Q and A
LEAD:  Young View
Young View
Question: Could you name titles of books on traveling in Europe with a child? I am interested in sites and sights that have appeal to children. -A. S. M., Fresno, Calif.
Answer: The choice is scanty, and the books that exist are not easy to find. For example the comprehensive 'Fielding's Europe With Children' (Morrow) was last published in 1984 and somewhat out of date, although some material still serves as good background information. (Morrow says a new edition is planned for the fall of 1989.) There are some books on specific cities. Among these are 'Children's Guide to Rome' and 'Children's Guide to Paris' (both published by Blackie & Son, London, and both $6.95) and 'Children's Guide to London' (Cadogan Books, London, $11.95). These three guides and the Fielding book are available at some travel bookstores, including Travel Books Unlimited in Bethesda, Md. (301-951-8533).
'Kids' London' (Pan, London, $7.95) is also sold at some shops, including the Complete Traveller (212-685-9007) and Traveller's Bookstore (212-664-0995) in New York. This 180-page guide addresses such topics as walks, parks, sports and museums, and it includes maps.
Two newsletters contain information that might be useful. Family Travel Times (published by Travel With Your Children, 80 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10011; 212-206-0688) costs $35 a year for 10 issues. It sometimes touches on Europe. The first issue of Getaways: Family Vacations was published this summer. There will be four issues a year at a cost of $20 a year. The address is Post Office Box 11511, Washington, D.C. 20008, with a number in Virginia (703-534-8747).  Study in Mexico
Question: I want to spend several weeks in Mexico studying Spanish and would like the names of language schools. - B. H. J., Manhasset, L.I.
Answer: Mexico has several language institutes in various cities. Generally, the instruction is in Spanish only and the focus is on conversation rather than writing. These schools are open to students of all ages, and Americans taking their courses generally live with Mexican families.
A spokesman for the Mexican Government Tourism Office said the schools in Cuernavaca, where language schools first flowered nearly 20 years ago, generally begin new courses the first Monday of each month. Students, he said, arrive a few days early to register and find housing, often with the assistance of the school. At most of Mexico's language schools, classes are held for up to four hours a day, usually in the morning, and sometimes there are afternoon lectures on Mexican art and culture.
Other institutions with Spanish instruction include the University of Guadalajara and the National Autonomous University in Mexico City. Universities in the United States also offer summer programs, often on Mexican college campuses.
One source of information is the National Registraion Center for Study Abroad, Post Office Box 1393, Milwaukee, Wis. 53201 (414-278-0631). The center represents about 85 schools in other countries. A list of dates of courses and fees for all 13 schools offering language courses in Mexico that it represents can be had by sending a self-addressed, stamped (45 cents), business-size envelope to the center. Mike Wittig of the center says that a month's Spanish course in Mexico, with tuition, registration, course materials and lodging and all meals with a family usually costs, on average, from $600 to $700.
A list of schools provided by the Mexican Government includes these in Cuernavaca: Cemanahuac, Apartado 21C, San Juan 4, Las Palmas, (local telephone, 12-13-67). Cuauhnahuac, Apartado 26C, Morelos Sur 1414 (12-36-73). Cuernavaca Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies, Apartado 1520, San Jeronimo 304, Colonia San Jeronimo, (17-10-87), which has an office at 3133 Lake Hollywood Drive, Post Office Box 1860, Los Angeles, Calif. 90078 (213-851-3403). Cuernavaca Language School, Apartado 254D, Privada Jazmin 2, Chapultepec (15-46-43).
Mexico City: Instituto Mexicano-Norteamericano de Relaciones Culturales, Hamburgo 115, Zona Rosa (525-33-57). Guadalajara: Instituto Cultural Mexicano-Norteamericano de Jalisco, Tolsa 300, Guadalajara, Jalisco (25-4101). Morelia: Centro Mexicano de Idiomas, Apartado 56, Aquiles Serdan 630-634, Morelia, Michoacan 58000 (3-27-96).  Whale Watching
Question: We plan to go whale watching on Cape Cod in October and would like the names of operators who provide this service. - H. D. F., Brooklyn
Answer: Provincetown is a good spot to take a whale-watching trip because the boats need only ride out for about half an hour before they find whales. The operators say this summer has been an excellent one for spotting (and they emphasize that they never bait whales). The trips usually last about three and a half hours. The following Provincetown operators are among those planning to continue daily trips through mid or late October.
Provincetown Whale Watch (508-487-1582 or, toll free in Massachusetts, 800-992-9333). Aboard the Ranger V; price: $15 a person, $10 for children under age 12.
The Dolphin Fleet (508-255-3857 or 800-826-9300 in Massachusetts). Three boats; $14, $12 for the elderly and children under 12.
The Portuguese Princess (508-487-2651 and 800-442-3188 in Massachusetts): $15, $13 for children under 14.  Venezuela
Question: For a visit to Caracas, are there any special things that have to be done before we go, such as shots or visas? Any special hazards? -H. K., New York, N.Y.
Answer: Neither visa nor shots are required for Americans visiting Venezuela. However, visitors are given a tourist card - on the plane or ship - and the card is exchanged for a receipt on entering the country. The receipt has to be presented on leaving, so it is important for travelers to hold onto that piece of paper. In Caracas visitors should be on the alert for pickpockets and should not walk along dark side streets at night.