The idea of losing a passport (or...

The idea of losing a passport (or having it stolen) is the nightmare of any traveler. If it happens to you, you can save yourself a good deal of aggravation by carrying a photo copy of the page containing the pertinent facts: passport number, date, place of issuance. This plus a couple of extra photos. For replacement, apply to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting. With proper identification/photos, a new document is processed quickly. When I called Sakae Hawley, director of the U.S. Passport Agency in West Los Angeles the other day, she described her office as “a madhouse.” Long lines of applicants, she said. Busiest hours, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To avoid a lengthy visit, Hawley suggests applying for forms at your local post office or county courthouse. You’ll need evidence of U.S. citizenship plus a driver’s license or other identification, along with two photos (two inches square). The agency requires cash, check or money order in the exact amount for the passport. An adult passport (good for 10 years) costs $42 ($35 for renewals). Travelers under 18 pay $27 for a five-year passport.

The U.S. Passport Agency, 11000 Wilshire Blvd., 13th Floor, West Los Angeles. For recorded instructions, call (213) 575-7070. To reach an agent: (213) 575-7075.

Call a Cab: Getting lost while driving in a foreign city is another nightmare that haunts motorists. Especially if you don’t happen to speak the language. It can be downright terrifying. But don’t panic; there’s an easy answer. Hail a cab. It’s as simple as that. Give the driver your address and then follow the leader. No stress, no worry. And it’s worth the few extra bucks. The first time this happened to me was in Madrid. I got behind the cabby and--bingo--five minutes later I was at my hotel. I can think of at least two cities, though, where I wouldn’t be caught behind the wheel of a car if I was promised the medal of valor. Tokyo and Rome. Tokyo because no one seems to obey the rules. Rome because of one-way streets and the fact that Romans themselves drive like maniacs. I have no fear in dozens of other cities. But Tokyo and Rome? Grazie , but no thank you.

Camper Guide/Maps: Woodall’s has published a new guide for travelers planning to buy recreation vehicles/trailers. Lists more than 320 models. Class A motor homes, mini-motor homes, campers, wide-body vans, lightweight camping trailers, pickup campers, fold-down camping trailers. Details on standard equipment and options (air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances, reclining seats, curtains/carpets). Other information on suggested retail prices, telephone numbers of dealers. The guide (available at newsstands across the country) costs $4.95. Other information from Woodall Publishing Co., 28167 N. Keith Drive, Box 5000, Lake Forest, Ill. 60045-5000, (800) 323-9076.

Meanwhile, Rand McNally’s new 1991 “Interstate Road Atlas & Trip Planner” is a handy item for the glove compartment. Lists state and city tourism offices. Tells all about individual state laws concerning recreational vehicles/automobiles, toll-road costs/locations, toll-free hotel/motel numbers. A trip checklist reminds travelers of necessary items for a carefree vacation. In addition, the planner features maps of 36 cities/the District of Columbia. Available at bookstores, map stores, newsstands.

Phoenix Savings: As temperatures rise, hotel prices are taking a dive. It’s happening everywhere, but nowhere with the bargains of Phoenix/Scottsdale. Discounts of up to 75%. Rates at the Embassy Suites-Westside Hotel have been slashed in half. Singles/doubles for $59, including breakfast, complimentary cocktails. These are two-room suites with stoves, refrigerators, wet bars, two TVs. Embassy Suites-Westside Hotel, 3210 NW Grand Ave., Phoenix 85017, (602) 279-3211. Doubletree Suites (320 N. 44th St., Phoenix 85008) is featuring a $49 package (single/double) that includes breakfast, an evening reception, airport shuttle. Telephone (800) 528-0444. The Crown Sterling Suites (2630 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix 85016) has come up with a $69 weekend package that’s good through Sept. 14 for up to four persons (accommodations in a two-room suite, plus breakfast, cocktails and a booklet of discount coupons for dining and shopping at the upscale Biltmore Fashion Park next door). Call (602) 955-3992.

In Scottsdale, The Inn at McCormick Ranch (7401 N. Scottsdale Road, Phoenix 85253) has a $49 (two persons) rate that figures out to a 75% savings over peak season prices. Call (800) 243-1332. Other discounts at Marriott’s Mountain Shadows Resort (Scottsdale), The Phoenician Resort (Scottsdale), the Ritz-Carlton (Phoenix), The Pointe on South Mountain (Phoenix), Fountain Suites (Phoenix), Les Jardins (Phoenix), the Scottsdale Princess and Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Details from your travel agent.

Singles Scene: Alysia Cohen is a travel junkie who got hooked on the nomadic life as a teen-ager. This was 22 years ago when she left the nest to spend 13 weeks doing Europe. Cohen never recovered. Even after she returned home, finished college and wound up an executive with a major liquor company. The urge to travel remained a drug. So last year she said sayonara to the corporate life in order to launch Gallivanting, a travel company catering to singles, ages 25 to 55. Cohen’s reason for zeroing in on singles is because during her own vacation travels she grew weary of paying the irksome singles supplement as well as searching for a compatible companion of like interest, age. As a result, Cohen is producing trips for singles to Africa, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Hawaii, Central/South America, Asia, the Soviet Union. Even river trips in Utah with accommodations at an Indian reservation: $995 for nine days (lodging, meals, rafting). Cohen features small groups, off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Gallivanting, 515 E. 79th St., New York 10021, (800) 933-9699.

Carmel: R.J. of Santa Fe wants the name of “an inexpensive motel in the heart of Carmel.” My choice is The Normandy Inn on Ocean Avenue. Appears like a transplant out of an English village. Timbered walls. Colorful gardens. Forty-five units with king/twin beds, plus three cottages (three bedrooms, two baths). Clean and bright with a swimming pool. A complimentary breakfast served in the lobby each morning. The Normandy is about three blocks from the ocean. Dozens of shops nearby. Art galleries, craft studios, chic clothing stores. A two-minute walk to Carmel’s charming library. To get a fix on The Normandy, it’s only steps from the Pine Inn with its famous gazebo-style restaurant. A good base for side trips to Monterey, Point Lobos State Park, Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley, Big Sur. I discovered it last March while researching an earlier story in Carmel.

The Normandy Inn, P.O. Box 1706, Carmel-by-the-Sea 93921, (800) 343-3825 (California only) or (408) 624-3825. Rates: $85/$135; cottages that sleep up to eight persons, $250/$300. Ask for manager Susan Elliott.

Reader Recommendations

California--Kay and Joe Cross, Westlake Village: “Country Inn B&B;, 91 Main St., Templeton 93465. Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Six bedrooms with antiques. Rates: from $65.”

Pennsylvania--Carol and Lloyd Levy, Northridge: “A wonderful B&B;, Shippen Way Inn, 416-18 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147. Rates: $70/$105.”

Hawaii--Lisa Gallas, Corona del Mar: “A B&B; operated by Phyllis Braser, 134 Kaelepulu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii 96734. Cozy. Rates: $75.”

England--Charles and Betty Richards, San Bernardino: “Whytecliffs B&B;, operated by Bessie and Doug Gibson, 4 Arundel Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 5TD. One block from the sea. Rates: about $42.”

Ireland--Tom Nolan, Culver City: “Lansdowne Villa B&B;, 10 Lansdowne Terrace, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Rates: about $40 double.”

Hungary--William Doane, Oceanside: “A B&B; in Budapest with views of the city on the Buda side. About $25 per couple. Impeccably clean. Write to Dr. Walter Fleps, 1022 Budapest II, Bogar UTCA 20/b, Hungary.”

We regret that only a select few recommendations can be used. They must be brief (typewritten or printed). Only one recommendation per reader, please. Note: Recommendations will not be used unless prices and addresses are included.