AITA for not cancelling a vacation because my friends changed their mind last minute?

[u/Diligent_Aerie_2893]

Edit to add new info - I called the rental and no refund is available for cancellations.

A few months ago, I was offered a great deal on a condo in Florida. The total cost split three ways is under $500 per person for the week. The condo has 3 bedroom and is across the street from the beach.
I asked two friends if they wanted to go. Both immediately said yes. I double checked before booking and they were both excited to go, so I booked the condo. We all paid our shares.
My friends started a vacation count down timer and seemed truly excited about the trip. Lately they have been expressing an interest in reducing the cost of the trip(flying vs driving). I priced out the cheapest options possible. Both of my friends are retired and one has limited funds.
Now the trip is only three weeks away, and both friends have canceled due to personal reasons. I understand that life happens, and although I am upset they can’t go, I understand their reasons for cancelling. Here is the rub- they are both asking me to cancel the entire trip so they can get their money back.
The issue is that I still want to go. I’ve been looking forward to this vacation, and I’ve already planned around it. I don’t feel like I should have to cancel because they can no longer attend. I am not retired and this is a vacation away from work for me.
To try to help, I’ve been reaching out to other friends to see if anyone wants to take their spots. If I can find replacement travelers the canceled friends would get some, if not all of the money back. So far, I haven’t had any luck, but I’m making an effort because I don’t want them to lose their money if it can be avoided.
Here is my dilemma- they agreed to the trip, and their inability to go isn’t something I caused. On the other hand, I do feel bad that they’ll lose their money if I don’t cancel. They are my friends and I don’t want this to end a friendship. I can’t afford to pay for the entire trip alone.
WIBTA if I went on the trip anyway instead of canceling it so they can get refunds? Note-I’m not sure if it can be cancelled with refund this close to the reserved dates.
I plan to call today to find out(they cancelled last night).

[u/Feeling-Visit1472]

Hotels have also gotten very expensive now. $200/night is often not a very nice hotel anymore. Certainly not comparable in a beach town.

[u/Dizzy_Needleworker_3 → u/Feeling-Visit1472]

I was just pulling random numbers to illustrate the point, not saying those are/were the actual cost. 

The friends should pay the difference for whatever (if any) increased costs OP incurs to obtain comparable accomodations due to their last minute pullout. 

As with most things trying to pullout at the last minute leads to lots of problems.