“Travel Safety� by Jack Adler and Thomas...

“Travel Safety� by Jack Adler and Thomas C. Thompkins probably contains more than the average guide about security safeguards. Consider it invaluable for anyone considering a trip near home or abroad. It’s filled with advice, tips and answers on almost any subject, from theft and legal questions to potential pitfalls, necessary precautions and much more. Even stay-at-homes should have a copy (Hippocrene: $14.95).

Two of the many adventures and discoveries of John Muir are chronicled in “The Yosemite,� foreword by David Brewer, and “Travels in Alaska,� foreword by John Haines. Muir, as founder of the Sierra Club, is credited with being the man who did more as a conservationist than any other person. The publications coincide with the 150th anniversary of Muir’s birth. Readers will enjoy the plentiful background information (Sierra Club Books: $9.95 each).

If your vacation is limited but you want to touch some interesting bases, take a look at “22 Days in Great Britain� by Rick Steves, or “China in 22 Days� by Gaylon Duke and Zenia Victor. Both guides are valuable information sources and include excellent day-to-day itineraries that you can slip in or out of to fit your interest. There’s sufficient information on where to eat, stay and what to look for (John Muir: $6.95 each).

Gault Millau’s “The Best of Los Angeles� tells it like it is about more than 1,300 restaurants, hotels, night spots and shops. The opinions expressed are provocative and frank, and distinguish the great, the bad and the mediocre (Prentice Hall: $14.95).

Edifices of the past are captured in “England’s Undiscovered Monuments� by Deborah Shipley and Mary Peplow. The book lists 100 unusual sites that are often missed by tourists. The text is filled with directions, special-interest specifics and a generous supply of photos (Henry Holt/Owl: $12.95).

Bargain hunters or browsers on vacation should take along a copy of “The Official Directory to U.S. Flea Markets.� More than 500 markets are alphabetically listed by state and town from coast to coast. The guide includes days and times open, directions, admission, parking and the cost of a space if you want to sell. Information includes how-to-haggle hints and information on phony brand-name products (Ballantine: $5.95).

While many of the advertisements are a bit difficult to read, the information in “Egon Ronay’s Just a Bite Guide� offers above-average advice on where you can eat well-prepared and interesting food at reasonable prices in Britain. The establishments are also cross-referenced on good maps (Salem House: $18.95).

The British Auto Assn. has released two worthwhile editions. “Where to Go in Britain� ($19.95) describes more than 400 popular attractions selected to appeal to various interests. The four-color maps will get you there and the photos will give you a preview. Use the guide for planning and as an excellent travel companion. Include the AA’s “The Bed and Breakfast in Britain� ($14.95), featuring more than 3,000 entries on cross-indexed maps, and you’re ready to go.

Baedecker’s “Rail Guide to Europe� is ideal for those who want to avoid regimented tours and pages of copied timetables with admonitions of changes. The guide has information on routes, services and station facilities, and is supported by full-color detailed maps and photos, including a large fold-out map of Europe’s railroad system. The guide is among the best, well worth $15.95 (Prentice Hall).

Shopaholics will really enjoy “The Shopper’s Guide to Paris� by Lucia Van Der Post, a personalized selection of stores and services.

The guide is an excellent introduction to a city of delights, discovery and pleasant surprises. Consider it a fun to read and must have along guide when visiting Paris (Michael Joseph/Penguin: $12.95).

Many travelers to the Continent consider “The Best European Travel Tips� by John Whitman, a book that tells you what other guides don’t. This sixth edition is revised and expanded to cover many subjects in depth. The 2,001 suggestions are almost sure to save you money, time and trouble. The $6.95 tab is minimal considering just one page of advice could cover the investment (Meadowbrook/Simon & Schuster).