Costco Travel: The Ultimate Hack for Incredible Vacation Deals

Ever considered using your Costco membership for something more than snagging a great deal on bulk toilet paper and discounted gift cards? Yep, I’m talking about using it to fuel your travel dreams.

Welcome to the world of Costco Travel!

Let’s dive deep into the ins and outs of one of the best-kept secrets in travel agencies. It’s time to unwrap the Costco Travel package deals, from the daily buffet breakfasts at stunning resorts to the unlimited meals on dreamy cruise lines.

Grab your Costco card, and let’s get exploring!

What is Costco Travel? 

When we think of Costco, what comes to mind? Massive quantities of toilet paper, or perhaps those delightful free food samples.

But, did you know Costco also has its own travel service?

And no, before you ask, they don’t bundle flight tickets in a 12-pack like their signature Kirkland toilet paper. But the concept of ‘bundling’ is very much alive in their incredible vacation packages.

Costco Travel is essentially a travel agency tucked away within the umbrella of Costco’s expansive services. It was created with the same philosophy as Costco’s warehouse business: offer great value and pass the savings onto the customers.

From humble beginnings in the late 90s, it has grown into a travel service offering competitive deals for flights, hotels, cruises, rental cars, and theme park packages to Costco members across the United States.

The Lure of Costco Travel: Value and Convenience

What makes Costco Travel so unique and, dare I say, cool? The simple answer is value.

Much like walking into a Costco warehouse and finding a mega pack of toothpaste at an unbeatable price, booking through Costco Travel often provides you with a great deal. Not just any deal, but a deal that often beats what traditional travel agencies or other online platforms can offer.

But it’s not just about lower prices; it’s about the entire package. Who doesn’t love the convenience of airport transfers included in their booking? Or the joy of discovering that you’ve scored resort credits as part of your all-inclusive resort booking?

And yes, they even serve up the all-important free breakfast at certain locations. So whether you’re on a three-night stay or a ten-day cruise, the daily buffet breakfast is definitely a win.

What Airlines does Costco Travel use?

So, you might be wondering, “What airlines does Costco Travel use?” Well, the answer is many.

In its mission to offer the best value to its members, Costco Travel is airline agnostic. Whether you’re an “I only fly United” type or a “just give me the best deal” person, Costco has you covered.

They work with a multitude of airlines, both domestic and international, ensuring you have a wide range of choices for your travel. This freedom of choice extends to their vacation packages as well. In fact, when you book a vacation package, Costco Travel gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred airline as part of the booking process.

Do I need a Costco membership to use Costco Travel?

Now, let’s tackle an important question: “Do I need a Costco membership to use Costco Travel?” The short answer is yes, you do. Costco Travel is an exclusive service available to Costco members only.

So, while you might get that bundle of toilet paper and a rotisserie chicken without a membership, you’ll need to sign up to book that dream vacation.

You can sign up for a Costco membership here!

What Does Costco Travel Offer? 

Costco Travel provides a versatile and value-packed approach to travel, making it an excellent choice for those who value both convenience and a good deal.

Here’s an overview of just some of the travel experiences you can book with Costco Travel:

Cruises

Are you dreaming of ocean views and dining under the stars while cruising through turquoise waters? Perhaps you’re an adventurous soul eager to embark on a journey around the world from the comfort of a luxury liner. Well, Costco’s got you covered!

With partnerships across major cruise lines, they offer a plethora of choices. From quick three-night stay getaways to full-blown world tours, there’s a cruise for every budget and every travel dream.

Let’s imagine you’re an empty nester finally looking to explore the Mediterranean in-depth. With Costco Travel, you can secure a 10-day cruise complete with meals and activities that won’t break the bank. Remember, meals are usually included in the fare, which means you get to enjoy unlimited three-course dinners while exploring the seven seas!

Flights

Costco Travel might not be the first place that comes to mind when booking flights. However, when included in their value-packed vacation packages, they can be part of a winning combination.

While you won’t find individual flights for sale on the Costco Travel website, don’t let that deter you. When packaged with accommodations, car rentals, and sometimes even theme park tickets, their deals are hard to beat.

Let’s say you’re planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World. With Costco Travel, you could snag a deal that includes flights, accommodation, and even park tickets, offering a one-stop-shop solution to your vacation planning needs.

Hotels

Accommodation is a key part of any vacation. Whether you’re seeking a cozy boutique hotel or a grand luxury resort, Costco Travel offers a range of hotel rooms to fit every vacation style.

Say you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway in Las Vegas. Through Costco, you could book a stay at a five-star hotel on the Strip, complete with resort credits that can be used for spa services, fine dining, and more.

Remember, when it comes to Costco’s hotel deals, you’re not just booking a room; you’re creating an experience.

Car Rentals

If road trips are your travel style, Costco Travel’s partnerships with top car rental companies are sure to delight. Imagine a week-long trip exploring the United States’ scenic byways or a European road trip adventure. With Costco, you can book a rental car that won’t drain your travel budget.

Their “Low Price Finder” function makes it easy to find the best deal, giving you more freedom to explore.

Vacation Packages

This is where Costco Travel truly shines! Their vacation packages are the holy grail of travel booking, bundling flights, hotels, car rentals, and sometimes even theme park tickets into one neat price.

Perhaps you’re a busy parent, juggling work and home life. Planning a vacation sounds like a daunting task. Here’s where Costco’s packages are a lifesaver – offering convenience, value, and a comprehensive vacation solution. You could, for example, book a seven-day package to Universal Studios, including flights, hotel stay, park tickets, and even airport transfers.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the daily buffet breakfasts – a detail that can transform a good morning into a great one.

How Does Costco Travel Work? A Step-by-step Booking Process 

Next, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of it all, the booking process. Booking with Costco Travel is pretty straightforward and easy to navigate. Their user interface is similar to most other travel booking websites.

Here’s a quick step-by-step overview of how to book your next trip with Costco Travel:

Step 1: Become a Costco Member

The journey with Costco Travel starts, unsurprisingly, with a Costco membership. Think of it as your passport to a world of travel deals and savings. If you’re not already a card-carrying member of the Costco family, you’ll need to become one. You can’t access any of those delicious travel deals without it.

Whether you go for the basic Gold Star membership or the executive suite with the Executive membership, you need that little piece of plastic to get started.

While the Gold Star gives you access to all the nice features of Costco, the Executive membership goes a step further, rewarding you with a 2% annual reward on most of your Costco purchases. This might be something to consider, especially if you are a frequent Costco shopper.

Step 2: Start Exploring

Once you’ve crossed the membership hurdle, it’s time to set up your Costco Travel account. This is your personal travel hub where you can browse and book all the deals that catch your eye.

On the Costco Travel website, you’ll find the options for hotels, cruises, rental cars, and vacation packages neatly laid out at the top of the page. It’s like standing at the airport terminal, all the exciting destinations flashing on the departure board, and you’re about to choose your next adventure.

Just click on the category you’re interested in, whether it’s a romantic cruise or a three-night stay in Las Vegas. Like a magic portal, a world of options will unfold before your eyes in the search results. Scroll through the offers, compare them, read about the accommodations, and start dreaming about your trip.

Or, you can use their “Search” feature to look for deals to the destination of your choice.

Step 3: Book Your Travel

After you’ve weighed all the options and found the perfect deal, it’s time to book it. The process is quite straightforward and similar to other travel booking platforms. You choose your deal, select your dates, the number of people traveling, and you’re off to the checkout.

But before you hit that final ‘Book Now’ button, take a moment to read the fine print. Check things like cancellation fees, which can vary depending on the deal. Look at the travel insurance options too, as you never know when you might need that safety net. These details might seem trivial now, but they could make a big difference down the line.

If at any point during your booking you feel a little lost or need help, remember that Costco’s customer service is always there to lend a hand. They can guide you through the process, answer any questions, and make sure you’re confident with your booking.

And don’t forget, if you’re an Executive member or have a Costco Anywhere Visa Card, you can score even more benefits. Things like a digital Costco Shop Card, extra savings, and even onboard credits on cruises can be yours!

In a nutshell, booking with Costco Travel is a process that’s made as user-friendly and beneficial as possible, ensuring your journey begins long before you step foot on a plane or check into a hotel.

3 Best Costco Travel Deals to Book This Year 

Now, this is where the magic happens! Costco’s travel offerings are constantly updated, but here are some types of deals that have caught my eye in the past:

1. Costco Vacation Packages for Theme Parks: Imagine a bundle with hotel stays, tickets to Universal Studios, or Walt Disney World, and even some extra perks like early park access. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, with Costco Travel, it could be your next vacation!
2. Three-Night Stay in Las Vegas: Fancy a quick escape to Sin City? Watch out for deals that include a stay at one of Vegas’ top hotels, airport transfers, and even a Costco Shop Card. Remember, what happens in Vegas… started with a great deal from Costco!
3. Cruise Getaways: Always wanted to sail to the Mexican Riviera or spend a few days at sea in Alaska? Keep an eye on Costco’s travel offerings. You never know when the trip of a lifetime might just pop up at a price that makes it impossible to resist.

Keep in mind, the best way to snag these incredible deals is to keep checking the Costco Travel website or even set up alerts for destinations you’re interested in.

Costco Travel vs Other Booking Sites: A Comparative Analysis 

In a world brimming with travel agencies and online booking platforms, it’s easy to overlook warehouse stores like Costco as a reliable option for planning your next trip. And yet, time and again, I’ve found that Costco Travel really can be a better option.

But how exactly do they stack up against the heavyweights of the industry?

Pricing and Packages

Here’s the thing. When it comes to pricing, Costco Travel has an edge, especially for bundled deals.

I’ve seen packages on sites like Expedia, Booking.com, or BJ’s Travel and found that Costco typically offers a lower price. Plus, remember the Costco Travel package deals we talked about earlier? They often include not only your hotel and flight but also rental cars and even attractions or theme park tickets.

In contrast, while platforms like Expedia or Booking.com allow you to build your own bundles, they may not offer the same depth of savings as Costco’s pre-packaged deals. They do offer flexibility, though, which can be a significant advantage if you want to tailor your trip down to the minutest detail.

The Perks

Let’s not forget the perks! Booking through Costco Travel can get you extra bonuses like room upgrades, a digital Costco Shop Card, and even free breakfasts at some locations. These bonuses are baked into the price, making your package deal even more valuable.

On the other hand, while sites like Expedia do have their rewards programs, they’re usually points-based and require you to build up a certain amount before you can redeem them.

The Costco Membership Advantage

Being a Costco member, particularly an Executive Member, or a holder of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, can get you additional benefits like 2% back on your purchases. This is a pretty unique advantage over other travel booking platforms that don’t have a broader retail structure backing them.

A Comparative Snapshot: Real-Life Examples

But let’s make this even more tangible. Here are three real examples of how Costco Travel can save you time and money:

1. Vacation to Hawaii: A friend of mine was planning a trip to Hawaii. They compared prices on Expedia and Costco Travel. Both offered similar flights and a stay at the same resort, but the Costco package included a rental car and a $500 Costco Shop Card. That’s a lot of toilet paper!
2. Road Trip Across the United States: I once took a road trip across the United States. I used Costco Travel to book my rental car. Compared to Booking.com, Costco offered the same vehicle for a lower price. Plus, Costco didn’t charge an additional driver fee, which Booking.com did.
3. Orlando Theme Park Adventure: A family I know booked a trip to Orlando through Costco Travel. The package included hotel stays, tickets to Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, and a rental car. When they compared this package to a similar bundle on Expedia, they found that Costco was not only cheaper but also included a Costco Shop Card and meal vouchers.

Remember, it’s always good to compare before you commit. While Costco Travel is often a clear winner in terms of value, different trips and individual preferences can tip the scale in either direction.

Tips to Get the Most out of Your Costco Travel Booking 

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about how to get the most bang for your buck when booking with Costco Travel.

1. Leverage Your Membership: Use that Costco Executive Membership or Costco Anywhere Visa Card if you have it. The cashback, travel benefits, and extra perks are worth it!
2. Plan Ahead: The early bird catches the worm and the best travel deals! The sooner you start looking, the better your chances of finding a good deal.
3. Stay Flexible: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, destinations, and accommodation, you could snag an incredible deal you might not have considered.
4. Check Frequently: Costco Travel’s deals change often, so it’s a good idea to keep checking the website for the latest deals.