Unfortunately, the list of hotel bankruptcies keeps growing. In Las Vegas, The Tropicana and Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas hotels have gone into Chapter 11. MGM Mirage, which owns several hotels there, has also announced it's having problems meeting loan payments. Among others now in foreclosure are the Renaissance Grand and Suites in St. Louis MO, and Sheraton Downtown Orlando FL.

In Scottsdale AZ, both the W Hotel and InterContinental Montelucia Resort have filed for bankruptcy. A Honolulu landmark for nearly half a century, the Ilikai Hotel is also bankrupt. The familiar phrase, “Book ‘em, Dano”, seems sadly inappropriate today. Remember it from the old TV show, “Hawaii Five-O”, which was filmed at the Ilikai?

Like almost all other businesses, the travel industry is suffering from the economic turndown and lack of customers. It’s estimated that more than one-third of all U.S. hotels are having trouble meeting their 2009 loan obligations.

The question for travelers this season may well be, “What if the hotel has closed down after I’ve booked a stay and paid a deposit?” There’s no pat answer. Most hotels will continue normal operations while their financial troubles are being worked out. However, it’s always wise to consult your travel agent or call the hotel corporate headquarters before you start out on a journey that could end abruptly and you’ll face closed hotel doors.

The same rules don’t necessarily apply with airlines and cruise ships when bankruptcy closes them down. You could be turned away at the gate or gangplank, or worse, find yourself stranded far away from home if service ends abruptly and cancels your return trip.

It is wise in these troubled times to check with your insurance adviser, and purchase trip insurance before you fly, cruise or book a hotel room. It may not prevent you from being left at the dock in Pago Pago, but at least you’ll eventually get your money back.