Travelers were enraged this week after learning...

Travelers were enraged this week after learning of a new (old, actually) state tax law pertaining to goods bought in foreign countries. Although on the books since 1935, the law allowing billing became enforceable following the automation of U.S. Customs files. And while the tax amounts to peanuts (6.5%), it is proving irksome.

Californians complain that it comes as a surprise addition to duty (10%) already imposed by the federal government. Thus far only a handful of Californians have been billed. Still, the numbers promise to increase as residents make their 1990 Customs declarations. Customs requires the declaration when merchandise exceeds $400 ($800 in the case of Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands). One state official suggested that travelers who failed to declare their 1989 purchases come forth voluntarily and pay up. To which a returning resident declared, “You must think we’re crazy!”

French/American Affair: France is launching a new campaign to lure Americans to the provinces. Direct flights from the United States to 10 hubs besides Paris: Nice, Lyon, Lille, Mulhouse, Strasbourg, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier, Marseille. Inside France, Air Inter (the nation’s domestic airline) has stepped up service on 50 routes. At the same time, the 300-m.p.h. TGV Atlantique (world’s fastest train) has begun service from Paris to Rennes, Nantes and beyond to “land’s end” in the Finistere.

A new 72-page guide (available from travel agents and the French Government Tourist Office, 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 303, Beverly Hills 90212) provides sightseeing tips, detailed itineraries. The “France Discovery Guide” can also be ordered by dialing a new 50-cents-a-minute hot line: (900) 420-2003. Hours: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Feb. 1. This same office will answer questions on transportation, tour packages, skiing, hotels, special events, restaurants, car rentals, weather. Replies to all queries.

Heart’s Hideaway: This question from Mrs. Dorothy McKay of Ventura: “What is the name of the resort with the villas you’ve written about in Palm Springs, with the push-button fireplaces and private swimming pools?” (Says she’s considering this as a valentine destination for herself and her husband.)

It’s La Mancha Club & Villas. (High on the list of romantic hideaways in the Coachella Valley, along with Ingleside Inn and Villa Royale Inn.) On Valentine’s Day, La Mancha will present red roses to the ladies plus other surprises. A strolling violinist will crank out love ballads. La Mancha features private villas, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, tennis, croquet, bicycles, candlelight dinners, complementary limousine service. Dedicated to romantics searching for privacy.

La Mancha Villas, 444 Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs 92262. Rates: $195/$580. Telephone toll free (800) 255-1773 (inside California) or (800) 854-1298 (other states outside California). Other information (619) 323-1773.

Others:

Ingleside Inn, 200 W. Ramon Road, Palm Springs 92264. Rates: $85/$550. Telephone (619) 325-0046.

Villa Royale Inn, 1620 Indian Trail, Palm Springs 92264. Rates: $65/$375. Telephone (619) 327-2314.

Hawaii Bonus: Vacationers flying to the islands with Hawaiian Airlines are being given free round-trip tickets between Honolulu and their choice of neighbor islands: Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai or the Big Island. Another plus: A free car for each day you rent at regular rates from Dollar Rent-A-Car. The package is being offered through March 15, with the exception of a couple of blackout periods in February. Reservations must be confirmed two days (minimum) before departure. The LAX/Honolulu ticket: $298 round trip.

See your travel agent.

Swiss Moneysaver: One-week vacations in Switzerland are being offered for as little as $263 by a New York tour operator (accommodations, breakfast/dinner daily), with a choice of 20 Alpine/lakeside resorts. The same company is scheduling a 15-day Swiss/Italian tour that figures out to a little more than $100 a day for first-class hotels, sightseeing, some meals. A third option: a six-day Swiss tour ($835) from Zurich with overnight visits in Bern, Geneva, Zermatt, St. Moritz (first-class hotels, nine meals and a journey on the Glacier Express). Your travel agent or A.J.S. Travel Consultants Inc., 177 Beach 116th St., Rockaway Park, N.Y. 11694. Call toll-free (800) 221-5002.

Australia Guide: Australia continues to draw big crowds. To assist visitors with their travel plans, the Australian Tourist Commission is mailing free copies of an updated book titled “Destination Australia” (132 pages). Details on hotels, climate, budget travel. Other information on day-trips from major cities plus journeys to the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef. The book features maps of major cities. For a free copy, dial toll-free (800) 678-8022. Other information from the Australian Tourist Commission, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1200, Los Angeles 90067. Telephone (213) 552-1988.

Meanwhile, a brochure titled “Country Style” lists 15 “hand-picked” resorts/inns in Australia--from Cockatoo Island to the Lodge at Nannup. Some unusual choices. Free from the Western Australian Tourism Commission (same address as above).

European Rentals: A company in Ashland, Ore., is providing information on rentals in Austria, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland. Chalets, cottages, apartments. Dozens of choices for skiers in the Swiss/French Alps (chalets and apartments for two to six persons). There’s a big demand for these private rentals, so book early.

Europa-Let, P.O. Box 3537, Ashland, Ore. 97520. Telephone toll-free (800) 462-4486.

British B&Bs;: For years Thea Druce has specialized in B&B; bookings in London. Now she’s branched out to other areas of the U.K. Choices from a farmhouse owned by Prince Charles in the Cornish countryside to a medieval longhouse in Devon, a manor house in the Yorkshire Dales and a converted 17th-Century warehouse in the heart of London’s theater district. (In Chester there’s a Victorian home on the River Dee, and in Bath a cottage that faces the Cain Valley and the Mendip Hills.)

The network of accommodations takes in villages throughout Britain. Prices from 10.50 to 24 per guest.

For a directory, write to Thea Druce, Travelers’ B&B;, 149 Richmond Park Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 8UA, England. Note: Include four international reply coupons.

France for Students: Students 12 to 25 years of age are being invited to spend three weeks this summer with a French family for only $699. The price includes the round-trip flight from the United States, accommodations, all meals. Homes in Paris, Brittany, Normandy, the French Riviera and France’s wine country. The idea is to give the youngsters of host families an opportunity to practice their English with a U.S. guest. This is a repeat offer that has been made for several summers through International Friendship Service, 22994 El Toro Road, El Toro, Calif. 92630. Telephone (714) 458-8868. Note: Deadline for reservations is Feb. 7.

Reader Recommendations

Hawaii--Gina Glass, San Luis Obispo: “A fabulous bed and breakfast, the McKay Country Cottage, 536 Olinda Road, Makawao, Maui 96768. Rate: $85. First-class in every respect. A sheer delight.”

Italy--Wendy Wainwright, Los Angeles: “On a recent trip to Italy my husband and I found the ‘Guide to Italy 1989’ to be indispensable. The ‘Guide to Italy 1990’ should be available by April, and can be purchased directly through the publisher.” GMG Publishing, 9440 Santa Monica Blvd., 8th Floor, Beverly Hills 90210, (213) 272-1185.