If, like me, you are one of life's worriers, you won't look forward to the thought of sweating against the clock while you're en route to a distant airport.

My recent 9.30 am departure from Manchester Airport to Luxor left me with two choices, and I didn't fancy the first one much. That would have involved, especially in January, leaving home disgustingly early to allow for any delays on the M62, and even then knowing that one accident or snowfall problem would scupper my plans completely. My bleary eyes would then have to find a parking spot before sprinting with luggage to check-in.

Option two worked beautifully and involved a very comfortable pre-trip stay at the Manchester Airport Hilton. This plan takes all the pressure and headache out of getting away. It's a different experience when you can set off in the afternoon, knowing that time's not an issue, and get to the hotel by early evening. The Hilton is a very pleasant spot with a good buzz to it, and the frequent traffic of departing and returning passengers gives it quite an exotic feel. It's well-served by bars and restaurants too, and they make a real effort to offer something different instead of bland fare. The night I was there, the chef was offering a Mexican theme and clearly enjoying producing some splendid culinary theatre at his open kitchen.

The rooms are very comfortable, and the soundproofing means that you can enjoy watching the bustle of the skies without hearing it. The Hilton also offers inclusive deals where you can get a good price for leaving your car in secure parking while you're away in the sun. The next morning, it's a pleasure to rise at the time a gentleman should and take the short courtesy coach trip to the terminal next door. It's a totally different feeling to start a trip feeling relaxed instead of stressed, and I'd heartily recommend the experience.

We were so taken with the place, in fact, that we decided to reverse the idea when we arrived back at Manchester. The flight from Egypt was due to arrive after ten at night, and I didn't fancy getting straight off a six hour flight to drive for nearly three hours through a winter's night. What a pleasure to pick up luggage and then be a few minutes away from a nightcap and a cosy bed.

Do look at these packages; it's a much safer way to plan your holiday, and adds some leisure time instead of stress time. More details of Manchester Airport Hilton, and other airport Hiltons, at www.hilton.com.

You can also find the Heathrow Hilton on the same site, and I used that one recently without even flying. I was near London on business and didn't fancy taking the car into the centre, even before the congestion charge was due. A flash of inspiration, and I booked into the ideal spot near Terminal 4. Easy to reach, just off the M25, easy parking, and very easy access to the capital's centre via the Heathrow Express. You can check time-tables and fares at www.heathrowexpress.co.uk. The service runs every fifteen minutes between the airport and Paddington and takes only about fifteen minutes for the comfortable journey. Bear in mind that it takes way over an hour by car, on a good day, and it looks like a very attractive proposition indeed. If you can plan in advance, you can buy your tickets online and get a discount too.

All we need now is something that good between Teesside Airport and the rest of the Tees Valley and all would be well but that's an argument for another day.

Published: 14/02/2003