It can spell trouble in any country...

It can spell trouble in any country when you don’t speak the language. Particularly in France with so many Americans arriving constantly. To meet the need for help, France is offering its Frenchip service. If you are in trouble or have a question, one call provides the answers. English-speaking operators on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Answers to queries concerning restaurants, entertainment, excursions, medical assistance. These and other inquiries regardless of the immediacy. Membership (about $62 U.S.) is good for 42 days. Frenchip can be a link to home by giving relatives Frenchip’s telephone number.

Contact the French Government Tourist Office, 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 303, Beverly Hills 90212, or call (213) 271-6665, 272-2661.

Southern Inn

L. F. of Ojai is searching for the name of an “historic inn” in Charleston, S.C. Try Maison DuPre’. Restored by Lucille and Bob Mulholland with the help of son Mark and daughter Teri. Oriental carpets, original artwork (“creates the feeling you are walking into a French impressionist painting,” say the Mulhollands). Lucille does oils and watercolors. Bob turns out pen and ink drawings. Fifteen guest rooms with private baths. Antique armoires and other furnishings that make this an unusual inn. Courtyards, fountains, wrought-iron gates. Continental breakfasts, “low country” tea in the afternoon, chocolates at night. Free newspapers, a carriage ride.

Maison DuPre’, 317 E. Bay St., Charleston, S.C. 29401. Telephone (803) 723-5905 or 883-3827.

Japan

It’s no secret that Japan is one of the world’s most expensive countries. Go it alone and you could be in trouble. That’s where the Japan National Tourist Organization is prepared to help. Their office in Los Angeles will load you down with brochures, pamphlets, maps. Ask for the handbook, “Economical Travel In Japan.” Packed with tips on budget travel. Other publications tell about dining, sightseeing. (Japan still won’t be cheap, but this could save you a bundle of yen).

In Tokyo nearly 100 host families welcome travelers to their homes. Tourist centers provide a toll-free English-language hot line. Staffed with 24,000 volunteers who are prepared to answer your questions, give directions.

Meanwhile, inquire at your local bookstore about a publication titled “Japan Solo: A Practical Guide For Independent Travelers.” Details on hotels, restaurants. All price ranges. Dozens of maps. In the back of the book you’ll find conversational cards for obtaining answers from the Japanese about rail, subway stations, taxi fares, directions. Covers most of Japan, except the Ryukyu Islands.

For other information, contact the Japan National Tourist Organization, 624 S. Grand Ave., Suite 2640, Los Angeles 90017. Telephone (213) 623-1952.

New York Tours

D. W. of San Clemente is looking for an “upscale” tour company in New York. There are several, but Gray Line does the biggest business. A total of 22 tours. Everything from a visit to the Statue of Liberty ($12) to an 8 1/2-hour tour that covers most of Manhattan’s attractions ($31). Gray Line uses buses, boats, helicopters. A 90-minute cruise on a side-wheel paddleboat combined with a bus tour of Manhattan costs $23.50. One of the best buys takes in Times Square, the Garment District, Greenwich Village, the Bowery, Chinatown, Wall Street, the World Trade Center, the United Nations, Rockefeller Center ($14.50). Other visits to the Metropolitan Museum, South Street Seaport, Harlem, Brooklyn.

Your travel agent has details.

Las Vegas By Bus

A new bus service (Five Star Flyer) is doing trips between Anaheim and Las Vegas/Laughlin, Nev. Buses leave Anaheim in the morning, return each evening. Reclining seats, tray tables, movies, a stereo system, bingo games. Snacks and beverages served en route. Fares: $35 one way, $59 round trip. Arrangements can also be made for overnight visits in Laughlin and Las Vegas. Packages include dining coupons, free tokens, cocktails, souvenirs. The Five Star Flyer carries 42 passengers. Operates from the Grand Hotel near Disneyland (free parking). Departures 8:30 a.m. daily. Friday evening and Saturday afternoon service for weekend passengers.

Contact Five Star Flyer Service c/o Valen Transportation, 685 Manchester Ave., Anaheim 92802, or call (714) 956-2252.

Parking/LAX

Parking is expensive at LAX. During the holidays Auto Air Porter is providing long-term inside parking for $5.10 daily (minimum of 10 days and $4 thereafter). The multilevel facility at 2222 E. Imperial Highway is off the San Diego Freeway at Kilroy Airport Center. Valet parking with shuttle vans to the various terminals at LAX. Returning travelers call for the van to pick them up at the luggage claim areas. Auto Air Porter will wash your car, fill your gas tank. Note: Discount cards available for short-term parking.

Call Auto Air Porter toll-free at (800) 752-3339.

Mexico Hideaway

Mrs. Stephen Whiting writes: “My family and I recently returned from the most relaxing vacation we have ever enjoyed. Stayed at the Villa Vista Hermosa at Chemela, an authentic Mexican hacienda about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta (1 1/2 hours from Manzanilla). This is a 14-bedroom home on a privately owned peninsula. Beaches, tennis courts, pool, Jacuzzi. View is breathtaking, the fishing great! It is an all-inclusive plan, including transfers, tips, three meals a day, all beverages and lodging. The villa will accommodate 26 people, individuals as well as groups. The cost is $700 per person a week, $1,050 per person at Christmas. They have a private landing strip. Contact C.I. Associates, Villa Rentals, 751 7th Ave., San Diego 92101.

Reader Recommendations

Hawaii--Diann Brashier, Laguna Beach: “My husband and I stumbled onto an ocean-front condominium on Kauai’s sunny Poipu Beach. Unit 126 at Whaler’s Cove has an unobstructed ocean view, two bedrooms, two baths and is furnished with everything you would find in your own home. Rate: $200 a night. Contact Clif and Stephanie Steele, 2640 Puuholo Road, Poipu, Hawaii 96756.”

Washington--Mr. and Mrs. J. Schlesinzer, Studio City: “Recommend the Inn at Swifts Bay, Route 2, Box 3402, Port Stanley Road, Lopez Island, Wash. 98261. Rates: $60/$75 including breakfast.”

California--Richard Hervey, West Hollywood: “Had a marvelous weekend at Villa Royal Inn, 1621 Indian Trail, Palm Springs 92264. Rates start at $65.”

California--Ellen Ferguson, San Clemente: Enjoyed the Dunsmuir Inn, 5423 Dunsmuir Ave., Dunsmuir 96025. Rates from $40.

Georgia--Jeane Bellman, Claremont: “Enjoyed a bed and breakfast in a prize-winning Tudor-style house in Atlanta. Swimming pool, welcome sherry, breakfast and a host eager to please. Rate: $60 a night double. Write to Jim Gilbert, 636 Rockmont Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30324.”

Hong Kong--Louis R. Bechtel, Rancho Palos Verdes: “Caritas Lodge, 134 Boundary St., Kowloon (40 rooms). Easy access to Kowloon tourist area. Helpful, professional staff. Air conditioning, private bath, telephone, color TV, refrigerator, good security, spotlessly clean. Single rate $31 U.S., $36 double plus 10% tax and a free continental breakfast. Suggest reservations a month in advance.”

Austria--James and Louise Lee, Pasadena: “Enjoyed Haus Tannenhof, about 16 miles from Salzburg. Very clean. Private baths. Overlooks a lake. Address: A-4893 Zell/Moos, Guggenberg 81, Austria.”