QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS : Variety of Fishing Options Await Visitors to Florida

Question: We are interested in fishing off Florida. What are the average costs for charters or daily rentals?

Answer: Varied fishing facilities are abundant on both coasts and in the Florida Keys, with prices tailored to every pocketbook. During high season, going for such fish as tarpon, bonefish and trout costs about $200 per person for half a day or $350 for a full day. Deep-sea packages also range widely. However, it’s often best to negotiate the price locally. For more information, contact the Florida Division of Tourism, 126 W. Van Buren St., Tallahassee, Fla. 32301, (904) 487-1462.

Q: Is there an Orient Express train operating in the Pacific?

A: The company that runs the famed Orient Express in Europe will launch a similar train next year, connecting Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok--a 41-hour, 1,200-mile journey.

Q: Are there tour companies that specialize in trips for people in wheelchairs?

A: For information, contact the Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped, 347 Fifth Ave., New York 10016, (212) 447-7284. Travel agents also should have such information.

Q: Do German airports have direct railroad connections to cities?

A: The German rail hub at Frankfurt Airport serves 18 of the country’s largest cities. It’s wise, however, to book in advance, because 24-hour advance notice is required for a confirmed reservation. For more information, contact the German National Tourist Office, 444 S. Flower St., Suite 2230, Los Angeles 90071, (213) 688-7332.

Q: Do Israeli restaurants in Jerusalem serve non-kosher food?

A: Restaurants in western Jerusalem and other areas observe kosher dietary laws. Eastern Jerusalem restaurants, while not kosher, follow Moslem dietary laws prohibiting pork. For more information, contact the Israel Government Tourist Office, 6380 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1700, Los Angeles 90048, (213) 658-7462.

Q: Is there a travel program for people wishing to serve as temporary religious missionaries during their vacation?

A: Many religious organizations here and abroad welcome volunteers who want to help repair churches or engage in other forms of assistance for short periods. Such programs are open to anyone, regardless of faith. In certain cases, subsidies may be provided. For details, call Wilcox Travel and World Tours at (800) 438-5828.

Q: What’s the rental cost for a motor home in Europe for two weeks for a party of four, and are there campgrounds in most countries?

A: Rentals for two weeks in the high season are about $2,500. Europe has thousands of campgrounds. Check with your travel agent.

Q: Since Christopher Columbus was an Italian, why isn’t Italy celebrating the 500th anniversary of his discovery of America?

A: Italy isn’t ignoring him. It’s staging a large celebration, called “Colombo ‘92,” with many events in Genoa, the city of Columbus’ birth, and elsewhere in the country. For more information, contact the Italian Government Travel Office, 360 Post St., Suite 801, San Francisco 94108, (415) 392-6206.

Q: I’m told rental car prices are high in Europe. Are there discounts available?

A: It’s advisable to rent in the United States and request rates based on unlimited kilometers. Most U.S. rental companies have foreign operations.

Q: We’ve planning a trip to the Soviet Union. Do we need special visas to enter the Baltic republics?

A: Tourist visas are issued at the borders when entering Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. A Soviet visa is also necessary as long as Soviet troops remain at checkpoints.

Q: Are there off-season attractions in Bermuda? And what’s the average temperature?

A: The island has many special events involving golf and tennis. Some hotels offer sports packages. There are six public courses averaging $16 for greens fees and $18 to $25 for carts. Tennis at hotel courts can cost up to $10 per hour. Winter temperatures average between 64 and 74 degrees.

Q: I’d like to ski in Alberta, Canada. Where are the most popular areas?

A: The 1988 Winter Olympics increased the popularity of Alberta ski facilities, and this winter a number of tour companies are packaging Banff/Lake Louise, Kananaskis and Jasper Park. Contact your travel agent or Travel Alberta, 333 S. Grand Ave., Suite 3535, Los Angeles 90071, (213) 625-1256.