Here’s an opportunity to capitalize on ...

Here’s an opportunity to capitalize on glasnost on a grand scale. Under an agreement with the Russians, Americans will be allowed to stay in Soviet homes while visiting the Soviet Union this year. Sixteen-day packages ($1,990) include round-trip air from New York, transportation within the Soviet Union, meals, lodging. A choice of three itineraries: (1) Leningrad and Tallin (the ancient capital of Estonia), (2) Leningrad/Moscow, (3) Moscow/Tallin. English-speaking hosts. Home-cooked meals. Departure dates for the tours: June 4, July 15, July 29. At the same time, Americans are being sought to host Soviet citizens in the United States. Details from American-Soviet Homestays Inc., Route 1, Box 68, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. Telephone (319) 626-2125.

New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its home/farm stays. More than 400 host families are represented by Farmhouse & Countryhome Holidays. Cost for a driving tour ranges from $187 (three days) to $834 (12 days). Other tours by coach/rail. Contact Baird Reynolds toll-free at (800) 228-8727 or (818) 707-0184. (If you’re including Australia in your itinerary, write to Claire Webster for a copy of “Homestays & Farmstays c/o Bed & Breakfast Australia,” P.O. Box Q184, Sydney, NSW 200, Australia.) Meanwhile, back on the farm in New Zealand, a car-rental deal by New Zealand Central Reservations will get you two bonus days for each seven rental days. Call Central Reservations at (800) 351-2317 (California), (800) 351-2323 (nationwide). Other details from the New Zealand Tourist & Publicity Office, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1530, Los Angeles 90024. Call (213) 477-8241. If motor homes appeal to you, get in touch with Newman’s South Pacific Vacations at (800) 252-4616 in California or (800) 421-3326 nationwide.

Tipping

Lately we’ve received queries on restaurant tipping in France, England, Italy, the Scandinavian countries, Germany, Russia, China, Mexico, Canada. This is a sticky subject. Varies country to country, but here are a few examples:

--France: Waiters/waitresses in restaurants/bars usually add a 15% service charge to your bill (reads service compris ). The French usually leave a few extra coins. Particularly if the service is exceptional. On the other hand, if the check says service non-compris , it means nothing has been added. In this case you should leave 10%-15%. A good guideline is to tip according to the quality of the service. If it’s poor, then forget it.

--Italy: Restaurants usually add 15% to checks. Again, most diners leave a little extra.

--England: The rule of thumb is a 10%-15% tip (unless a service charge appears on your check). British waiters/waitresses are among the best in the world. A few extra shillings wouldn’t be out of line.

--The Scandinavian countries: Tip 10%-15% (more if you’re pleased with the service).

--Germany: Add 10%-15% (unless, of course, service is included). When in doubt, ask.

--Soviet Union: If a tip isn’t added to the bill, then none is necessary.

--China: Generally, tips aren’t accepted in China, where the practice is considered offensive by the Chinese.

--Mexico: Generally speaking, wages are low, so leave a minimum of 10%. That’s rock bottom. At the better restaurants many travelers leave 20%.

--Canada: 15% and a bit extra if the waiter/waitress has been particularly attentive.

For other countries, refer to the handy little American Express pocket travel guides. On sale at your bookstore.

German Bargain

Germany is plugging a low-cost, three-day tour titled “Weekend at the Winery.” For $80 you get lodging, breakfasts and a boat trip to the Moselle Wine Museum at Bernkastel-Kues, along with a visit to the famed vineyard of Trittenheimer Apotheke near Trittenheim (north of Trier on the Mosel River). A chance to get tipsy on the house during free tastings. Write to Verkehrsamt, 5501 Trittenheim, Federal Republic of Germany. Other details from the German National Tourist Office, 444 S. Flower St., Suite 2230, Los Angeles 90071, (213) 688-7332.

A Letter From Malaysia

Jeff Lee of Selangor, Malaysia, writes: “My country is a land of golden sandy beaches, green lush tropical forests and, most importantly, a land of friendly people with three major races: Malays, Chinese, Indians. An American wrote recently, ‘I have nothing but praise for Malaysia. My only regret is the short stay in your country.’ I hope that your readers will, after seeing my letter, take that step of faith to come to Malaysia for a visit and see for themselves what we have to offer. I shall be pleased to be a tour guide to any of your readers who wish to be my pen pals. I am 25 years old and working in Kuala Lumpur. You can contact me at 17, Jalan 16/16, Taman Rahsna, 41300 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.”

Singles

It’s called Olson-Travelworld’s Super Singles. Matches solo travelers to save them the cost of the irksome (and costly) single supplement. Gathers together persons with similar interests. The best part of this deal is that the service is free (no membership fee). Tours offered throughout the world. Because so many clients have praised Britain and the South Pacific, a couple of special “singles only” trips are on the books to Ireland/England (May) and Australia/New Zealand (September). Call your travel agent or contact Olson-Travelworld, 5855 Green Valley Circle, Culver City 90230. Telephone toll-free (800) 421-5785 (California) or (800) 421-2255 (nationwide).

Canadian Air Pass

Air Canada, together with four Canadian provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island) is promoting a discount-priced booklet of six one-way tickets good for flights between 16 cities in the four-province area. Price: $335, for a saving of 60% off the average one-way fare. For travelers with limited time, there is a three-day destination pass for approximately $210 U.S. Contact Air Canada or your travel agent. Ask about the “Atlantic Canadapass.”

Norway Pass

Meanwhile, Norway’s flag carrier (Braathens SAFE) is selling passes for $105/$200 for two to four flights, plus a $15 processing fee. Represents a 70% saving over regular full fares. Passes are valid May 1-Sept. 30. Note: These passes must be bought before leaving the United States. Contact Braathens SAFE’s U.S. representative: ScanAm, 8939 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 220, Los Angeles 90045. Telephone toll-free (800) 972-2626 (California) or (800) 272-2626 (nationwide).

Windy City Gift Shop

If you’re looking for the unusual, drop by the City of Chicago Store in the Windy City. Sells outlandish merchandise. Street banners, ballot boxes, manhole covers, parking meters. All restored from city/government departments. Most highly prized item: a customized street sign. Prices: $35 for signs in stock, $40 for a customized order. This is a joint venture involving the Chicago Tourism Council and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

City of Chicago store, 174 W. Randolph St. (half a block west of City Hall). Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Youth Trip Catalogue

American Youth Hostels is listing attractive packages for budget-minded travelers. Prices start at $235 for a nine-day Adirondack hiking adventure, with other trips up to 80 days. Cycling/motor/adventure programs in 22 countries for travelers of all ages. (Reduced prices for the ’89 world adventure trips.) Plans include lodging, meals, transportation. AYH has produced a 46-page catalogue that contains the details. Send $1 in postage to American Youth Hostels, 425 Divisadero, Suite 306, San Francisco 94117. (AYH will also provide readers with details on more than 5,000 inexpensive lodgings worldwide.)