Are they asking for proof of tickets purchased and accommodations booked? Or are they asking for general info? When I applied through the Los Angeles office, I gave them info for the flight I was intending to take once approved and the hotel I was planning to stay in for a few days until I got longer-term accommodations sorted out. Because there was no way I was going to pay for thise things until I was certain I was approved. BTW, I got approved about 45 minutes after I submitted my application for the soft power category (cooking classes).