Pink-slip travel

Harriet Baskas Travel writer

With the economy (still) in shambles, booking that weekend getaway or week-long resort vacation is falling lower and lower on many people’s to-do lists.

As a result, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, travel operators and restaurants need to be mighty creative in their efforts to get our attention — and our money.

The latest trend? “We-feel-your-pain” offers for the unemployed and for those worried about losing their job.

Some travel companies now promise to refund your money if you buy a ticket or make a reservation and then get sacked.

A nightclub in San Diego (The swanky SWAY lounge) is offering a couple of free drinks to guests at the adjacent Keating Hotel who volunteer to wash dishes. And there are offers for $1 hotel nights and essay contests where the prize is a weekend stay at a resort.

Here is a round-up of some of the unique offers:

Pink slip travel insurance
Grounded? In mid-February, JetBlue Airways kicked off its Promise Program, vowing to give full airfare refunds to travelers who book flights through June 1, 2009, but later lose their jobs. Last Tuesday, the airline expanded the program to include Getaways Vacation Packages, as well.

Unfortunately, while few employers are giving workers two-week layoff notices, JetBlue is requiring travelers to request refunds at least two weeks before their originally scheduled trips and to give 60 days cancellation notice during peak holidays. Still, says the airline’s Alison Croyle, “I can tell you that this program did come at just the right time for some of our customers to take advantage of it.”

Cruise lines and cruise-oriented travel companies are also jumping on board with pink-slip reassurance plans. The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) added job loss to the list of situations passengers are insured against when they purchase “BookSafe Travel Protection.” (Prices start at $29 and are based on your cruise package.) Under the program, travelers laid off from a job they’ve held for a least a year — before cruise dates May 1 and later — will be eligible for full refunds. “People are uncertain about the future,” says NCL’s Courtney Recht, “We wanted to give them an opportunity to book with us even if they’re not sure what will happen to them in the future.”

The folks at CruiseOne and Cruises, Inc., a major cruise retail network, are offering a pink-slip insurance plan that covers all packages they sell. Their “CruiseAssurance” program covers packages purchased by May 2. If a traveler with basic insurance is laid off, he or she can now cancel the trip and get a full refund. Company spokesperson Steve Hattem says that includes folks who get pink slipped on their way to the ship and even those already on a ship. With so many people getting laid off, how can they afford to do this? “We only make money if people take cruises,” says Hattem, “and we almost can’t afford not to do something like this in this tough economic time.”

Reassurances on land
Ski season isn’t over, but what if your job is? If you book a stay through April 12th at Washington School Inn in Park City, Utah, your deposit if fully refundable if there’s an “involuntary job loss” between the time you booked your trip and the time you arrive.

It’s A Snap! See the latest entries See the amazing images sent by msnbc.com readers and submit your own for next week!

What if you’ve already lost your job? The folks at the Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford, Vt., feel your pain and are offering a “Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway.” If you or a spouse has been unemployed for more than six months, the Inn wants to hear the story — in writing, not on the phone. In return, each month from April through July and from November through December, the inn will be giving away a two-night getaway, including accommodations for two, a candlelight dinner, breakfast each morning — even a rabbit’s foot for luck. To qualify, send a letter or e-mail by June 1, 2009 explaining your story in one page or less.

The folks at the Alexander Inn, a boutique hotel in downtown Philadelphia, don’t care if you have a job or not. They just want you to come to town and spend some money. So they’ve come up with their own economic stimulus plan: Sunday through Thursday nights through June 11th, five of the hotel’s 48 rooms are available for just $1 each. When I called for details, front desk staffer Daniel Detrano explained that “with taxes, the room cost actually comes out to $1.15.”

Still, a great deal.

MORE FROM TIPS

Tips Section Front

The best new travel gadgets of the year How Twitter can help you save on travel Avoid hotel renovation regret A canceled flight, a missing refund Five reasons for travelers to give thanks Worst travel scams: Outsmart the con artists Expert tips for beating holiday crowds, saving money ‘Keystroke error’ turns $289 rate into $28 A holiday travel survival guide Can’t-miss holiday gifts for the traveler in your life Tips Section Front   Add Tips headlines to your news reader: