Skip to content
Andrew Tobias
Andrew Tobias

Money and Other Subjects

  • Home
  • Books
  • Videos
  • Bio
  • Archives
  • Links
  • Me-Mail
Andrew Tobias
Andrew Tobias

Money and Other Subjects

Your Next Vacation (Really)

October 17, 2001February 20, 2017

But first:

I just read CALTON‘s (CN) quarterly report, and it’s evident this former cash play is now a complete crapshoot. (Sorry about that.) That’s no guarantee of failure, and I am stubborn enough to hold on to all or most of mine. But with that nice $5-a-share cash distribution behind us, and its high-tech ventures bleeding cash, the possibility of a total wipeout seems very real.

Ah, but why worry about money when you can get to Hawaii for a buck and a half? When you can get 4-star hotel rooms just about anyplace for $79 with Priceline.com?

But how about something more than just lying on the beach, even if it’s no bargain in the traditional sense?

Muriel Horacek: ‘As you know, I am an Earthwatch Institute volunteer Field Rep, which entails recruiting people to assist scientists in field research. I also go on at least three field expeditions myself each year. We pay our own way, but it’s tax deductible. I have done 30 expeditions on six continents, and have no intention of canceling my next one, in November, to Kenya. If I opted out I would feel that the terrorists have won!

‘I was concerned that many people would be afraid of flying long distances and working in, and with the local people, in Third World countries, which offer little protection compared to our secure haven at home. However, I am heartened to learn from the Earthwatch HQ that, on the contrary, people are calling and saying that we need more contacts like this. I have found that many citizens of these countries are surprised that Westerners would pay for the opportunity to work on their hands and knees in an archeological dig, walking through jungles on bird or animal surveys, walking the beach all night protecting nesting 1,000 lb turtles, teaching maternal and child health in Africa or Asia, or monitoring behavior of dolphins, monkeys, macaws or a host of other animals.

‘We cannot compare with the good work the Peace Corps does, but for those who do not want to commit two years, Earthwatchers who give 2 to 3 weeks a year learn a lot, give a lot, and make lifetime friends with both the locals and volunteers from many countries.’

Post navigation

← Your Next Vacation
Columnists →

Quote of the Day

"Total abstinence is so excellent a thing that it cannot be carried to too great an extent. In my passion for it I even carry it so far as to totally abstain from total abstinence itself."

Mark Twain | The Washington Post, June 11, 1881

Subscribe

 Advice

The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need

"So full of tips and angles that only a booby or a billionaire could not benefit." -- The New York Times

Help

MYM Emergency?

Too Much Junk?

Tax Questions?

Ask Less

Recent Posts

  • Two Things You Can Never Be

    July 11, 2025
  • Anyone? Anyone?

    July 11, 2025
  • "PAPERS PLEASE" -- Trump's Very Own Gigantic Police Force

    July 9, 2025
  • 5 Links And A Joke Walk Into A Bar

    July 8, 2025
  • There WAS No Cherry Tree

    July 7, 2025
  • "The Most Popular Bill Ever Signed In The History Of Our Country"

    July 6, 2025
  • Unbelievably Bad -- Literally

    July 4, 2025
  • Repeal The Steal

    July 2, 2025
  • Our Record-High Stock Market

    June 30, 2025
  • Stuffing The Goose

    June 30, 2025
Andrew Tobias Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
©2025 Andrew Tobias - All Rights Reserved | Website: Whirled Pixels | Author Photo: Tony Adams