“Pauper’s Paris” by Miles Turner provides details...

“Pauper’s Paris” by Miles Turner provides details on travel to and within that city. The guide is loaded with clues to clean, inexpensive hotels and side-street restaurants rich in atmosphere and excellent food. You’ll be shopping, looking, doing, etc., amid the sights and sounds away from the tourist traps. The advice and tips on emergencies, slang and much more will put the visitor at ease (St. Martin’s: $8.95).

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Free flights, bargain resorts and cruise ship discounts are outlined in “The New World of Travel--1988” by Arthur Frommer. Except for the bland photos, the guide presents a good opportunity for the traveler to learn how to take advantage of a wealth of opportunities. Well worth the $12.95 tab (Prentice Hall).

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“The Official Guide--Hotels and Restaurants of Britain--1988” is worth an extra star rating for presentation alone. The nearly 1,800 places to dine and stay are supported by full-color photos that are cross-indexed on 64 pages of color maps. The guide includes a plethora of on-the-road services and facilities. It is compiled by the Hotel, Restaurant and Caterers Assn. (Prentice Hall: $12.95).

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A trip to what’s described as the “cradle of man” will be more complete with Fielding’s “Literary Africa” by Jane and Leah Taylor. Amateur historians--those interested in African history, culture or languages--should enjoy the extensive vignettes throughout the seven itineraries. The guide is comprehensive and includes many-faceted selections of practical information (William Morrow: $17.95).

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“The AA Complete Touring Guide--Scotland” describes 37 motor tours in excellent detail. The color maps and photos and street-indexed town plans are scattered throughout the text, which touches upon past and present. Should you plan a trip to the land of the purple heather, green hills and mountains, you will find this large compendium impressive (Salem House: $19.95).

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“Florence Explored,” by Rupert Scott, is described as “a guide to things, stones, buildings, paintings and sculptures.” The city is presented with textbook accuracy, but in such a manner that visitors will be able to enjoy the art treasures. The maps are practical, the photos revealing, and the text is intelligent (New Amsterdam: $14.95).

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The pocket-size American Express Guides offer the optimum of information in their latest printings for “Spain” ($8.95) and “Australia” ($9.95). For a handy reference, the books offer a good selection of recommendations for sightseeing, getting around, where to eat or stay, plus tips on services, history and culture. They have excellent maps and much more (Prentice Hall).

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“Down River--A Yellowstone Journey,” by Dean Krakel II, is a refreshing look at places along the water’s edge that are perfect for escape. It’s a beautiful description of Krakel’s hiking and rafting experiences along the 700-mile river. The text touches upon the history of the West, plus the legendary characters and wild game and wilderness areas. You’ll enjoy curling up in an easy chair with a copy of this book (Sierra Club: $8.95).

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“Rum and Reggae--What’s Hot and What’s Not in the Caribbean,” by Jonathan Runge, offers excellent details for visiting the islands. For the challenge of discovery, with or without paying a bundle, the suggestions offered could open the door to a more complete vacation. The maps are all right, but the photos and cartoons add nothing (St. Martin’s: $9.95).

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If you’d like to visit areas where you can feed the animals, milk a cow or pick berries, “The Farm Holiday Bureau Guide--Britain: Country Lodging on a Budget” will put you on target for a different kind of vacation. The book lists hundreds of accommodations where you don’t necessarily have to do chores but where you can enjoy the atmosphere, warmth and wholesome food in a comfortable farmhouse off the main roads ($7.95).