Even before the COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on travel, "book now, pay later" deals and third-party services were gaining in popularity with travelers.

But in this era of pent-up travel demand and general uncertainty about how and when life - and travel - will return to normal, the notion of putting a future vacation on layaway suddenly makes a lot of sense - and many travel providers are taking notice.

Third-party travel financiers like Uplift and Affirm have been in the business for nearly a decade, but the challenges of the pandemic have brought other players to the table with such offers, too.

From hotels and airlines to resorts and tour operators, FamilyVacationist.com takes a look at how flexible booking options are reshaping the way we pay for travel.

The rise of book now, pay later services

"Purchasing travel can be stressful, especially for big-ticket purchases paid all upfront," says Brian Barth, CEO of Uplift, a buy now, pay later site focused exclusively on travel. "Helping travelers pay over time gives them access to a vacation they might have never thought possible."

Read the full article at USA TODAY