Do some deductible good

Doctors relax in Fiji between performing cataract surgeries for local out-islanders. A church group gets in some surfing while building houses in Belize. Enrich yourself and others tax-deductibly through charitable travel. Look for trips offered by nonprofits in order to deduct. You can even fund your travel costs from people you know who likewise can deduct their contribution. Ask the organization (and your tax adviser) about the specifics of the individual trip. Earthwatch is a good place to start. (www.earthwatch.org). Cross-Cultural Solutions is another (www.crossculturalsolutions.org), and International Volunteer Programs Association offers a general resource. See also IRS publication 463 on travel deductions (www.irs.gov).And don’t worry; it’s easier than it sounds. As an IRS adviser told me, ‘‘Uncle Sam just wants to make sure the trip is really dedicated to volunteer work, but it’s OK to have fun.’’