a nearby romantic getaway, try Whispering Pines Resort, 5850 Manzanita Road, Angelus Oaks. Only 20 minutes from Redlands in the mountains leading to Big Bear on California 38. Homemade pastries and breads, complimentary wine. Hiking trails galore. Rates start at only $40, including breakfast.”

Oregon--Ella Foy, Ramona:”Marjon B&B; Inn is a treat, with wonderful McKenzie River views from huge windows. Luxurious inn offers two large bedrooms with private baths. Gourmet breakfasts included in the rates of $65 to $80. 24 miles east of Eugene at 44975 Leaburg Dam Road, Leaburg, Ore. 97489, phone (503) 896-3145.”

Oregon--Barbara O’Brien, Palm Springs: “A 1906 Victorian-style home completely restored offers turn-of-the-century charm. Ten minutes to Mt. Angel, an old German town where annual September Oktoberfest is held. Host owns old-fashioned buggy and horses and offers rides. Rates: $45 a night for doubles, $40 for singles, full breakfast included. Write to Lawrence and Marilyn Paradise, 515 S. Pacific Highway, Woodburn, Ore. 97071.”

West Coast--Lillian Altman, Bethesda, Md.: “Indispensable book used on our trip from Seattle to San Diego, Diane Knight’s ‘Bed and Breakfast Homes Directory,’ published by Knighttime Publications, $10. Stayed in nine of the recommendations and each one was excellent.”

Colorado--Myra Mahoney, Santa Barbara: “Just returned from Vail where, with another couple, we rented a two-bedroom, two-bath beautiful condo for $260 a night at Montaneros, 641 W. Lionshead Circle, Vail, Colo. 81657. Every unit has a view of Vail Mountain, completely equipped kitchen, dining area and large living room with fireplace and stereo. Walk to the gondola. Phone (800) 523-6327.”

India--Janice Tucker, Pasadena: “Had the pleasure of staying in a wonderful hotel in Mysore: Hotel Dasaprakash Paradise, 105 Vivekananda Road, Yadavagiri, Mysore 570 020, India. They have a terrific vegetarian restaurant, Vishala. Rates 245 to 550 rupees.”

Hawaii--Cynthia M. Groush, Riverside: “Great bargain for ocean-front condos on Maui. Twenty rentals, all with ocean views. Rate: $60 a day for one bedroom. A two-bedroom is $68 and a penthouse is $120 for four persons. Locally, call Irene Makalani (213) 516-1253 during the day or (213) 329-5938 evenings.”

Hawaii--Lloyde Silverstein: “Found a wonderful day tour company, Outer Islands Adventures, P.O. Box 996, Makawao, Hawaii 96768. Guided one-day van and/or hiking tours to undiscovered tropical paradises on Maui. Gourmet meals in exotic locales. Rates: $55 to $85 per person, including hotel pickup and all meals. We found the hidden Maui everyone dreams of but seldom discovers.”

Louisiana--E. Nicholas Sargent, Los Angeles: Praise for Le Jardin restaurant in the Western Canal Place Hotel in New Orleans. “Try the veal and the encroute ($22.25 per person), which is the best in the world.”

South Carolina--Janet Shlor, Northridge: “An outstanding B&B;, the De LaFountaine Mansion, 138 Wentworth St., Charleston, S.C. 29401. Paid $60 a night double. It was a grand experience for a Southern antebellum style in a great city. Charming hosts! The B&B; is furnished to equal any historic house on a tour in Charleston.”

Virginia--Sandy Cherry, Santa Monica: This 73-year-old writes that she “stayed at a charming B&B; built in 1905 in Richmond, Va. It has 17 guest rooms, antiques. Rates are $40 per room with breakfast. Hosts are a lovely senior citizen couple. Write to 2216 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. 23220.”

Wyoming--Peter J. Semper, Santa Barbara: Enjoyed a pack trip into the Wind River Mountain Range of western Wyoming near Yellowstone. “The cost of one week (Monday-Saturday) including horse, tent, lodging and three meals a day is only $450 per person. The only things you need to bring are sleeping bags, personal gear and fishing equipment. Write to Van Dana, Thayne, Wyo. 83127.”

England--Mr. and Mrs. Earle A. Jacklin, Thousand Oaks: “We have consistently enjoyed the hospitality and atmosphere of The White Lion, 10 High St., Thornbury, Bristol BS121 1B2, England. Rates: $17 single, $25 double. Convenient base to the Cotswolds, Bath, South Wales.”

England--Ruth Stevenson, Greenville, Ohio: “Ideal vacation setting for all denominations, The Links, Eastbourne, Sussex, a Methodist Guild Holiday Center with deluxe accommodations and fine cuisine, recreational amenities and good fellowship. Rates $200 to $300 a week inclusive. U.S. Contact: Joy Boyer, 3892 SR 121, Greenville, Ohio 45331, phone (513) 548-8266.”

England--H. Raylor, Diamond Bar, Calif.: Recommend Huddersfield Hotel, 41 Kirkgate, Huddersfield HD1 1QT, West Yorkshire. Small provincial hotel, very well appointed rooms with private bath/shower, restaurant and snug bar. Disco entertainment for younger visitors or piano bar for a quieter evening. Suite rates run to 42 for double occupancy, which includes hearty English breakfast.

England--Marci Sandell, Los Angeles: “A new wine parlor run by Kelly and Kathy Webb, young Irish-American twins who make you feel completely at home. Called Hugh’s Wine Parlour, 44 Hugh St., London SW1. In this private, club-like atmosphere they will serve any drink and offer hot and cold snacks. The perfect place for a quiet drink after a busy day.”

England--Roy and Cathleen Norry, Laguna Niguel: “Enjoyed Henbury Lodge Hotel, Henbury, Bristol BS10 7QQ, England. A dozen rooms with bath, 15 minutes from the center of Bristol and close to the M4 and M5 motorways. Double rooms: 40 and up, including full breakfast.”

England--G. Bablot and R. Hebert, La Habra: “Enjoyed The Beeches Hotel, 6 Earlham Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3DB, England. Comfortable family and business hotel. Victorian-Italian garden. Open-air marketplace, medieval cathedral, Norman castle, museums, art galleries nearby. Loads of atmosphere. Prices: $25/$80 U.S., including full English breakfast.”

England--Richard L. Berger, Los Angeles: “Stayed in a delightful place in a charming section of West Sussex--a 600-year-old cottage that sleeps two and three guests. Has a hot shower, full kitchen, TV. The rate is 100 a week. Contact Ron Hitchings, 1 Church St., Steyning, Sussex BN4 3YB, England.”

Bali--Linda St. Cyr, Malibu: “A peaceful stay at the Taman Harum Cottages. Address: Mas, Ubud, Bali, P.O. Box 216, Denpasar 80001, Bali, Indonesia. The rooms and cottages are $35/$45. Pool and restaurant are set on the grounds of the Tantra Gallery, possibly the best place on Bali to buy wood carvings. Contact Garuda Orient Holidays at toll-free (800) 247-6794 (California), (800) 247-8380 (outside California).”