WunderCheck Savings

If you’re going to West Germany, look into the WunderCheck program when planning your accommodations.

You have to buy a minimum of five vouchers from a choice of 84 hotels in four categories--family-run hotels and pensions in the countryside, plus hotels in major cities and resort areas. The rates for the vouchers depend on the property.

For the two categories covering pensions and hotels in smaller towns, vouchers cost $74 per couple ($37 per person on a double occupancy basis). Vouchers at more modern and central hotels in larger cities cost an extra $7.25 per person, and properties in the top-priced resort category are about $16 extra, or $32 more per couple.

Single rooms are available at supplements that run from $5 to $10 extra.

You get buffet breakfasts and dinners with the country hotels and pensions. Taxes and service charges are also part of the basic rate. All rooms at properties in the WunderCheck program include private bathrooms.

Reservations for the first night in West Germany or for all the nights can be made in the United States. Your next reservation, at no charge, can be made for you at each hotel.

With the vouchers you get the names, locations, phone numbers and other details of all the participating hotels.

The vouchers have to be bought in the United States. Contact your travel agent. More information also is available from the German National Tourist Office, 444 S. Flower St., Suite 2230, Los Angeles 90071, phone (213) 688-7332.

Continental Airlines has some perks for round-trip passengers on its new Newark-to-Paris route. Two passengers flying on a “maxsaver” fare ($668) can get five nights in Paris for just $1 more each. This fare requires a 21-day advance purchase and travel must begin by Sept. 30.

There are also special packages for two first-class or business-class passengers flying round trip. Business-class passengers can get three free nights at either of two Trust-house Forte properties in Paris, the Plaza Athenee or George V.

First-class passengers can choose either five free nights at these two hotels or two free nights at the Plaza Athenee, plus two free nights at the chain’s Grosvenor House in London, with a Paris-London train ride aboard the Orient Express as a bonus. Again, travel has to start by Sept. 30.

Contact travel agents or Continental Vacations at (800) 252-2560 or (213) 277-0772.