“Brit-Think, Amer-Think” by Jane Walmsley is a...

“Brit-Think, Amer-Think” by Jane Walmsley is a humorous and lighthearted look at cultural differences. Travelers will get an insight into our cousins’ attitudes, customs, dress and even their approach to interior design. The guide supplies tips on how to cope with a certain austerity and hesitancy that is somewhat admirable. For words of wisdom before visiting, it’s worth the $6.95 tab (Penguin).

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Enjoy California more with Gary Ferguson’s suggestions in “Walks of California.” Eighty short day walks are outlined for additional adventure in the beauty of the desert, High Sierra or along the coastline. Maps, time required, elevation, best time of the year, etc., are well detailed, including observations of cultural interest and history (Prentice Hall: $10.95).

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“The Mariner’s Trivia Book” by Rustie Brown might win a few Brownie points (no pun intended) when one mingles with other passengers when the cocktail flag is raised. The Q&As; include: What is the largest seaport in Belgium? Who wrote “Billy Budd?” and how many ships were lost during World War I? For $9.95 one can earn an entirely new respect from those with or without sea legs (Blue Harbor).

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Anyone considering a visit to China or Hong Kong will discover almost everything worth knowing in “The China 1987 Guidebook” by Frederic Kaplin Sobin and Arne deKeijzer. The 760-page compendium is super-detailed on how and where the traveler from the West may best enjoy the most, including accommodations just like back home (Houghton Mifflin: $15.95).

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“Away for the Weekend--Washington D.C.” by Eleanor Berman describes 52 great getaways in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The guide is brought together, in a refreshing way, for those vacationing within 250 miles of the capital. Relive Civil War drama, feast on seafood or tuck away in a cozy inn (Clarkson N. Potter: $11.95).

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In text and photos, “The Ordinance Survey Leisure Guide--Ireland,” edited by Antonia Hebbert and Betty Sheldrick, is a well-detailed gazetteer of the Emerald Isle. It captures the charm of age-old traditions, warm welcomes and lush landscapes. History, literature, food, sports, etc., are well highlighted. As a tour companion or as an addition to a reference library, it is a cut above the rest of the field. It’s available from Irish Imports, 4124 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles 90004 for $19.95. Add $1.30 for handling if you want it by mail.

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The Blue Guides have a new pocket-size guide for “Oxford and Cambridge.” As with their other excellent guides, it’s comprehensive in projecting practical, in-depth information that includes illustrations, maps and environs (W. W. Norton: $14.95).

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If a fellow passenger, in a panic-filled voice, asks, “What was that?” you can calm his fears and possibly yours with an answer from “Things That Go Bump in the Flight” by Capt. Robert Welch. The book is a nuts-and-bolts approach to questions about ear pain, takeoff, emergencies, weather problems, etc. The $5.95 tab is worth the peace of mind (Betterway).

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For a more rewarding visit to our nation’s capital, try the booklet “Washington, D.C. Sightseers Guide” by Anthony S. Pitch. Opening hours, admissions, phone numbers for museums, landmarks and galleries are covered (Mino: $3.95).

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Margaret Drabble’s “A Writer’s Guide to Britain--Landscape in Literature” is a nicely done dissertation on the islands’ terrain, history, archeology and much more. The photography, by Jorge Lewinski, is a dramatic revelation of the changing and the unchanged (Thames & Hudson: $15.95).

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Two “unofficial guides”--to Walt Disney World & Epcot by Bob Sehlinger and John Finely, and “Disneyland” by Bob Sehlinger--will help avoid long lines as well as describe the best times to visit. You’ll also find out about all the rides, amusements and stage shows, plus get tips and warnings to make the most of your visit (Prentice Hall: $6.95 each).

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If you want to be more tight-fisted with your travel buck, Frommer’s “Europe on $25 a Day” will help to squeeze out a little more value. You may want to keep the guide undercover so you won’t get the cheap-Charlie glance when checking the tips and suggestions (Prentice Hall: $12.95).