La Belle France: The Sophisticated Guide to France (monthly, $87 a year)
With characteristic flair and Gallic charm, this independent and oh-so-upscale gourmet newsletter delivers the goods on the finest French restaurants and hotels. Culinary critiques are deliciously descriptive and minutely detailed — you can almost taste the food, morsel by tasty morsel. Each selection is accompanied by a score chart, rating the hotel or restaurant by cuisine, decor, service, wine list and value, which ranges from an appalling 1 to a sublime 20. A joy to read (but don’t do it on a empty stomach; you’re guaranteed to work up an appetite). There’s nothing sterile or nonchalant about the writing either — the staff clearly feel passionate about their subject. (800-225-7825 or 800-295-1200)
English Spoken Here (five issues, $29 a year)
Exceedingly well-written, the smart-looking English Spoken Here focuses on destinations in Europe and non-English-speaking America rarely included in guidebooks. Every issue highlights a specific destination, a secondary location and nearby excursions. Regular features include itinerary ideas, budget trips, suggested reading and transportation tips. Editor Jane Doerfer, who also runs her own inn and operates a cooking school, specializes in intimate and attractive hotels or inns, moderately priced, where the staff speaks English, the food is good and the scenery is beautiful. Not a bad combination. The newsletter also explores unusual cultural sites and the best of local produce and baked goods. Indeed, food is so important that another regular column, “The Peripatetic Cook,” profiles cooks that Doerfer has met in her travels. Of course, the column is accompanied by enticing recipes. (800-451-5294)
Have Children Will Travel (seasonal, $29 a year)
Folksy and friendly newsletter geared toward the “adventurous family in search of fun.” Full of the latest family travel trends and practical details. Offers ideas, information and advice as well as reviews of travel publications and interviews with travel experts. “Kids’ Korner” encourages younger readers to describe their favorite travel stories, and “Postcards From You” invites readers to share their family adventures. “Ask the Travel Agent” answers family travel questions. For families of all ages as well as children young and old. (877-699-5869)
The European Traveller (six issues, $89 a year)
Independent travelers to Europe with a discerning eye are the focus of this 16-page newsletter. Each issue concentrates on one city or region at a time, containing detailed descriptions of the best hotels in a variety of categories as well as a history of the region, critiques of restaurants and cafes, and overviews of the best sights. Also included are practical travel tips, such as planning the trip or getting around once you’ve reached your destination. Whenever possible, most issues include a full-color map of the area. The emphasis throughout is on quality. The publisher prefers the charms of small, traditional hotels rather than the blandness of many hotel chains. Whatever the accommodation — from expensive hotels to reasonably priced country cottages — all must stand out in some considerable way, reflect the culture of the area and offer top-notch service. The descriptions are honest, helpful and insightful. The editor has opinions and is not the least bit shy about sharing them. (800-409-9409)
Connecting . . .(six issues a year, $25 subscription)
The motto of this spunky newsletter sums up its attitude: “travel alone but not lonely.” Encourages networking among people who travel solo and describes solo vacation alternatives. The staff prefers lodging that is cozy, friendly, usually small, family-run accommodations close to public transportation, dining and entertainment facilities. Reports on resorts, tours and cruises that avoid single supplements. Also news about single-friendly trips, travel companion ads and reader reports from the trenches. (604-737-7791)
The Mexico File: The Newsletter for Mexicophiles (10 issues, $39 a year)
Crisply edited and attractively designed, this newsletter targets the independent traveler to Mexico and features off-the-beaten-path destination pieces by staff and guest writers as well as travel bargains and practical tips, especially those dealing with social etiquette and customs. Each issue contains articles on some aspect of Mexican history, culture, politics and archeology. Regular features include “About Mexico,” which contains travel-related news items and book reviews. (800-5-MEXFILE or 800-563-9345)
Elderhostel (seasonal catalogs, free)
The Boston-based not-for-profit, educational organization for older adults offers residential educational programs in the U.S. and around the world. The international catalog is a hefty 168 pages, describing programs from Antarctica to Vietnam. A sampling of courses indicates the astonishing breadth and range of the offerings: “The Amazon: An Ecological Journey,” “Iceland: Land, Folk and Saga,” “Burgundy and Beaujolais: Vineyards, Wines and Cuisine,” “Italian Music from the Baroque to Grand Opera,” “The History of Jesus in the Holy Land,” to name a few. Elderhostel’s international programs take place in more than 70 countries with most programs lasting two to three weeks. Study takes place at sites that can range from museums to historic buildings. (617-426-8351)
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Toni Stroud is on assignment this week. Her e-mail address is tstroud@tribune.com.
