Travel to the United States just became more complicated with visitors required to obtain an official US government travel authorisation prior to departure.

The new immigration measures, announced by the US Department of Homeland Security, take effect from January 12 next year.  People who have already booked travel to the US in 2009 must also comply.

Under the US Visa Waiver Program, which includes Australia and New Zealand passport holders, intention to enter the US must be pre-registered at least 72 hours before scheduled departure.

This requires all intending travellers to apply online to the Department of Homeland Security for a travel authorisation, prior to boarding an aircraft or vessel to the USA.

Without a formal travel authorisation you will not be able to board your flight or ship on or after January 12.

Your travel agent should be on top of this one.  Do not blame the poor old airlines for the extra requirement and do not expect  airline check-in staff to to help you over the problem of not having the necessary OK. Nor will they be liable for any costs or inconvenience for not having bothered.

Bottom line is, of course, the new rules only advance the process you currently have to complete when you are aboard.
To apply for a US Travel Authorisation, visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
The authorisation is free and the whole thing should take about 10 minutes. Once received, authorisation is good for two years.

Here’s the drum on the Tattoo - do it now

ECHOES of the pipes and drums are still bouncing around the cobbled alleys of Auld Reekie but it's time to think about next year's 60th anniversary Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Do not expect to roll up and buy your tickets the day you want to go. Any seat worth having will be long gone.

The 2009 version will run from August 7-29 and the people at Tempo Holidays are already on the travel market with three-day weekend packages which will save you any disappointment.
Priced from $592 pp twin share, they include two nights in four-star accommodation with full Scottish breakfasts, Tattoo tickets for Saturday evening performances (the ones which close with fireworks), return coach (bus!) transfers between your hotel and the Castle and taxes.

Additional Information about Scotland and the Tattoo:
Remember, 2009 has been designated Year of the Homecoming in Scotland which means all those people called ‘Jimmy’ will be returning to their roots thousands of us (I mean ‘them’) from all over the world, so everything will be at a premium in price and availability.  This makes a pre-paid package doubly sensible.
Days outside the Tattoo can be most satisfyingly filled taking in the legendary Edinburgh Festival of which the Tattoo is just a part.

Talk to Tempo Holidays on 1300 558 987, visit www.tempoholidays.com
 or see your travel agent a.s.a.p.
 

No Virginia, it’s not an igloo

But at Fantasy Time in the Luxe, who cares.
 
I think I will draw the line at ‘Eskimo Chic’ but room-themeing at Hong Kong's The Luxe Manor boutique hotel reaches new and appealing heights nonetheless.

For starters, the hotel is located on Kimbereley Rd just off the Nathan Rd shopping and entertainment mecca in Kowloon's Tsimshatsui area. So, when you're all shopped out, fantasy time in one of The Luxe six fantasy suites is just the shot.
In no particular order, they are Nordic, Safari, Liaison, Royale, Chic and Mirage. And it is Nordic which boasts of ‘Eskimo Chic’. Oddly, no offence intended, I have never thought of the proud and ancient Inuits as chic.

“From the moment each door is opened, a journey of exploration begins revealing bespoke furniture, lavish furnishings, state of the art technology, wireless internet connection throughout, eye-catching art work and unique features,” management company senior vice president Michael Tiplady gushes.

You can't say you weren't warned.
The six suites, all with separate lounge areas and en-suite bathrooms, are individually priced at around $1800 a night - not el cheapo - but this is Hong Kong 2008.
As it turns out, Nordic is believably a glacial cool suite with sparkling crystal, ice-like bathroom fittings, refreshing shades of blue, a snowflake pattern carpet and soft-winter overlays reminiscent of an icecap hideaway. (Igloo?)

By contrast, Safari emulates sleeping under desert stars in a Bedouin tent. Seating is low-level; and wood carvings, lanterns, sunken bath and a desk fashioned from a ‘steamer trunk’ complete the fantasy.  You can fire up the romance in the love-nest Liaison Suite, complete with round bed, upholstered wall in creams and rich reds and venetian mirrors.

Royale echoes the glamour and seduction of 1940 and 50's Hollywood, and the Chic Suite is modern, sophisticated and elegant, with lots of plush and mirrored bathrooms.
None of these prepare you for Mirage, a surreal creation of curved walls, optical illusions, hidden features …just what you need after a heavy night on the town!
“With this suite, seeing is believing, although nothing is what it seems,” says Tiplady. He's playing a familiar song.

Apart from all of the foregoing, The Luxe Manor (they insist it's pronounced Deluxe Manor) is a functional, regular hotel befitting its status as a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World. There are over 120 other non-themed rooms, a business centre with full secretarial services, function rooms and a signature restaurant.
If you want to know more, visit www.theluxemanor.com
 or just ask your travel agent to put it on your next Hong Kong itinerary.