Dear Sir,

Recently an old friend called from Washington DC. Could I host him in Bermuda next weekend? “Of course,” I replied, “tell me when you’ve booked the flights.” The plan quickly unravelled: $1,694 for a return ticket.

Where, I wondered, could my friend spend the weekend for less?

I first thought of Hong Kong ($1,634), though getting to Honolulu ($912) wouldn’t take as long. Cape Town would be nice ($1,435) as would Cannes ($968), and if not Cooper’s Island, then how about some shopping in Milan ($579)? Paris is gorgeous ($651) just like Penang ($1,438), a lovely island not too far from Da Nang ($1,205). He’ll give Baghdad a miss ($1,556), though he could be tempted by Berlin ($418), and if not Bangkok ($1,432) perhaps a few days exploring Benin ($952)?

CHARLIE SHERRIFF

Pembroke