Some Tour Operators offer 3 and 4 night breaks and Cyprus is not that far away. I know many friends who have gone for a shopping weekend to New York - certainly a longer flight.
I always think a few days is better than having to wait ages. I'm lucky only working 3 days a week so I can manage working Mon - Wed and fly out Wed. night or Thursday morning returning Wed afternoon and into work Thursday and no holiday used!
Do be careful not to take the Thursday mid day flight I made that mistake booked before I looked carefully and saw I was going via Brussels. OK I didn't have to get off the plane but it made it a long journey.