Travel Notes...

What's new and hot to get the best from your holdiay

BIG BANG

BUTLIN’S first Astonishing Family Science weekend features explosive experiments, weird and wonderful workshops and live talks from scientists. This break, aimed at six to 14year-olds, costs from £89 pp for three nights, September 18-21 at Butlin’s Minehead resort (0330 100 6648, butlins.com/science).

FREE ENTRY

BRITONS travelling to Vietnam for 15 days or less will no longer need a visa until June 30, 2016. Abercrombie & Kent ( 01242 855 341, abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers cultural tours of Hanoi, Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta.

FULL CHARGE

THERE isn’t always a power socket to hand when your phone runs out, so Debenhams has launched the Thumbs Up Power Charger. Charge the compact, portable battery pack via your home computer before you go away, then simply plug into your phone or tablet with a USB cable when out and about. Compatible with most devices. From £15, debenhams.com.

PEARLS OF PERSIA

IN THE wake of Iran’s recent deal to lift economic sanctions, it’s set for a tourism boom. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is launching a Heart of Persia tour to the deserted citadel at Rayen, the ancient city of Yazd and a journey through the Zagros mountains. Twelve days all-inclusive from £6,695 pp, departing October 19, September 8 and October 23, 2016, goldeneagleluxurytrains.com.