There’s a ray of hope for those unable to go on holiday but stuck with non-refundable bookings.
And what’s more, those looking to pick up an incredible break at a cut-price bargain can count themselves lucky.
Online ‘marketplaces’ have emerged for those who can no longer make their flights, hotels or an entire package holiday.
This gives the original traveller an opportunity to recoup at least part of their money.
And savvy holidaymakers have the chance to pounce on a trip that’s heavily discounted – often by as much as 30 per cent, reports the New York Post.
Among the platforms offering this service are Plans Change, Roomer, SpareFare and Travel Transfer.
And while the concept has existed for years, they’re seeing a boom.
Sabina Ahmed, a 46-year-old single mother from Leeds, England, says she books the majority of her travel with SpareFare – one of the most popular sites.
Online ‘marketplaces’ have emerged for those who can no longer make their flights, hotels or an entire package holiday
One British holidaymaker saved 75 per cent on an all-inclusive, week-long break in Thailand (pictured)
The low prices she’s found have allowed her to take her son across the globe.
She told The Wall Street Journal that the toddler has probably been on ‘more holidays than most people have in a lifetime’.
But the savings are substantial.
The Brit claims she once paid around $1,200 (£895) for a trip to Thailand – when the week-long all-inclusive holiday was meant to cost $4,700 (£3,500).
That’s a discount of almost 75 per cent.
SpareFare charges a 12 per cent commission on bookings, and keeps hold of the money until the trip takes place, reports the NY Post.
This is to prevent scams for those picking up a cheap escape – though they also want to protect the seller.
Erik Ritland, owner of SpareFare, told The Wall Street Journal: ‘We understand these people are already going through a difficult time because you don’t sell a holiday if you don’t have to, so we want to help them as much as we can.’
Online ‘marketplaces’ have emerged for those who can no longer make their flights, hotels or an entire package holiday
Meanwhile, affordable summer holidays this year can still be found – particularly if you pick the right destination.
British tourists face steep price increases for all-inclusive family package holidays abroad this year to the majority of popular destinations – but others have dropped.
Italy and Tunisia have both seen prices drop – down 11 per cent to £1,129 and 4 per cent to £763, respectively.
However, the price of a week to Cyprus has surged to an average of £1,166 per person for seven nights next month – up by 23 per cent from £950 in August last year.
