Book Pages for Travel Adventures

“Modern Architecture in Europe” by Dennis and Elizabeth DeWitt contains information and photos of more than 500 buildings in 15 countries, with notes on another 500 buildings. Directions and town maps, cross-referenced to each country map, will make it easy to find and enjoy the many edifices (E. P. Dutton: $19.95).

Stephen Bezruchka is an emergency room physician who has traveled extensively. His easy-to-read medical observations during his travels are compiled in “The Pocket Doctor--Your Ticket to Good Health While Traveling.” It discusses how to prevent illness, how you can tell when medical help is needed, where to find help and how to treat yourself. The before-and-during advice is exceptional and offers suggestions on assembling a medical kit. This ounce-of-prevention guide is well worth its $2.95, if only to use around the home (The Mountaineers).

New or experienced hikers can find a wide range of challenges amid a variety of scenery with “Walking Austria’s Alps” by Jonathan Hurdle. The 82 routes include altitude, conditions, signs, scenery and towns to stay in. The guide is among the best for explicit and easy-to-read details. For $10.95, you just might discover an entirely new and pleasant vacation (The Mountaineers).

Anyone who loves biking and being close to nature will want copies of “Touring on Two Wheels” by Dennis Coello (Nick Lyon Books: $12.95) and “Round Ireland in Low Gear” by Eric Newby (Viking: $18.95). Coello’s is a bicycle traveler’s handbook that covers tour and bike selection, on-the-road repairs and more. The Newby book recounts the many adventures the author has shared with his wife, Wanda, while biking the Emerald Isle.

“The National Seashore--Guide to America’s Scenic Coastal Parks,” by Ruthe and Walt Wolverton, furnishes exceptional information that tells in detail the many adventures awaiting coastal park visitors. History, maps, directories and illustrations more than make it a worthwhile reference (Woodbine House: $9.95).

Anyone who wants to enjoy California with children should read Bill Gleason’s “The Great Family Getaway Guide.” It lists more than 180 adventures from one end of the state to the other. The selection of sites and activities is diversified and designed to appeal to a wide range of interests from inexpensive outings to pricey resorts. There are steam trains, water and theme parks, caves and forts to explore, plus tours for wine lovers for only $8.95 (Chronicle).

South Korea, host country for this year’s Summer Olympics, is a fascinating travel option. Vocabulary essentials will help to get the most out of your visit, and they can be found in “Korea Phrasebook--North-East Asia,” by Kevin Chambers. The guide offers such topics as greetings, civilities, small talk, accommodations, food, health and getting around. Basic grammar and the potential for building simple sentences in Korean are included. This is one of four new “Phrasebook” titles offered. Others are “Swahili-Africa” by Robert Leonard, “Hindi/Urdu--Indian Subcontinent” by Parvez Dewan and “Burmese--South-East Asia” by David Bradley. The books are compact, easy to read and worth the $2.95 each (Lonely Planet).

“Travel Key Europe 1988,” by Peter B. Manston, offers a plethora of important and practical information, including how to make a phone call, do your laundry, find a toilet and get around. It furnishes expanded advice for every European country (St. Martin’s: $10.95).

For those who take time out to smell the flowers, “The Traveler’s Guide to American Gardens,” edited by Mary Helen Ray and Robert P. Nichols, will direct them to 1,000 of the best places for blossoms. The choice of entries was influenced by four criteria: historic importance, unusual features, length of settlement and nonprofit status. Listings are organized by state and city, with details and maps (University of North Carolina Press: $9.95).