Each year The Times’ travel staff updates...

Each year The Times’ travel staff updates basic information for readers preparing for journeys around the world, covering such subjects as passports, visas, foreign government tourist offices in the United States and a variety of other topics. Our theme today: International Travel ’89. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a regular reader of these pages, you’ll discover tips and advice to make your journey more rewarding.

Passports

Here are the facts: Adult passports ($42) are good for 10 years (applicants under 18 pay $27 for 5 years). Take along four items: (1) evidence of U.S. citizenship, (2) additional identification such as a driver’s license, (3) two photos measuring two inches square, (4) cash, check or money order in the exact amount required for your passport. For recorded instructions, call (213) 209-7070. Apply at the U.S. Passport Agency, 11000 Wilshire Blvd., West Los Angeles (near the San Diego Freeway) or at post offices or county courthouses near your home. Regional director Sakae Hawley advises applicants at the Passport Agency to avoid the busy midday period (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Visas

Travelers can apply for a visa personally or else turn to one of the professionals listed below.

--Visas International, 3169 Barbara Court, Los Angeles 90068. This company (celebrating its 25th anniversary) is fast, efficient. One of the nation’s most experienced. For a free brochure detailing visa requirements, mail a stamped self-addressed envelope to Visas International at the address above. Other details by calling (213) 850-1192.

--World Wide Visa Service, 1712 N. Pacific Ave., Glendale 91202. For appointments call (213) 245-0934.

--Intercontinental Visa Service, Suite 185, World Trade Center, 350 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90071. Telephone (213) 625-7175.

--International Passports & Visas, 205 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 204, Los Angeles 90212. Telephone (213) 274-2020 or (818) 784-8472.

--For residents outside the Los Angeles area, check with your local travel agency for visa applications, or contact the the consulate of the country you intend to visit.

Of the Western European nations, only France requires a visa. Apply at the French Consulate, 8350 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Telephone (213) 653-3120. Addresses of other consular offices can be found in the white pages of your telephone directory.

Free Booklets

The U.S. State Department’s Office of Consular Affairs has prepared a series of helpful travel booklets ($1 each), including one titled “Tips for Travelers” (information on weather, customs, currency and health, plus addresses of foreign embassies in the United States). Copies from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. This same office will mail you addresses/telephone numbers of American embassies/consulates abroad (publication No. 7877), and provides travel advisories relating to security risks overseas.

The Basics

--Photocopy your travel documents (passport identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license, credit cards) for use if reissuance is necessary in the event of loss/theft while abroad.

--List serial numbers of your traveler’s checks, cashing checks only as additional foreign currency is needed.

--Don’t exchange currency at black market rates, particularly in Eastern Bloc nations where authorities come down hard on offenders.

--Contact U.S. embassy staffs in the event of legal, medical or financial emergencies.

--Take along your medical insurance identity card as well as a claim form.

--Before leaving home, inquire about “evacuation insurance” should an emergency arise.

Other Hints

We’ve mentioned this previously but it’s worth repeating: Make a list of travel documents, clothing, medication, then check off each item while packing. Ensures against the risk of leaving behind needed belongings. Because I suffer dreadfully from jet lag, I also jot down a list of items that must be attended to when I return home. (It’s hard to concentrate when your head feels like it’s filled with cotton.) Another tip: Carry a sweater in your flight bag (airplane cabins often cool down like a refrigerator).

International Driver’s License

Although some countries require only your U.S. driver’s license, it’s wise to obtain an international driver’s license--just in case. They’re issued at offices of the Automobile Club of Southern California. Take your California driver’s license and two passport-size photos. And remember to ask your insurance agent if your policy provides coverage overseas. If not, consider buying accident/liability insurance when renting a car.

House Swaps

House swapping continues to appeal to travelers seeking privacy. For years we’ve had good reports about Home Exchange International. Homes/apartments primarily in France, Italy. This company goes out of its way to satisfy clients, representing accommodations ranging from one-bedroom flats in Paris to country estates. Home Exchange operates a personalized, one-on-one service as opposed to a mere directory listing. For a brochure, write to Home Exchange International, 22458 Ventura Blvd., Suite E, Woodland Hills, Calif. 91364. Telephone (818) 992-8990.

Other properties in France and England are represented by Interchange International, 11789 Montana Ave., Suite 13, Los Angeles 90049. Telephone (213) 472-7216. For listings in Great Britain, France, West Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, contact Global Home Exchange, 1735 N. Fern St., Orange, Calif. 92667. Telephone (714) 637-5192.

Britain on a Budget

L.D. of Thousand Oaks wants information on “reasonable accommodations in Britain.” Contact Judy Fahnestock, P.O. Box 405, Media, Pa. 19063. She has apartment/homes in London and/or Scotland and Wales costing $36 per person a day (double occupancy) or $24 per person daily for a family of five. These are three-week packages. Telephone (215) 565-5242.

Other information from the British Tourist Authority in Los Angeles. Call (213) 628-3525.

By Train

Several European gateway airports offer direct rail connections to nearby cities: Zurich, Geneva, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Vienna, Brussels, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, London. Note: Hungary has been added to the Eurailpass network this year, bringing the group to 17 countries. For prices and other details, write to Eurailpass, Box 325, Old Greenwich, Conn. 06870-03255.

Reader Recommendations

Ireland--Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Twomey, Woodland Hills: “A charming 19th-Century country house B&B.; Log fires, excellent food, unsurpassed service. Rates: 18.50, 21.50 per person. Write to Cedarfield House, Waterford Road, Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland.”

St. Barthelemy--Alan S. Weinstein: Enjoyed Hotel La Banane, Quartier Lorient 97133, St. Barthelemy. “Nine cottages with rates starting at 600 francs, ranging upward to 1,800 francs.”

Sri Lanka--W. Harvey, Auckland, New Zealand: “A guest house near Colombo International Airport operated by Srilal Fernando--41 Parakrama Road, Kurana, Negombo. Rooms contain fans, mosquito netting, showers. Rates: $3/$6 U.S., including breakfast. Mr. Fernando is fluent in English.”

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.