Hideaways International has doubled the size of...

Hideaways International has doubled the size of its paperback. Lists dozens of retreats in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, the South Pacific and five destinations in Britain and Europe (France, Portugal, Spain, England, Ireland). Describes private villas, condominiums, yachts. On the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a home that accommodates two couples rents for $595 a week in the high season, $490 in the low season (two bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, living room, washer/dryer, TV, telephone). Another in New Hampshire (sleeps six) is available for $750 a week. In Ireland a family of four can take over a two-story house overlooking Bantry Bay in County Cork for $250 a week.

The book (called Hideaways) is given free to members of Hideaways International, P.O. Box 1270, Littleton, Mass. 01460. Call toll-free (800) 843-4433.

Cattle Drive

Spanish Springs Ranch, California’s new 50,000-acre working cattle/resort ranch in northern Lassen County, is getting ready to head ‘em up, move ‘em out for its first fall cattle drive. In early to mid-November nine of the ranch’s wranglers will drive 1,000 head of cattle to their new winter range 60 miles east across the state line to Soldier Meadows Ranch in northwestern Nevada. The ranch is looking for six more experienced riders and seasoned cowboys to participate in the five- to six-day trek. The drive will cover some remote and rough territory, but it will be an authentic experience similar to the cattle drives by the early homesteaders in the mid-1800s. Cost to participate in the drive is $850. Take your own horse or one will be supplied. For details and exact starting date, call the Spanish Springs Information Center in San Rafael at toll-free (800) 272-8282 within California or (800) 228-0279 outside the state.

Rail Trip

Classic Rail is moving ahead full steam with its weekend trips to San Francisco. Groups leave Union Station Friday mornings aboard privately owned rail cars. Entertainment by the Switchyard Gang Jazz Band. Meals served en route to the Bay Area. The package ($499) includes two nights at the Ramada Inn at Fisherman’s Wharf, a motor-coach tour of San Francisco. Breakfast and lunch served Sunday on the return to Los Angeles. Another Classic Rail trip (four days) takes in the wine country as well as San Francisco. Features the San Francisco tour and a bus trip to Napa Valley ($599). See your travel agent or contact Classic Rail Travel, P.O. Box 2541, Orange, Calif. 92669. Telephone (714) 777-7721.

Boating in Australia

R. M. of Montrose asks for the name of a boat charter company in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef area. Contact Hamilton Island Charters, Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia 4740. Deals in self-sail and fully crewed motor, game fishing, sailing vessels. HIC supplies food, drinks, plus diving, fishing, snorkeling equipment. Boats range from 33 to 100 feet in length. Divers explore coral garden, study sea turtles. Water temperatures, 68/78 degress; air temperatures, 68/96 degress (depending on season). Jet flights to Hamilton Island from Australia’s major mainland airports.

Jet Lag

Jet lag can put air passengers out of commission anywhere from a day to a week or longer. Causes sleeplessness, fatigue, irritability, depression, indigestion. A recent survey indicated that 94% of travelers experience jet lag (45% are troubled severely). Remedies are outlined in a new booklet appropriately titled “Jet Lag.” For a free copy, write to Jet Lag Booklet, Box 307, Coventry, Conn. 06238. Explanations for minimizing symptoms (avoiding alcohol on flights, resting on arrival, exercising, following special diets before departure, etc.).

Christmas in Washington

To get travelers in the holiday mood, the little Bavarian-like village of Leavenworth, Wash., will observe its annual Christmas lighting ceremony Dec. 3 and 10. Board the train in Seattle, return that evening ($67.95). Entertainment en route, stunning scenery. Leavenworth (surrounded by mountains) appears like a holiday card. Hotels, stores feature Bavarian facades. Difficult to tell whether you’re in Innsbruck or perhaps Mittenwald. Restaurants serve apple strudel, potato pancakes, Wiener schnitzel and other Bavarian dishes. One of Washington state’s unusual destinations. For details write to the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 327, Leavenworth, Wash. 98826, or call (509) 548-5807.

Paradors

To E. G. of Santa Barbara, who asks about paradors in Spain: The San Francisco in Granada is a favorite of mine. Surrounded by the walls of the storied Alhambra. Forty rooms, a restaurant with a fireplace. Romantic, peaceful setting. Popular, so reserve well in advance. Ask your travel agent to book you a room, or write to Parador Nacional de San Francisco, 18009 Granada, Spain. For a listing of other Spanish paradors, contact the National Tourist Office of Spain, 8383 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 960, Beverly Hills 90211. Call (213) 658-7188.

Colorado B&Bs;

T. L. of Thousand Oaks asks for a B&B; recommendation in Colorado. A brochure that lists 37 inns throughout the state is being mailed free. Names everything from a restored 1900s farmhouse featuring llama treks to a country inn with a private lake, and a log home with a sauna and hot tub. Guests at another inn ice skate just outside the door.

This is an association put together by Sallie and Welling Clark from Holden House, a Victorian B&B; in Colorado Springs. Rooms at Holden House are named for Gold Rush towns, including Cripple Creek (queen-size bed with a brass headboard, thick quilt). Upstairs, another room is furnished with an iron bed. Has a clawfoot tub. No children, no smoking. Also no pets because, says Sallie, “Our resident cat Mingtoy looks on Holden House as her own.” Gift certificates available. Rates $40/$46, including breakfast. Personal checks, Visa, MasterCard accepted.

For the brochure describing all 37 B&Bs;, send $1 to Holden House, 1102 W. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80904.

Reader Recommendations

California--Frances Gibbs, Yorba Linda: “A delightful B&B;, 1056 Bay Oaks Drive, Los Osos, Calif. 93402, (805) 528-3973. Gerarda Ondang offers great Dutch hospitality. Price is $40 for two including a big breakfast.”

California--Barbara K. Hanna, Woodland Hills: “Wanted to share a special spot close to home--The Grand Cottages and Breakfast, 809 S. Grand Ave., San Pedro 90731. We were served a tasty dinner in the cozy private dining room, then walked next door to the charming cottage, which was like walking into a dream. Fresh flowers, champagne. The ‘40s theme was carried out to the last detail. I felt like I had stepped into another era.”

Hawaii--Marci Javril, Los Angeles: “My dive buddy and I dived along the Kailua-Kona coast with instructor Roland Kleger of Kleger Island Co., a small B&B; that takes guests on custom tours of the Big Island. Roland has his own compressor and truck. Took us to sites that aren’t shown on commercial dive excursions. Also takes folks kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, hiking, camping. Our three days/three nights with room, board, meals, tour, air fills were $400 for the two of us. Write to Kleger Island Co., 78-288 Manukai, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740.”

England--Belle and Joe Lorand, Van Nuys: Praise for The Shallows, Woodgason Lane, Hayling Island, Hampshire, England. “Lovely wooded area and very accommodating hosts. Rate: 8.50 with full breakfast.”

France--Florence Piller, Pasadena: Praises Alp Hotel, 26 Rue Vaugleas, 74000 Annecy, France. “About $60 U.S. per day including breakfast. Some English spoken.”