Picture this. Someone books a five-star getaway to the Maldives. Then life happens. A work deadline comes up. A family emergency hits. They cannot go. Instead of losing the money, they resell the trip. You buy it for 20% to 30% less than the original price. That is secondhand travel.

The name sounds odd. It might make you think of something used. But these trips are brand new. They just have a new owner. Platforms like Roomer have been helping people resell unused hotel rooms for years. Now the idea is growing to include full vacations.

You get a trip that is already planned. The hotels are booked. The package is set. All you do is show up. If you hate spending hours comparing flights and hotels, this is a big win. The catch is you need to be flexible. These deals often appear at short notice. If you cannot leave in a week or two, it might not work for you.

Most resold trips are luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts. If you like to compare every rate, you may not enjoy it. Once you buy, you are locked in.

Airfare can be tricky. Many airlines do not allow name changes on tickets. Others charge high fees. Katy Nastro from the travel site Going suggests calling the airline before buying or selling flights. Talk to more than one agent. Rules can vary.

Secondhand travel works best for remote workers, digital nomads, or anyone who can leave with little notice. If you dream of visiting a remote cabin or a national park, you may find fewer options. Most deals are for major cities or resort areas.

Always check prices before you book. Sometimes the “discount” is not cheaper than booking direct. Nastro once found a better rate for a New York hotel on a travel site than on a resale platform. Booking direct also gave her a free cancellation window.

If you are flexible, adventurous, and open to a little uncertainty, secondhand travel can help you sip champagne in places you thought were out of reach.

Quick Takeaways:

TLDR: If you can travel on short notice, secondhand travel could be your way to luxury for less.