Thousands of NIS invested in a dream vacation can be lost in an instant when the traveler can no longer take the trip. Illnesses, emergencies, or last-minute changes turn expensive holidays into a distant dream and leave your bank account empty. But what was once considered an unavoidable loss has now become a creative solution that allows everyone to benefit.
The simple yet brilliant idea: Instead of forfeiting the money already paid, people sell their unused vacations to other travelers—and the buyers enjoy discounts of up to 70% off the original price.
So how does it actually work?
Digital platforms like SpareFare, Roomer, Plans Change, and Transfer Travel have become matchmakers between frustrated sellers and excited buyers. The system is simple: Someone posts a flight, hotel, or vacation package they can’t use, and other travelers can purchase it at a reduced price.
Average discounts range between 20% and 30%, but in some cases, they can be far more dramatic. The platforms charge a fee of about 12% and hold the funds in escrow until the trip is completed, to ensure that the transfer is done securely.
A 46-year-old single mother from Leeds, England, has become a living example of this method’s potential. She purchased an all-inclusive week-long holiday to Thailand that originally cost $4,700 (around NIS 15,900) for just $1,200 (about NIS 4,000). This saving allowed her to take her young son on trips around the world. Her story is just one of many from travelers who discovered that flexibility can save them thousands.
The Complex Reality
Not everything is smooth when buying non-refundable vacations. Some bookings don’t allow transfers, and sometimes technical issues arise that require intervention. Travelers have learned this the hard way when they discovered that they couldn’t transfer a package or flight due to technical restrictions. Fortunately, regulated platforms make sure to fully refund the money in such cases.
“We understand these people are already going through a tough time,” explained Erik Ritland, owner of SpareFare. “You don’t sell a vacation unless you have no choice. So we want to help the sellers as much as we can, without hurting the buyers.”
When Is It Most Worthwhile?
There’s a clear pattern: The best discounts are found closest to the travel date. Travelers who are willing to wait until just a few days before departure get the best deals—sometimes up to 70% off the original price.
“Last-minute bookings are on the rise, especially among young travelers who wait for price drops instead of planning in advance,” explained Akhtar Zeit, CEO of travel site Skiplagged. It reflects a broader cultural shift—a generation that prefers flexibility over certainty.
Is It Right for Everyone?
This method suits a specific type of traveler—those who can be spontaneous with their dates and destinations. If you’re the type who plans holidays months in advance with a strict schedule, this probably isn’t for you.
But if you’re willing to jump at the opportunity for an unplanned vacation—and also give up the option to cancel (since this deal will also be non-refundable)—then it can be a way to enjoy dream vacations at a low price.
As with any online transaction, there are risks involved. It’s important to ensure the platform offers protection against fraud and has clear policies in case of issues. In the end, this is a new world of travel opportunities—a world where one person’s misfortune can become another’s vacation, and everyone benefits in the process.