Book Time for World Adventures

Fielding’s “California--The Mission Trail, San Diego to San Francisco” by Lynn V. Foster is a delightful review of today’s California in the footsteps of the padres and conquistadors. As an overview for mission buffs or first-time visitors, it’s a guide of historical significance. The where-to-stay-and-eat does not overpower the importance of the text (William Morrow: $10.95).

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If you’re into botanic gardens, rich in horticultural and architectural pleasures, then “The Magic of Kew” by James Bartholomew is for you. It’s a photographic revelation of a place in Surrey, England, that is enjoyed annually by more than a million visitors (New Amsterdam: $18.95).

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“Fly/Ride Europe 1988” by Ed Perkins describes how to get the best transportation values to and around Europe. The guide appraises cost, comfort and convenience while presenting many options that a travel agent might overlook (Consumer Reports: $11).

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“Kids Love Israel--Israel Loves Kids” by Barbara Sofer presents an opportunity for families to share various experiences with their children. Activities include digging with an archeologist, seeing a computerized cowshed, playing word games with a baboon or bargaining for beads. The guide includes special listings for holidays, events, and where to stay and eat (Kar-Ben Copies: $11.95).

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“Alaska’s Southeast--Touring the Inside Passage” by Sarah Eppenbach is filled with essential information. It’s worth reviewing the extensive text that touches on just about everything, including past, present, plants, animals, birds, what to take and what to wear (Globe Pequot: $12.95).

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In Southern California, vacationers or residents should find getting around easier with Rand McNally’s “Streetfinder for Los Angeles and Orange counties.” Its compact size makes it easy to handle, read and find block-numbered streets on detailed area maps. It’s new, comprehensive and worth the $19.95.

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“The Single Women’s Vacation” by Linda E. Ledray outlines 22 trips that a woman can safely enjoy alone. Relaxing or stimulating summer trips are described, plus winter excursions to snow or warmer climates. There’s lots of advice on dining establishments and places to stay (Fawcett/Columbine: $9.95).

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The Les Routiers 1988 guides to “France” and to “Britain” are professionally prepared and present compendiums of excellent information. The places listed are those rewarded with the Relais Routiers symbol guaranteeing good food, reasonable accommodations and a friendly welcome. Each personally inspected entry has a vignette and symbols of its amenities, including cross-reference maps (Prentice Hall: $10.95 each).

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More than 250 railroad attractions in North America, where vacationers can recapture the excitement of the past, are described in text and photos in “Guide to Tourist Railroads and Railraod Museums,” compiled by George H. Drury. The guide includes schedules, fares, how to get there and special events. As a bonus, it includes 50 discount coupons for fares, and admissions to the museums and rides (Kalmbach: $9.95).

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“Kaui--A Paradise Guide” by Don and Bea Donohugh offers excellent advice. There’s plenty of where-to-stay-and-eat information, plus recommendations for tours, recreation, surf and sand. “Maui,” by Greg and Christie Stilson, follows the same format. The guides are $9.95 each. If your bookstore is out of stock, add $2 for first-class handling and write to Paradise Publications, 8110 S.W. Wareham Circle, Portland, Ore. 97223.