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By Donald D. Groff

Oct. 7, 1999 | I am planning a trip to Warsaw and Krakow this spring and would like to know if there are any convent or church accommodations available.

Consult the Poland chapter of "Overnight or Short Stays at Religious Houses Around the World," a directory that lists more than 2,200 religious guest houses operated by 25 denominations in 65 countries. According to James Hughes, publisher of the directory, the 5th edition has 13 religious accommodations in Poland, including some in Warsaw and Krakow.

Most rooms in the religious lodgings are $30 to $65 a night. Some have only a handful of rooms, others have 40 or more. The directory is available for $19.95, postage paid, from Hugen Press, P.O. Box 2286; Bloomfield, NJ 07003. Hughes is working on the sixth edition. You can also order the book through Amazon.com.

Several other guides also are available, although most focus on North America. Among them is the U.S. and World Wide Guide to Retreat Center Guest Houses, from CTS Publications. It's reported out of print, but you might find it in a used-book store or library.

For more information on your favorite location check out the world guide.

For a trip to Mexico's Baja Peninsula, where can I get information on lodging and attractions?

A decade ago there were few guides to Baja California, the long Mexican peninsula that begins just south of San Diego and continues for about 800 miles to the recently trendy Cabo San Lucas. But the mix of natural attractions, sports appeal and lack of development has lured many adventurous travelers -- and made it irresistible to guidebook publishers.

Among choices of guides are "Fielding's Baja, California, Mexico," by Jack and Patty Williams (Fielding Worldwide, 1997), "Hidden Baja," by Richard Harris (Ulysses Press, 1998) and "Baja California," by Wayne Bernhardson (Lonely Planet, 4th edition 1998).

Another book, "Baja Fever: Journeys into Mexico's Intriguing Peninsula," by Greg Niemann (Mountain N' Air Books, 1999), offers accounts from an author who has spent more than 50 years living, working and playing there. It's not a formatted guidebook, but the history and stories -- including descriptions of remote towns, beaches and adventures -- make you want to underline them for planning your own trip. There's also an account of Fox Studios setting up shop in Popotla, starting in 1996, for the filming of "Titanic."

Information on Baja and its cities and beaches can be found at the Mexican Ministry of Tourism site.

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