Cheapfares Blog

Often people are more conversant as to how to find cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, cheapfares, cheapdeals, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, thenthey are in properly preparing to take a pet on a trip with them.

Before deciding whether to travel with a pet think aboutyour pets condition. If your pet isgetting older or is anxious, he or she might be happier laying on a couch athome or enjoying some time at a doggy spa.

When planning a trip with a pet call your hotel, airline,rental car company and any local establishments that you will want to have youpet join you. Dog friendly means manydifferent things ranging from dogs will be tolerated to welcomed with treats ortoys or dog specific facilities.

The following are pet travel tips that help save time andmoney, keep pets safe and happy, and can help travelers really enjoy theirtrips with their animals, according to Celia Shatzman:

• Packthe right supplies including a leash and harness, bed, crate, shot records,litter box, familiar toys, food and water bowls, bottled water, food, treats,any prescriptions, and poop bags. Writeyour cellphone number on your pets collar in big numbers. If your pet likes to be next to you in bed atnight, pack a towel or bedsheet to protect hotel linens. If your pet has a sleeping bed or blanket,bring it. Any reminders from home lowerpets stress levels on the road.
• Beforedeparting make certain that all of your pets tags, including hisidentification and rabies are current. Bring copies of medical records and vaccinations. Air travel requires a health certificate andother documents depending on the airline and destination. Have your pet microchipped in case you getseparated.
• Bringa first aid kit with essentials such as gauze, gloves, medical tape, bandages,cleaning wipes, and disinfectant. PackBenadryl for possible allergic reactions, cornstarch to stop bleeding, andhydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in case your pet has eaten something heshould not have.
• Carrya printed photo of your pet which will be helpful if your pet is lost or youare trying to find your pet at an airport cargo pickup.
• Reservethe right hotel by confirming not only that your lodging is pet friendly, butwhether there is a weight restriction. Let your hotel know when you would like your room cleaned and at suchtimes have your pet elsewhere with you or in his cage. Inquire into dog walking areas in advance. Also ask if there are any additional hotelfees because of your animal.
• Unlessflying is mandatory, you should leave your dogs at home or find another type oftransportation. Usually only dogs andcats weighing under 10 lbs are allowed in a cabin. If your dog is going to fly in a transport crate,freeze treats and kibble in a water bowl so that the water does not spill andencourages your dog to work on the ice block to get to the treats.
• Tohelp your pet be calm and comfortable flying in a crate, do trial runs whereyou reward your animal for getting into the carrier. Do this frequently and increase the amount oftime he is in the carrier each time. Then take your animal in the carrier and drive him around in your car.
• Bringwhatever device you prefer (such as harness, booster seat, or special seat belt)to secure you dog or cat in a car. Loosecats tend to go under gas pedals while dogs can affect a drivers field ofvision.
• Keepyour animal entertained by giving him an interactive toy, such as ones thatdispense treats when certain acts are performed, that will occupy him on longtrips. If your dog will be by himself inthe backseat while you are driving, do not give him anything that he mightchoke on such as bones or hooves.
• Planto take plenty of breaks when driving. Dogs, like humans, usually need a break every two and a half hours on aroad trip. If possible, stop at dogparks to let your dog stretch his legs. The BringFido app locates dog parks near you when you travel.
• Ifyour dog or cat gets motion sickness easily, they likely will be happier ifleft behind. To minimize the likelihoodof motion sickness, avoid feeding your pet within three to four hours of traveland give him controlled amounts of water. Ask your vet if he recommends any medications or supplements for motionsickness. Motion sickness is more commonin puppies than older dogs. Encourageyour dog to face forward by lowering a window a bit or distract him with a toyto help alleviate nausea.
• Do notsedate your pet, especially when traveling by air, because cargo holds havedifferent air pressurization and temperatures than cabins. Your pet needs all of his faculties to handlestress.

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If you wisely plan an affordable trip by thoroughlyreviewing your cheaptravel options, including cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, thenyou would be wise to avoid paying common travel expenses than can be avoided.

The following are seemingly tiny travel expenses that canadd up quickly, according to Shannon McMahon:

• Foreigntransaction and ATM fees often surprise travelers once they return home. Avoid foreign transaction fees by signing upfor credit cards that do not charge you to use their cards overseas. ATM fees can be minimized by being careful asto when, where, and how often you take out money. Usually the most desirable option is to visityour bank prior to departure to exchange currency. If you have to withdraw money at yourdestination, do it in as few transactions as possible.
• Notrechecking airfares after buying airline tickets can mean that you miss out onlower fares that you could have booked within 24 hours of your initialpurchase. Likewise hotel prices oftendrop after initial reservations are made.
• Overpacking is common and costly because of checked baggage fees. Traveling without checking a bag is usuallydoable if you maximize your carry-on and personal item capabilities. Choosing the right carry-on bag and/orchanging your packing approach can help having to check a bag. Sometimes only by reducing the amount of stuffyou pack can you make everything fit in a carry-on bag.
• Stayingin expensive hotels can jack up your travel costs. Look into joining a house or pet sitting sitesuch as TrustedHousesitters for under $100. If you would prefer a pet free residence, Airbnb tends to be a cheapalternative to hotels in many expensive cities.
• Eatingexclusively at restaurants while traveling often is unhealthy as well asexpensive. Housesitting and Airbnbusually provides access to a kitchen and opportunity to cook meals. Save money when eating out by subscribing torestaurant deals near your destination through websites such as Groupon andLivingSocial.
• Drivingor taking cabs tends to be expensive. Usually the best way to explore a city is by walking or taking publictransit. If you plan to take publictransportation at your destination, find out what the cheapest payment optionprior to departure. Many cities offerdiscounted smart card passes. Uber isusually a more cost effective way to travel than cabs when publictransportation is not an option.
• Nottaking advantage of rewards programs is a sure way of spending more on travelthan otherwise would be required. Alwayssign up for airline and lodging rewards. Even if you are an infrequent traveler, many programs offer inside dealsor freebies (such as free Wi-Fi) just for signing up. Always inquire whether your existingmemberships (such as AAA, student, active military, senior) might qualify youfor discounts.

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After carefully checking out cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, thelast thing you want to realize after arriving at your hotel is that the onething you really need is sitting in your medicine cabinet at home.

In addition to your usual makeup and medications, thefollowing are small travel items that are must haves for your toiletry kit,according to Shannon McMahon:

• Foldabletoothbrushes save space in your toiletry bag and shields the bristles fromcoming in contact with anything you do not want to put in your mouth. Folding toothbrushes such as GUMs On-the-GoSoft Toothbrush are inexpensive. Makesure to pack travel sized toothpaste and floss as well.
• Travelsized deodorant such as the natural, fresh smelling antiperspirant Toms 24Hour Naturally Dry Antiperspirant, smells clean, not flowery or soapy, and is smallenough to go through airport security in your carry-on.
• FacialWipes come in handy since traveling often makes people sweat and exposed toadditional germs, and the stress, sleep change, or change in diet often makestravelers more prone to breakouts. Alight cleansing towelette such as Yes to Cucumber Hypoallergenic FacialTowelettes keeps skin clean and comfortable. The cucumber, aloe, and green tea in these wipes keeps users fresh facesafter dealing with a crowded flight or a long day exploring a dirty city.
• Nailclippers are a must in dealing with a broken nail or a hang nail. They also are useful when there are noscissors in your hotel room. Ideallytravel with a foldable version that comes in a small case, such as TweezermanFolding Nail Clippers.
• Babypower is infinitely useful and the cool white powder can be used as a dryshampoo, to remove sticky sand from your skin after a day at the beach, insmelly or damp shoes, or on skin to stay cool on a humid day.
• Lipbalm is great in preventing chapped lips and dry skin. A small tube of Vaseline Lip Therapy isversatile and can also be used as an eye make-up remover, on cracked hands, andfor dealing with fly away hair.
• Wide-ToothComb, either a half-sized version or a foldable comb with wide-set teeth, likeCricket Ultra Cleans mini comb are ideal for dealing with thick or curly typesof hair.
• Tintedpowder SPF is handy in combating oily skin after a long flight and providingprotection from the sun. Consider anatural, oil free liquid option such as Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen. When going to the beach or hiking sweatprooflotions such as Coppertone Sport does the trick.
• Medications,particular motion sickness pills and pain reliever often come in handy. Travelers sometimes get nauseous on flightsor in cars. Knowing how your body mightreact to the stress of travel, the climate you are going to, or the activitiesyou will be doing is important.
• Adhesivebandages often come in handy when you need to wrap a cut or prevent blisters beforewalking all over town.

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After carefully reviewing your cheap traveloptions, including cheapairplane tickets, cheap auto rentals, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, thelast thing you want to face while traveling is to have your cash stolen.

Ideally you should deter thieves by making your moneydifficult for them to access, but you still want to be able to get to itwithout having to strip off clothes or hunt through a bags hidden pockets.

The following are tips for carrying money safely andelegantly while traveling, according to Christine Sarkis:

Placeyour travel cash and credit cards in multiple safe spots. Otherwise it only takes one theft to totallywipe you out.

Considerbuying under clothing storage accessories such as bra stashes, long johns,underwear and undershirts that come with built-in pockets for safestorage. On body storage accessories areespecially helpful if you are sleeping somewhere that does not offer a secureplace for cash and other valuables. Youwill still want to carry a wallet since fishing around under your clothes formoney lets others see where you are hiding your cash. Be aware that fanny packs make people morevulnerable to thievery since it marks the person as a tourist.

Makesmaller denomination of cash easily accessible. Each morning place a variety of small bills and coins in a handy spotfor purchases such as food, souvenirs, and attraction entry fees. Leave larger bills in your under-clothingmoney pouch, or place them in a secure part of your wallet or bag.

Travelwith an anti-theft bag that comes with features such as cut proof, steel cablereinforced shoulder straps, slash proof fabric, and locking zippers.

Beforedeparting on your trip go through your wallet and take out everything exceptthe necessities such as a universal credit card and a backup, an identificationcard, and an insurance card. Ultimatelynot only will this allow you to travel lighter, but if your wallet ends up lostor stolen, you will have less to replace.

If youwill be traveling someplace known for pickpockets or muggings, look into buyinga cheap wallet that you pad with some small bills and sample credit cards thatyou get with offers in the mail. Carrying a dummy wallet gives you something to throw and run, providingyou time to safely escape with your real wallet.

Buy atravel only wallet so that your credit cards will have snug pockets and willnot accidentally slip out. Regularlyused wallets have pockets that tend to be stretched out over time with cardssuch as gym memberships, pre-paid coffee cards, frequent buyer punch cards,etc. Instead of having to unpack andrepack your day to day wallet you can simply transfer what you need for yourtrip to your travel version.

Adaptto the local money culture. If you arein a cash economy, you will need to carry a variety of bills and coins at alltimes, without needing to carry credit cards. In much of Europe and parts of Asia having a compatible credit card(with chip and pin technology) will prove very useful, particularly if you findyourself at an unattended gas station or train station after hours.

Takeadvantage of money alternatives such as at metro stations and bus lines wheretravelers often forgo cash and credit card transactions totally and relyinstead on a multi-use ticket or other cash alternatives.

Often the best way to protect your cash is not to carry it at all. Hotels in room safes are usually secure. If you have something (including a large wad of cash) that you are concerned about, ask if the hotel has a safe deposit box behind the check-in desk. www.cheapfares.com

After smartly planning for a trip abroad by thoroughly reviewing cheap traveloptions including cheap airplanetickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages, itwould be a shame to later run into problems because you used a certain gesturethat is totally innocent in the U.S. but means something completely differentand offensive overseas.

The following are hand signals to avoid when travelingabroad, according to Caroline Morse:

If you give someone thepeace sign with your palm facing inward in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, orthe United Kingdom you are giving someone the equivalent of your middle finger.

While two thumbs up isa sign of approval in the U.S., in Afghanistan, Greece, Iran, and parts ofItaly it signifies up yours.

Making a circle withyour index finger and thumb is not OK in certain countries. For example, in France it means zero orworthless. In Brazil, Turkey, andVenezuela, it is a vulgar slang that will offend anyone who sees it.

Finger summoning mightbe OK to signal someone in the U.S. to come over to you, but in the Philippinesusing your curled index finger is reserved for calling dogs and is consideredvery rude. In Japan and Singapore themotion signifies death.

Using your left hand toeat is viewed as inappropriate in Africa, India, the Middle East, and Sri Lankabecause the left hand is traditionally viewed as unclean since it is associatedwith cleaning yourself after using a toilet.

The palm out, fingersup stop sign in Greece may result in someone punching you in the face. This is a gesture used to insult Greeks anddates back to Byzantine times, when shackled criminals were paraded through thestreet and gawkers were allowed to smear charcoal or excrement in their facesusing their open palms.

While crossing yourindex and middle fingers is one used in America as an indication of hope, inVietnam crossed fingers symbolize a part of the female anatomy and isconsidered very rude when flashed at someone.

Displaying devil horns(with your hand in a fist and index and pinky finger extended) is fine at aUniversity of Texas game but not in Brazil, Colombia, Portugal or Spain. In these countries this gesture is used tosuggest that someones wife has been unfaithful.

Hailing a taxi by waivingyour arm is common in the U.S. but in Korea it is how people summon theirdogs.

Patting someone elseshead or hair for a job well done is a definite faux pas in Thailand. In the Buddhist faith the head is the mostsacred part of the body and is where the spirit lives.www.cheapfares.com

Savvy travelers know that they should thoroughly reviewtheir cheap traveloptions such as cheap airplanetickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packagesbefore finalizing any plans abroad. Unfortunately many people are less aware of credit or debit cardpitfalls that commonly are encountered overseas.

The following are the credit or debit card gotchas to beon the lookout for, according to Ed Perkins:

Mostcredit cards charge a foreign transaction fee that averages 3 percent. What many travelers are unaware of is thatthis fee is usually also charged even when transactions are processed overseasin U.S. dollars.

Usinga credit card is a terrible way to get cash. A recent survey of the top 100 credit cards found that taking a cashadvance results in a fee, typically around three to five percent with a $10minimum, plus an ATM charge unless you are using one from your own bank, as wellas a stiff interest rate with a median value of 24 percent even if your accountis fully paid. Never use a credit cardfor cash unless you have no alternative.

Creditcard rental car insurance usually does not cover holders completely. Often, though not always, when using a creditcard to reserve and pay for a rental, the credit card issuer provides secondarycollision coverage. Rental car coverageis universal with Visa and American Express but not with MasterCard andDiscover. MasterCard and Discover rentalcoverage depends on the issuing bank. Beaware that most credit cards do not extend car rental insurance to car rentalsmade overseas.

Overseasfees for using a credit card when paying often can be as much as two to fivepercent of the bill.

Withdrawalsfor Global ATM Alliance banks now incur a three percent exchange fee. In the past the Global ATM Alliance wasviewed as the ideal way to get foreign currency. By having a Bank of America checking orsavings account, you could use a debit card to withdraw local currency withneither an ATM nor a conversion fee from ATMs at affiliated banks at manycountries.

Airportno fee ATM gouging is largely a thing of the past at most internationalgateway airports. Foreign exchangecompanies such as Travelex have negotiated exclusive ATM arrangements with bighub airports and installed their own ATMs. While they typically advertise no fees, they usually provide lousyexchange rates, often as much as 10 percent worse than you would get with a bigbank ATM.

Non-chipcredit cards are increasingly not being accepted outside the U.S. This is particularly true of places such asgas stations and subways that do not have an attendant available.

Whilethe chip and sign credit cards can reduce some kinds of fraud, they are farfrom fraud proof. A large part of creditcard fraud originates with card not present transactions, such as those madeonline. If a thief can get your data,for example by hacking into a merchant account, the chip is of no help.

Also your personal information can bestolen by someone carrying the right hardware nearby without ever touching you,unless your credit cards are shielded by a credit card protector.

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Often trips that started off promising after a thoroughreview of cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, cheapdeals, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, seemless promising when travelers arrive at the airport only to face seeminglyendless airport security lines.

The following are strategies to help make the screeningprocess go by in a flash, according to Caroline Costello:

Jointhe Transportation Security Administrations (TSA) PreCheck program toexperience faster, smoother screening at select domestic airports. Usually PreCheck travelers are allowed toleave their shoes on and their laptops and toiletry liquids in their bags whengoing through security checkpoints.

During the application process travelershave to provide a fair amount of personal information in order to essentiallybecome pre-screened. Members are generallyhappy to trade a modicum of privacy in order to spend less time in airportsecurity lines.

Watchsecurity agents prior to selecting which line to go through. The quickest line is not always the only withthe shortest number of people in it. Instead look for the line that is moving the fastest. Choose the line where the security agent ishustling travelers through with the greatest speed and efficiency.

Byjoining a frequent flier program and attaining elite status travelers and theircompanions often are given access to exclusive, and faster, security lines atairports.

Gettingan upgrade sometimes comes with the added bonus of expedited security. Upgrades can be had by asking in person atthe check in counter, politely and directly for an upgrade. Other options include paying for an upgrade,redeeming frequent flier miles, or even bidding on one, depending on which airlineyou are flying. Sometimes discountedupgrades are offered at electronic check in kiosks. For some it is easily worth an extra $50 toadvance to business class and hustle through security.

Makesure you closely follow the 3-1-1 rule: liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and thesecontainers must be in a single quart size zip top bag. When it comes to gels, remember if you cansqueeze it through a pastry bag, do not bring it through security.

Wrappresents when you get to your destination. Otherwise your wrapped presents could get torn open at checkpoints.

Packwisely and do not pack so much that you have to sit on your bag to get itclosed. If a security officer decides toopen your bag, you will ultimately have to waste time pulling together youroverflowing contents and trying to get that zipper closed afterwards. A well-organized bag causes less confusionwhen going through the X-ray scanner.

Getorganized before going through a security checkpoint. In addition to having your boarding pass andID handy, pack the items you will want to take out quickly, such as your laptopand zip top bag of liquids, in an easy to grab spot at the top of your carry-onbag.

Makecertain to completely empty your pockets including spare change, keys, and anyother metal item that will set off a metal detector and result in extrascreening. If possible, do not wear anyjewelry since it may set off alarms. Wearing an outfit without a belt could make things a little easier. Remember to wear easily removable shoes.

TSA has an app where you can type the name of an item in a Can I Bring? field for instant answers. It also provides security wait times and a guide to TSA rules fortravelers.www.cheapfares.com

Flying like a pro involves more than just checking out cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages.

The following are tips on how to get the best seats on aflight, save time and money, and avoid hassles, collected from travel writers,industry insiders, and ultra-frequent fliers by Deb Hopewell:

Iffinding space for your carry-on is not a factor and your flight is not soldout, it sometimes pays to be the last person to board. That way you can look around to see if thereare any empty rows or two empty seats adjacent to each other. If you are traveling with carry-on luggage,10 minutes before boarding approach a gate attendant and politely ask if thereare any available seats with empty ones next to them.

If youare traveling with someone else, reserve one window seat and one aisle seat inthe same row. Since middle seats areusually unpopular, you have a shot at that seat being empty, thus providing youextra space. If someone ends up in thatmiddle seat, that person is highly likely to be happy to switch to the aisle orwindow, thus allowing you to sit with your traveling partner.

Toavoid having to jockey for space for your carry-on in the bins along witheveryone else, ask the gate attendant to check your carry-on, especially if theflight is full or nearly full. Mostairlines (with Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit notable exceptions) allow freecheck in of carry-ons at their gates.

To notbe taken advantage of by airline pricing technology, search for airfares usinga few different browsers, if not devices (such as your laptop, table, andphone) and then purchase the one showing the best price. As you search, you should delete your cookies. Pros have found that this approach helps findthe cheapest tickets. Typically, on anygiven day, the same seat is offered at many different prices, with pricesliterally changing from minute to minute.

If youwill have time between connecting flights, carry a lightweight power strip thatcan be packed up small so that you can charge multiple devices at the same timeat the airport as well as at your destination.

Onlong distance flights look into ordering one of the airlines custommeals. These usually include vegetarian,low sodium, and kosher options and sometimes other tasty offerings. These meals tend to be served and clearedfirst, providing select passengers extra time to sleep.

Inflight theft is more common that many people believe. Valuables, including passports, havedisappeared from overhead bins. Keepyour passport, wallet, and any critical valuables on you at all times. If you have any valuables in a bag, take thatbag with you when you get up to stretch or use the bathroom.

Bringan empty reusable water bottle on the plane that can be filled at a waterfountain after you pass through airport security. Remember to never fill your container fromwater in the planes bathroom since sometimes such water has been known to makepassengers ill.

Carrya few TSA approved quart sized plastic bags in your carry-on. That way you will never accidentally bewithout one. At times passengers havehad to surrender their carry-on liquids because they were not packed in aseparate bag.

To reducethe odds that you will be within ear range of a loud toddler choose a seat atleast a couple of rows back from the bulkhead seats which are popular withparents traveling with children. Packingearplugs just in case is also advised.

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Once you have done your homework and researched available cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages, youshould make certain that you get what you paid for while traveling.

Problems often happen on trips and hotel bookings sometimesget mixed up, flights are delayed and tour companies sometimes dont deliver aspromised. While this is all part oftravel learning experiences, that does not mean that you should be a silentsufferer.

The following are suggestions on how to complaineffectively and ensure that your wants and needs are satisfied, according toShannon McMahon:

Beforeyou contact a companys customer service department make certain that you willbe communicating with the best possible point of contact. Sometimes you need to deal with someonehigher up in the company who has the authority to be in a position to helpyou. If the person you are speaking toappears not to have the power to help, politely ask to speak to a manager.

Having the correct paperwork on hand,including your confirmation and account numbers is important. Travel companies usually want to help butneed specifics in order to do so.

Take adeep breath before communicating with a company. Hot headed complaints rarely endpositively. Never raise your voice or berude. Remember the person you arespeaking to is someone you hope will decide to help with your situation.

Keepyour communications simple. Long windedrants and embellished complaints wont positively resolve problems. Start by explaining what went wrong and whatyou need from them. Quantify yourcomplaint with time or money values so that it is clear how severe the problem isand be specific as to your expectations. Be ready to identify what you want, be it a refund, credit, upgrade, orchange. Sometimes all you have to do isask.

Listenclosely to the company representative. You might learn details of how to fix your problem which could come inhandy if this problem reoccurs. If youconduct a cordial conversation, you might end up with an upgrade in addition toa solution to your problem to make up for the hassle.

Clarifyand ask questions. By verifying that theperson assisting you is making changes, you may not need to follow up after youare finished speaking. If further actionis required, get a detailed explanation so that you do not end up having tohave the same conversation with another representative later.

Makecertain that you get what you need. Savvy travelers ask for a confirmation in writing as to what exactly hasbeen fixed. Changed reservations,returns, and upgrades usually come with a receipt or confirmation email.

Oncesatisfied with whatever solution is offered, get the name and/or employeenumber, and contact information of who helped you so that you have a point ofreference if later what was promised does not happen.

If themistake is yours, then admit it.

Make a point of knowing how to proceed if your problem cannot be resolved via a single email or telephone conversation. Always make certain to thank the employee once your problem has been resolved.www.cheapfares.com

• Resist the urge to mention your trip on social media or in public. You can always post the pictures (and re-live the vacation) once you’re back home.
• Make an inventory of your valuables, including serial numbers and photos.
• Stop the newspaper and mail, or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up.
• Park your car inside the garage – and ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally.
• Put at least one light on a timer.
• Arrange for your lawn to stay trimmed.