NEED TO KNOW / NEWS STYLE TIPS TRENDS

It’s crunch time for procrastinators who plan to drive across the border to Mexico or Canada on June 1 or later. That’s when new rules kick in that will require most Americans to show a passport, a new document called a passport card or other high-security ID to reenter the U.S. from those countries by land or sea; fliers already need a passport. “We will not deny entry to noncompliant travelers,” said Kelly Ivahnenko, spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. But if you don’t have the right documents, you may be delayed or referred to secondary inspection, she said. For details, visit the agency’s Web page on this issue, www.getyouhome.gov.

-- Jane Engle

The San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre boutique hotel firm is opening three Southern California hotels by year’s end. In late June, the 119-room, edgy-beachy Hotel Erwin Venice is to open near Muscle Beach. A $20-million renovation is transforming the Hotel Maya in Long Beach into a hip, luxury destination. And by late fall, the 130-room Pacific Edge in Laguna Beach will be relaunched as a stylish beachfront hotel, one of California’s few right on the sand. On May 12, Joie de Vivre opened the 157-room Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach. Decorated with a beachy-urban look, the Shorebreak is offering a “Summer of the Century” deal to mark its opening and the city’s 100th anniversary. For the hotel’s first 100 days, it will offer 100 rooms a week for $100 a night for those who live within 100 miles of Huntington Beach.

Almost time to show passport

Joie de beach

-- Valli Herman

Up to scale

Balanzza pioneered the small, hand-held digital luggage scale that clips onto the handle of a bag, and, when lifted, displays the bag’s weight. But what if you want to weigh something with no handle -- such as a box or books? No problem with two new Balanzza accessories. Strapz are double straps that buckle onto the scale’s strap and that wrap around boxes of up to 100 pounds. Harnezz is a spacious sling that holds loose items weighing up to 50 pounds. Balanzza Ergo Scale is $25; Strapz and Harnezz, $10 apiece, at www.balanzzastore.com or (305) 424-5022.

-- Judi Dash

Maui Film Fest

Here’s a film fest that takes place not just amid the stars but beneath them too. The outdoorsy Maui Film Festival, June 17 to 21, is fast approaching, and in addition to a slate of films, guests can enjoy opening-night parties, chocolate tastings, surf lessons and yoga. The festival takes place in Wailea’s Maui Arts & Cultural Center. There are some deals here. Presale prices are 25% to 60% lower than last year’s, and opening and closing night will be free for kids 12 and younger. Single tickets to premieres start at $10. Info: www.mauifilmfestival.com.

-- Times staff