Costco Travel

 

When most people think of Costco, they think of bulk paper towels, rotisserie chickens, and those giant muffins. But what if I told you that one of Costco’s best-kept secrets has nothing to do with groceries — and everything to do with your next vacation? Enter Costco Travel. It’s a hidden gem tucked away on Costco’s website, and thousands of smart travelers are already using it to save big on cruises, rental cars, resorts, and full vacation packages.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your Costco membership is really pulling its weight, let’s just say this: if you’re not checking Costco Travel before you book your next trip, you’re probably leaving money — and perks — on the table. The deals are real, the booking process is surprisingly easy, and the extras they throw in? They’re not just fluff. They actually add value.

What is Costco Travel?

Costco Travel is a travel booking platform exclusive to Costco members. It’s not a third-party deal aggregator like Expedia or Kayak. Instead, it’s powered by Costco’s own buying power and business relationships — which means you’re getting group-rate prices, curated deals, and member-only perks directly negotiated by Costco.

Think vacation packages bundled with hotel, airfare, and car rental — often at lower prices than you could book separately. Think cruises with onboard credit and free upgrades. Think hotel bookings with free breakfasts, resort credits, and waived resort fees.

Who Can Use Costco Travel?

Only Costco members can access these travel deals, and you’ll need your membership number to book. Both Gold Star and Executive members can use the platform, but Executive members usually get extra benefits like 2% cashback on eligible travel purchases. That can add up quickly, especially on a $4,000 family vacation.

What Can You Book Through Costco Travel?

Here’s where Costco Travel gets interesting. You can book:

Vacation Packages: Hotel + Airfare + Car bundled into one deal. Available in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, and more.

Cruises: Partnered with major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Princess.

Hotels: Especially in Hawaii, Vegas, Orlando, and major cities worldwide.

Rental Cars: From top brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. No extra fees, and often cheaper than booking direct.

The Real Benefits of Booking Through Costco Travel

The savings are good — but the extras are what make it shine. Here are a few real-world examples:

1. Built-In Perks

Costco Travel often includes benefits like:

Resort credits ($100–$500)

Room upgrades

Daily breakfast

Airport transfers

Waived resort fees

Sometimes those extras are worth hundreds of dollars on their own — making the overall value unbeatable.

2. Transparent Pricing

One of the best parts of using Costco Travel is that the prices are clear. There are no surprise booking fees or sneaky fine print. What you see is generally what you pay. And because it's Costco, customer service actually cares if something goes wrong.

3. Executive Member Rewards

If you’re an Executive Member, you can get 2% back on travel booked through Costco Travel — which really adds up on big-ticket vacations. Plus, some deals are exclusive to Executive members only.

4. Simplicity and Trust

Costco has a reputation for no-nonsense policies and good customer support. Booking through Costco Travel gives you peace of mind that someone’s got your back if things go sideways. And unlike many online travel agencies, Costco doesn’t nickel-and-dime you with upsells.

Is Costco Travel Always the Cheapest Option?

Not always — and that’s important to be honest about. Sometimes airlines or hotels will run flash sales that beat Costco’s bundled rates. But here’s the difference: Costco Travel’s value isn’t just about the lowest price — it’s about total value. When you factor in the perks, cashback, and bonuses, Costco often wins.

That said, it’s smart to cross-check prices before you book. Compare the Costco Travel deal with what you’d pay booking each part separately (hotel, flight, rental). Nine times out of ten, Costco comes out ahead — or at least close — with way more value built in.

Real People, Real Savings

Let’s talk about how Costco Travel feels in real life.

One couple booked a honeymoon in Maui — five nights at a beachfront resort, flights, and a rental car. The cost through a popular travel site? $5,300. Costco Travel? $4,500 — and that included a $200 resort credit and daily breakfast. They used the savings for a snorkeling tour and a fancy dinner they hadn’t originally budgeted for.

Another traveler booked a Mediterranean cruise. Not only did Costco Travel beat the cruise line’s own price by a few hundred bucks, but they also got $450 in onboard credit just for booking through Costco. That covered drinks, excursions, and souvenirs — essentially making it feel like a luxury trip on a coach budget.

These aren’t rare cases. The platform is full of quietly impressive deals like this.

Tips for Getting the Most from Costco Travel

Here’s how to make the most of your Costco Travel experience:

Use the filters: Narrow by destination, star rating, or package type. It makes browsing less overwhelming.

Check Executive Member Offers: They’re sometimes hidden, so dig into the offer details.

Compare with other sites: Just to be sure you’re getting the best total value.

Book early for cruises: The best perks often come with early booking.

Read the fine print: Some packages are non-refundable or have change fees.

Final Thoughts: Is Costco Travel Worth It?

Absolutely — if you’re already a Costco member, Costco Travel is one of the smartest ways to book a vacation. The platform combines the price-cutting muscle of Costco with thoughtful travel perks, making it an unbeatable option for families, couples, and even solo travelers.

It’s not flashy. It’s not hyped up with influencer gimmicks or bait-and-switch deals. But it delivers — with real value, honest pricing, and the kind of support you’d expect from a brand like Costco. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway or a two-week cruise, make it a habit to check Costco Travel before you book elsewhere.

FAQs About Costco Travel

Q: Do I have to be a Costco member to use Costco Travel?

Yes. You need an active Costco membership to book and access prices.

Q: Is Costco Travel good for last-minute bookings?

Sometimes — but the best deals (especially on cruises and international trips) usually reward early planning.

Q: Can I earn airline miles or hotel points when I book through Costco Travel?

Often yes, especially if you provide your loyalty number during booking. But always double-check the specific package.

Q: Does Costco Travel offer travel insurance?

Not by default, but you can add insurance during checkout for most trips.

Q: What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Policies vary depending on the provider (airline, hotel, cruise line). Costco Travel has clear policies listed in each package description.