"Buy now, pay later" is a popular option for booking vacations, but it may not be as great as it seems.Lenders like Affirm, Afterpay, and Klarna offer fast approvals and flexible payment plans, essentially acting as short-term loans. However, these services often lack the protections of credit cards, leaving you responsible for the full amount if you need to cancel.While some lenders advertise 0% interest rates, fine print reveals rates can climb as high as 36% depending on your credit score.A better alternative is using an interest-free credit card. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers a 0% APR introductory rate for 15 months with no annual fee. It also provides reimbursement for cancellations or trip interruptions due to sickness or severe weather, covering up to $1,500 per person or $6,000 per trip.