This may be the least expensive California...

This may be the least expensive California vacation on the books: $40 a day per couple at Mission San Luis Rey Retreat Center near Oceanside, breakfast and dinner included. (For an additional $40 a week, youngsters under 12 share with their parents.) The adobe-walled mission provides a swimming pool, tennis courts. This is on a 60-acre site less than an hour from Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Seaport Village. None of the frills of a resort hotel, but loads of peace, solitude.

Mission San Luis Rey Retreat Center, P.O. Box 409, San Luis Rey, Calif. 92068. Telephone (619) 757-3659.

Catalina

In reply to L. R. of Santa Clara about vacation packages on Catalina Island: Catalina Channel Express in San Pedro is offering two nights at the ocean-front Hotel Villa Portofino for $94.20 per person. Includes accommodations for two nights, round-trip transportation to the island and tours. Villa Portofino is within walking distance of downtown Avalon. Other packages: $98/$229 for two- , three- and five-night visits.

Contact your travel agent or Catalina Channel Express, P.O. Box 1391, San Pedro 90733. Call toll-free (California only) (800) 257-2227.

Singles

Singleworld (does cruises/tours for the unattached) has published its new ’89 catalogue. Trips to Europe, Tahiti, French Canada, the Caribbean. Singleworld splits travelers up in two age groups (those under 35 or “all ages”). Share rates are available. Cruises (three to seven days) are aboard Carnival, Norwegian Cruise and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ships. For a copy of Singleworld’s 32-page catalogue, contact your travel agent or write to Singleworld, 401 Theodore Fremd Ave., Rye, N.Y. 10580, or call toll-free (800) 223-6490.

Santa Barbara B&Bs;

P.K. of Rosemead asks for a listing of B&Bs; in Santa Barbara. There’s a wide choice:

The Bath Street Inn, 1720 Bath St., Santa Barbara 93101. Telephone (805) 682-9680.

The Bayberry Inn, 111 W. Valerio, Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 682-3199.

Blue Quail Inn and Cottages, 1908 Bath St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 687-2300.

Cheshire Cat, 36 W. Valerio St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 569-1610.

The Glenborough Inn, 1327 Bath St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 966-0589.

Harbor Carriage House, 420 W. Montecito St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 962-8447.

Inn at Two Twenty Two, 222 Valerio St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 687-7216.

The Old Yacht Club Inn, 431 Corona del Mar, Santa Barbara 93103; (805) 962-1277.

The Parsonage, 1600 Olive St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 962-9336.

Simpson House Inn, 121 E. Arrellaga St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 963-7067.

Tiffany Inn, 1323 De La Vina St., Santa Barbara 93101; (805) 963-2283.

London

For travelers inquiring about bus/subway systems from Heathrow Airport to London, the London Regional Transport has published a pocket-size flier with all the details. Lists more than 80 hotels, indicates the most convenient stops via the Airbus or the Underground. You can also obtain maps of the bus/subway systems, schedules, fares. For a free copy of “Getting Between Central London and Heathrow Airport,” write to British Tourist Authority, 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 450, Los Angeles 90071. Telephone (213) 628-3525.

Puerto Rico

One of the best buys in the Caribbean is a parador in Puerto Rico. Two inns were added to the list lately. One is Hacienda El Pedregal on the island’s north coast (sits high atop a cliff overlooking a popular surfing beach near the town of Aguadilla). Swimming pool, restaurant, bar. Golf nearby. On the east coast in the town of Fajardo the Paradore La Familia provides 21 rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant, bar. Snorkeling at the offshore island of Icacos. We have good reports about three mountain inns (Casa Grande at Utuado, Hacienda Juanita at Maricao and Hacienda Gritinas at Jayuya). The latest inns bring the number of paradores in Puerto Rico to 17. Rates: $40/$70 a night.

For reservations, call toll-free (800) 443-0266. It’s a Puerto Rico number; best times to call are weekdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other details from the Puerto Rico Tourism Co., 3575 W. Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 248, Los Angeles 90068. Telephone (213) 874-5991.

Road Atlas

The 1989 “Sunset Road Atlas” ($4.95) contains maps for all 50 states and full pages pinpointing 38 metropolitan areas (Atlanta to Washington, D.C.). Other features: a city-to-city mileage chart, a time-and-distance map and an interstate highway map to assist motorists traveling cross-country. The 176-page atlas provides toll-free numbers for hotel/motel chains, car rental companies and airlines. A good buy.

Britain

“Rent a flat in the West End of London or a cottage in the country. Experience England firsthand.” The invitation comes from Anne Pilgrim of Pilgrim’s Way in Pennsylvania. Anne operates a specialized travel service for Americans “not wishing to join a tour.” Does Scotland/Wales as well. Emphasis is on “affordable rather than luxurious” cottages/flats. Works with several agencies: Heart of England Cottages, Country Holidays, The Thames and Chilterns Tourist Board.

Anne Pilgrim, Pilgrim’s Way, P.O. Box 1307, Havertown, Pa. 19083. Telephone (215) 649-1868.

Campers

This note from Bill and Betty Topping of International Camper Exchange: “Consider the budget-saving approach to overseas travel by swapping your personal camping rig with another family. You will benefit through paying no rental fees, camping close to the land and its people, and you will probably make good friends of your host exchangers. We have representatives in England, the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand to help in your exchange.”

Send a stamped, self-addressed No. 10 envelope to International Camper Exchange Inc., P.O. Box 947, North Bend, Wash. 98045.

Reader Recommendations

Poland--Helen Bourqir, Los Angeles: Recommends guide-translator Zygmunt Marchwian, Ul. Velarecka 2a/8, 30-11, Krakow, Poland. “Krakow is his birth city. He knows it well. Can also make ski arrangements.”

Holland--Wilfred G. Kraetzer, Harbor City: Enjoyed Hotel Rusthoek, Bloemendaakseweg 141, Bloemendael, Holland. “Very clean, with private bath. About $50 U.S., including breakfast.”

California--Nancy Tew, Los Angeles: “Bob and Linda Bowers’ Olallieberry Inn bed and breakfast, 2476 Main St., Cambria 93428. Close to everything at the east end of town, including my very favorite restaurant, Ian’s. The Olallieberry (built in 1873) is registered with the Historic House Assn. of America. Six bedrooms with private baths. Antiques, wine and cheese each evening, a bountiful breakfast. Meanwhile, John and Renee Linn’s Fruit Bin (five miles outside town) continues to thrive, and two shops on Burton Street worth noting are The Seekers and Heart’s Ease. For breakfast/lunch try Barbara’s in mid-town.”

California--John and Idelle Levey, Westlake Village: “Discov ered a restaurant, Ian’s, in Cambria equal to any found in larger cities. Address: 2150 Center St., Cambria 93428. Dinner $9.95 to $16.”

California--Angela Cole, Los Angeles: “Hosts at Pelican Cove,

320 Walnut Ave., Carlsbad, Calif., picked me up and returned me to the Oceanside Amtrak station. All local amenities within walking distance of this delightful inn. Prices from $85 to $125. It was a great relief to escape driving my car to and from.”

Connecticut--Marcia Monagan, Waterbury, Conn.: Praise for House on the Hill B&B;, 92 Woodlawn Terrace, Waterbury, Conn. 06710. “Recently entertained Jane Fonda for six weeks while the film crew shot a movie.” Rate: $75 double occupancy.

Washington--Jerry Backstron, Temple City, Calif.: “A most enjoyable stay at Inn at Ilwaco, with rates from $45 to $70 a night. A playhouse, part of the inn, doubled the pleasant experience. Address: 120 Williams St. N.E., Ilwaco, Wash. 98624-0922, phone (206) 642-8686.”

Ireland--Ed and Betty Doyle, Tustin: “Best in all of Ireland, in our opinion, is Kyle Farmhouse, Glenbevan, Croom, County Limerick, Ireland. Just 30 minutes from Shannon Airport. Can’t wait to return. Rate: $16 U.S. per person, including full Irish breakfast as well as the friendliest, most charming hosts--Catherine and Eamon Liston--you will find anywhere.”

Ireland--Christy and Fred Snyder, Fountain Valley: “Enjoyed horseback riding in Killarney National Park. Scenic trails with views of surrounding mountains and lakes. Two-hour rides for 18 per person. B&B; rates at farmhouse: 12 per person. Four- to seven-day trail rides also available. Killarney Riding Stables, Ballydowney, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland.”

Ireland--Beverly Whitmore, Los Olivos: Gives high points to Armada restaurant, Strand Street, Dingle, County Kerry. “A great variety of fresh seafood, a good selection of steaks. Bread and pies are home-baked.”

Ireland--Patricia and Belden Rau, La Jolla: “Spent a month touring Northern Ireland. For a comfortable, warm, friendly atmosphere we recommend the O’Neill Arms Hotel, Main Street, Toomebridge, County Antrim, Ireland. Rooms for two were 30 with a huge Irish breakfast.”

Ireland--Don and Betty Rittmiller, Yucca Valley: “Recommend The Georgian House, 20 Lower Baggot St., Dublin 2, Ireland. Ten rooms in this 200-year-old house. An excellent restaurant downstairs. Rates are $33 per person including full English breakfast and free parking.”

England--Verrill Hart Granberry, Palm Desert: “Arrived at Gatwick Airport without having pre-booked any accommodations. Only five minutes away from the airport we found Effingham Park Hotel, Effingham Park, Freepost, Copthorne, West Sussex RH10 3ZB. Received us in real style. This is a brand-new hotel opened by Lord King of Wartnaby. Luxurious and yet within our budget (rates start at 60 per night for two). Golf, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, a friendly staff.”

England--Tula Ginzburg, Beverly Hills: “Greatest bargain I’ve ever found in a flat in London: Two studio beds, fully furnished, a telephone for about $100 a day. Address: 45 Ennismore Gardens, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1AQ.”

England--Bonina Bradanovic, Rancho Palos Verdes: “A good, affordable B&B; is hard to find in London. Here is one in the suburb of Hampstead, close to the heath and buses, with a train and Tube station nearby. Rooms have a refrigerator, TV and facilities for making coffee or tea. The only restriction prohibits smoking in the house. Room only (without breakfast): 12 per person. Annemarie Vander Meer, 2 Kemplay Road, Hampstead, London NW3 1SY.”

England--Robert A. Davis, Woodland Hills: Praise for the Salad Centre, 667 Christchurch Road, Boscombe. “Open for breakfast/lunch every day but Sunday. Their menu is vegetarian; food is excellent.”

England--Glen W. Redman, Los Angeles: “Barkers Guest House, 11 Seaview Terrace, St. Ives, Cornwall, England. Spacious, nicely appointed, welcoming hosts and an easy walk from BritRail stop. Rates 9.50 or 10 per person, depending on season.”

England--John and Mary Belle Swingle, Laguna Beach: Rode in a taxi called Chair Cab in Bath. “Fare is exactly the same as for usual taxis, but David Moran accommodates wheelchair-bound passengers. His charge was about $14 an hour. We enjoyed the comfort and convenience of his large roomy taxi. Write to Moran, 15 Woodpecker Ave., Charlton Ridge, Midsomer Norton, Bath, England.”

England--Betty Webster, Long Beach: “We stayed at a large country home about 12 miles west of London, eight miles north of Heathrow Airport. Three rooms have been completely renovated, and the charge is only 10 per person a night. Write to Chris Barron, King’s Mead, Fulmer Road, Gerrards Cross, Buck SL9 7EH, England.”

Wales--Anne Littler, Cerritos: “Farmhouse B&B; in area of Mt. Snowden for 10 a night per person. Immaculate, excellent food, exceptional hospitality by hosts Robert and Helen Jones. Farmhouse is more of a spacious manor house built about 1800. A working farm that raises sheep and cattle. Write: Plas Isa, Near Corwen, Clwyd LLZ 10EW, Wales, U.K.”

Scotland--Gordon Hetherton, Buena Park: Praise for Executive Golf Tours, P.O. Box 205, Glasgow, Scotland G4I 2ER.

Scotland--G. Kendall Baldry, Manhattan Beach: “Delightful stay at the Glenfriars Hotel. Newly redecorated older home, all rooms with bath. Proprietors Jenny and Cliff make home-cooked dinners and delicious breakfasts, all served on fine china. Comfortable and quiet. Jedburgh is a lovely town with an old abbey in ruins and gorgeous flowers on a river. 35 double a night with breakfast. Write to the Glenfriars Hotel, The Friars, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire TD8 6BN.”

New Zealand--Pete Gaffney, Phoenix, Ariz.: “Abel Tasman Motel, Marsden Road, P.O. Box 51, Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, has waterfront suites that sleep up to three, with beautiful views, for $45 U.S. a day. Also on the west coast of the North Island is Awakino Point Lodge. One- and two-bedroom units. Wally and June Birch raise cows, pigs, birds and rabbits on 10 acres. Write to Awakino Point Lodge, P.O. Box 168, Dargaville, North Island, New Zealand.”

New Zealand--Don Anderson, Woodland Hills: “I strongly suggest Jenny Adams Oakcott Homestead, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Most reasonable. B&B; for $60 U.S. I loved it and have sent friends who did, too.”

Canada--Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Shea, La Habra: Enjoyed a B&B; in an old Victorian home, 301 Kingston St., Victoria, B.C. Rate: $70 U.S.

Canada--Sherry Terzian, Los Angeles: “High marks for The Brother’s restaurant, 1 Water St., Gastown, Vancouver, B.C.”

France--William Stockman, Sherman Oaks: “The only place we found in the harbor area of Belle-Ile-en-Mer not serving pizza or crepes. Charming and comfortable Restaurant L’Ocean, 18 Quai Gambetta, Le Palais. Fresh seafood. Lunch for two, with wine, about $25 U.S.”

Switzerland--Arnold Green, Los Angeles: “Hotel zum Storchen, Weinplatz 2, 8001 Zurich. First-class hotel that satisfies sophisticated and demanding traveler. In the heart of the old town, near the financial district and only two minutes from the Bahnhofstrasse shops. Hotel has a great tradition and excellent, personalized service. Rates $125 U.S. single, $200 double.”

Austria--Carl and Esther Nelson, Whittier: “Wonderful pension in Salzburg: Hotel Wolf, Kaigasse 7, A-5020 Salzburg. Clean, charming, great location in the old town a few steps off Mozart Square. Excellent breakfast included. Awake to sound of Glockenspiel. Double is $75 with private bath.”

British Virgin Islands--Judy and Pierre d’Albert, Irvine: “The Bitter Inn Yacht Club, with its 84 rooms on North Sound at Virgin Gorda. Casual, friendly. Package is terrific and includes all meals. The winter rates: $1,890 to $2,590 a week. Contact B.E.Y.C., 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.”

Malaysia--Linda Minky: “A really fine curry restaurant, Bargles, 60C Jalar Tuarku Abdul Rachman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2983780.”

Peru--Tracy Mezzatesta, Beverly Hills: “A great hotel in Lima, the Grand Hotel Miraflores, Ave. 28 de Julio No. 151, Miraflores, Lima 18 Peru. Approximately $50 U.S. a night including taxes. Specify a quiet room.”

We regret that only a select few recommendations can be used. They must be brief (typewritten or printed). Only one recommendation per reader, please. Note: Recommendations will not be used unless prices and addresses are included.