Enjoying the playground of Apollo
Socialite Tara Palmer-Tompkinson says she regularly has weekend breaks in Thailand.
For most of us a jaunt like that is completely out of the question.
But there are countries in Europe that make ideal three-day destinations. Cyprus is rarely visited by weekend visitors yet it is only a four-hour flight away and has the climate and culture to tempt anyone to visit.
With a population of only 780,000 and January temperatures of 18 celsius, Cyprus is a great winter break.
But is it any good for a weekend? The answer is a resounding yes.
My whistle-stop tour began with a visit to the ruined sanctuary of Apollo on the south coast of the republic. It has fabulous views over a sparkling blue sea. The Roman buildings were levelled by an earthquake in AD 365.
Plantations of orange and citrus fruit line the roads in Cyprus and although the landscape is sparse, there is rich vegetation everywhere in lower areas.
In the town of Pafos I visted the House of Dionysos. It was owned by a leading Roman, probably the governor.
On its floors are glorious mosaics, in good condition, that warned visitors to the house against excessive boozing. I should have taken heed!
Lemesos (we call it Limassol) was built rapidly in the 1970s and is not exactly an architectural wonder. In fact it sprawls for miles. But it is full of clubs, bars, tavernas and in June, July and August is a mecca for fun-loving Brits.
Eating in Cyprus is great fun. You don't have three formal courses rather it is done meze-style.
The waiters bring out courses on small plates at intervals for about an hour. Don't pig out at the start!
Travel Guide: Cyprus