Just in time
The biggest whinge against guide books is that they go out of date quickly. Time Out hopes to beat this by printing its new, pocket-friendly Shortlist series annually. Local writers highlight what’s new in a place as well as its enduring attractions. New York, Paris, Barcelona, London, Prague and Rome are the launch titles, and cost £6.99 each. Details: www.timeout.com
One-stop call
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The new Nokia N93 mobile could mean taking fewer gadgets on holiday. As well as a 3.2 mega pixel camera and DVD-like video capture, it has a 2.4in screen, broadband internet access, TV, radio, 3-D games and ability to hold up to 1,500 songs if you use add-on memory cards. And it’s a phone. It’s available from Vodafone at the Carphone Warehouse (0800 925925).
Eastern promise
From November British passengers heading Down Under can take advantage of cheap deals between the Far East and Australia. The budget carrier Jetstar (www.jetstar.com) is launching services between Australia and cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh and Osaka. One-way tickets from Bali to Sydney, for example, will start at £165.
Fit for a dame
Australia’s most famous housewife, Dame Edna Everage, received the keys to her home city, Melbourne, at a ceremony outside the town hall last week. The gladioli-waving superstar — and acquaintance of fellow Australian Barry Humphries — was honoured for “her” 50 years in show business.
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Anyone visiting the Victorian capital can now enjoy dinner and sightseeing in a newly restored 1940s tram. Bela joined a fleet of two others last month, allowing visitors to dine on local food and wine while enjoying the sights of Australia’s most civilised and ethnically diverse city. Details: www.visitmelbourne.com/uk. Qantas (0845 7747767, www.qantas.co.uk) flies there daily, possums, from £630.
Moment in the sun
Guernsey’s underwater bike race, with scuba-qualified competitors “racing” across the seabed, takes place next weekend at La Vallette. Details: VisitGuernsey, 01481 723552, www.visitguernsey.com.
Out in the cold
Bad news for travellers who fancy dropping in on quaint local festivals — authorities in China have banned strippers at funerals. Strip shows are sometimes used to lure more mourners as villagers believe a crowded send-off will bring more honour to the deceased.