Booking Time for Travel Adventures

“Japan Solo” by Eijo Kano and Constance O’Keefe does a nice job of introducing that country’s cultural riches, landmarks and culinary delights and includes how to choose the right train transportation. Additional tips and suggestions and well-detailed maps. For better communication there is a collection of tear-out flash cards that cover most questions (Warner: $14.95).

“The Korea 1988 Guidebook” by Kyong Cho Chung, Phyllis Hafner and Frederic Kaplan is a potpourri of above-average information on eating, getting around and lodgings, plus some do’s and don’ts (Houghton Mifflin: $16.95).

From one-mile strolls to 10-mile explorations, John McKinney’s “Coast Walks” outlines 100 adventures along the California coast. It’s perfect for hiking and examining the environs. Each walk has comments on the terrain, history and nature. Maps are adequate, the snapshots uninspiring, but those who enjoy waves, wind and scenery will find the text informative (Olympus-Santa Barbara: $12.95).

A trip to the British Isles usually includes visiting a few castles, monuments or museums. “Insider’s Guide to England--A look Beyond the Obvious,” by John Timpson, offers an opportunity to view the unusual, eccentric and definitely odd. Armchair travelers will enjoy the excellent photos and descriptive text (Salem House: $29.95).

Discover a tingle of excitement in “Exploring Oregon’s Wilderness Areas” by William L. Sullivan. The book directs you to ecological wonders in remote country. Most are seldom visited and only hours away from major cities. More than 600 explorations are presented in excellent text, maps and photography. Backpackers, hikers, climbers and escapists will want a copy (Mountaineers: $12.95).

Pedal pushers are offered 28 routes, from 27 to 120 miles, in “Cyclist’s Route Atlas to the Gold Country and High Sierra South, including Yosemite,” by Randall Gray Braun. The routes are from sea level to 10,000 feet through the Sierra foothills, gold country, Mono Lake and the High Desert. At the moment, distribution of the guide is scattered through Southern California, but for $8.95, plus 58 cents handling, it is available direct from Heyday Books, P.O. Box 9145, Berkeley, Calif. 94709.

With a “Just Listen ‘N’ Learn” tape-text program you can surprise the natives with your communication ability. The basic speaking, listening and comprehension skills are recorded on location and are available in “Spanish,” “French,” “Italian,” “Greek” or “German.” An easy-to-follow, 240-page book that reproduces the three 60-minute cassettes provides explanations of vocabulary and grammar (Passport: $29.95 each).

Rand McNally has put together “street finders” for “San Francisco and Peninsula Cities” ($19.95) and “San Diego and Vicinity” ($12.95). The guides are not limited to highways and major thoroughfares. They get down to the nitty-gritty of every street, including those hard-to-find ones in suburban subdivisions. The quick-reference guide lists page numbers and coordinates and will be invaluable if you’re heading for either area.

The “I Love Chicago Guide” by Marilyn Appleberg offers virtually everything travelers need to know about the Windy City, including hotels, sightseeing, history and events. The full-color city and street maps are above average (Collier: $8.95).

Where to dine or have cocktails almost 24 hours a day are listed in “Paris Rendez-Vous” by Alexander Lazareff. Each entry includes the best choices on menus, the atmosphere, apparel suggestions, times to go and which one is best for an interlude. Restaurants, bistros, nightclubs and cafes are discussed. With this guide, visitors will know as much as the natives (Prentice Hall: $10.95).

Even if you’re not planning a visit, “Australians Say G’Day” by Danielle Martin presents a fun way to understand and speak Aussie in a jiffy. It’s a boomer (great) instruction book, with a cassette that’s a squize (worth a look) (Alpha: $11.95).