The latest economic crisis is changing the way people "vacation" this summer. In other years, families might go away for extended get-aways - renting a house at the beach or lake, going to a resort to relax and sight-see. The current trend is a "Staycation."

Being close to home doesn't mean throwing caution to the wind. Children may go to a day camp rather than sleep-away camp, and who's minding them at any sports and recreational groups? Parties at your house can bring lawsuits if alcohol is served and gets in a wreck on the way home. We don't want to scare you; be realistic - and don't get sued.

You may have plans to be away for a wedding or family get together. Use these travel tips anytime.

Here are some general SUMMER STAYCATION TIPS with articles below that have more details.

Having a Party at Your Home?

• Summer is definitely the time of year for most swimming pools to be open. Whether you have a pool in your backyard or go to a community pool, read which Safeguards You Should Look Into before accidents happen
• Be careful of children drinking alcohol even at home, Adults Have Responsibility for Underage Drinkers in their house
• Homeowners and Renters Insurance FAQ
• Personal Injury Slip and Fall FAQs

The Sound of Children Playing

The summer is filled with more than enough activities for children to participate in: Swimming, baseball, basketball, theater programs, going away to camp or staying closer with day camps. There are many issues surrounding children's sports and games that you should be aware of as a parent to protect your child and ensure your child returns home safe and sound.

• Important Steps to Prevent Child Abduction from anywhere - at any time
• Do you know you'll be late picking up your child from a program? This is what happens if you Fail to Pick Up Your Child After an Activity
• Professional athletes and Olympic participants aren't the only ones getting tested for drugs: Drug Testing in Children's Sports
• Keep your child in the game: What you need to know about Discrimination and Federally Funded Activities
• How is a Day Camp for Children Operated? You should know these facts before enrolling your child.
• Who's watching your children? Background Checks for People Working with Kids
• Understand Megans Law and Sex Offender Registry in your neighborhood

Who's on First? Protect Yourself at the Ballgame and other Public Activities

• A day at the ballgame - professional or PeeWee - IS fun and games unless you get hurt. What are your Personal Injury Risks and Rights at a spectator sport?
• Pets are a part of your life and are often around when you have a party. When Your Pet Attacks are You Liable?
• Whether or not your child is wearing a Helmet While Riding a Bike can make a difference in a personal injury lawsuit.
• Suing After an Injury FAQ

Automobile Trips

Accident

It's not just a myth that most automobile accidents happen close to home; it's a fact that about 50% of all accidents happen within 10 miles of your home. This is usually explained that you're less aware of your surrounding because you're traveled those roads more often. Between 10 and 20 miles from home the percentage goes down, but increases again after 20 miles from home.

• Don't let an Auto Accident ruin your trip before it even begins.
• Pull over, get out your insurance card, exchange information: What to Do After an Automobile Accident
• Practice road safety: Don't Get Caught Unaware When Traveling with Kids
• What's the best way to Keep Kids Safe While on the Road?
• Here's what you need to know about Auto Accidents and Personal Injury Lawsuits
• Products Liability can be a factor in an accident. Check here for more information

Traffic Violations & DUI/DWI

Summer parties and cool drinks go hand in hand, but that doesn't mean you or your guests should drive afterward. Ensure that your guests have a designated driver and that they don't get into their cars even after 1 or 2 drinks without waiting a while to "cool down." It's better to be prepared for stayovers than risk a lawsuit for an accident.

• Traffic Violations
• DUI/DWI : Know what this means; it's not just limited to alcohol
• As a party host, you have a lot of work to do, and some of that may be supplying alcohol to your guests. What is your Social Host Alcohol Liability when you have a party in your home?
• If you have a party outside your home are you responsible if your guests get in an accident after they leave, or is it the Commercial Liabilityof the venue?
• What are the possible consequences for alcohol-related Driving Deaths?

Out of Town Travel

You may have scheduled your vacation before the economic downturn or found really good travel deal because airlines and hotels are hurting for business.

• Lost Luggage.
• What can you do if your flight is Delayed or Canceled?
• Can I Get a Travel Refund if my hotel closes due to weather-related or other interruptions?
• Trip Insurance: Don't Let a Vacation Headache Turn Into a Financial Nightmare
• Are there different actions you should take if you have an Out of State Traffic Violation?

Rental Car Accidents

If you decide to go on a longer journey by car, you may decide to rent a car to keep yours nice. Know what your responsibility is if you get into an accident with a rental car.

• Your guide to Rented Vehicle Accidents
• When you have a Total-Loss Car Accident - Ask A Lawyer Q&A

Contracts

When you make arrangements for any type of activity, you'll probably be asked to sign a contract for services rendered. The contract provides the "terms" that you agree to when you sign your name on the "X." When you make reservations at hotels, camps; sign swimming pool liability papers, rental car agreements, airline reservations - you're saying that you agree to the company's terms. If you're unsure what you're getting yourself into, be sure to read the contract carefully even if it's long or you might agree to something you can't get out of.

• Here's a Contracts Overview so you know what to look for when reading a contract before you sign it
• You can try to Get Out of a Contract, but it could be very difficult
• Most places won't let you Modify a Contract, however.

Additional Resources