Donald Trump is about to take his first extended break from "the swamp" of Washington since his inauguration in January.

"Don't take vacations. What's the point?" the tycoon wrote in his 2004 book Trump: Think Like A Billionaire. "If you're not enjoying your work, you're in the wrong job."

It seems the President has since had a change of heart.

He starts his holiday on Friday, when he will travel to his private golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, for a 17-day break.

Image: Mr Trump has visited his Mar-a-Lago resort several times since taking office

In reality, Mr Trump has spent nearly half of his weekends in office away from the White House.

The Associated Press news agency says he has spent 13 out of 28 weekends away from Washington, splitting his time mainly between the golf club and his property in Palm Beach, Florida.

One weekend away was spent abroad as part of an official overseas trip, while he also spent the Father's Day weekend at the government-owned Camp David in Maryland.

Image: Mr Trump probably won't be heading to Mexico for his hols any time soon

The President's frequent mini-breaks contrast with his views before he took office, when he often criticised Barack Obama for his holiday habits.

"@BarackObama played golf yesterday. Now he heads to a 10-day vacation in Martha's Vineyard. Nice work ethic," he tweeted back in August 2011.

Mr Trump insisted to supporters he would not have time to play golf when he became President.

Despite this, pictures of him on the course often appear on social media when he spends time at his clubs, although his staff rarely acknowledge them.

Image: The President previously criticised Barack Obama's 'work ethic' for playing golf

US presidents nearly always leave Washington in August.

Martha's Vineyard was the favoured holiday destination for both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, while George W Bush spent time on his ranch in Texas.

Mr Trump's holiday may partly be taken out of necessity; all staff who work in the West Wing of the White House have to move out by the end of the week so repairs to the building can take place.

Image: Barack Obama used to vacation with his family in Martha's Vineyard

Workmen are taking advantage of the August exodus to replace the building's 27-year-old heating and cooling system as well as fix a host of other things, including the problem of actual water leaks in the press office ceiling.

The work is expected to be completed by August 21 - in time for Mr Trump to get back to work.