The thrill of embarking on a holiday is incomparable. The anticipation of being whisked away to a new destination, be it a vibrant European city or a tropical beach resort, is simply exhilarating. However, the excitement often comes with its fair share of stress.

From meticulous planning and packing to navigating through the airport, these tasks can sometimes dampen the holiday spirit. To ensure a seamless experience, travellers often go to great lengths, from preparing their liquids bag well in advance to planning their holiday outfits weeks ahead. One way to kick off your holiday on a high note is by booking an airport lounge.

For a fixed price, passengers can enjoy a range of food and drink options in a tranquil setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the Departures waiting area. Manchester Airport, which serves over 160 destinations, boasts nine lounges across its three terminals. Priced from £31.

99 - £29.99 at the time of writing - per person, the Escape Lounge offers 'an oasis of calm' and is the most affordable option. Having never experienced a lounge before, Manchester Evening News writer Ellie Kemp decided to give it a try at Terminal 1 - and was left wondering why she didn't try it sooner.

Upon arrival, she was welcomed by two staff members and gave her name - having pre-booked and paid for her slot online, which required selecting an approximate entry time. Ellie was then offered the choice between a dining table or a coffee table seating arrangement. She wr.