Costco Travel: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
Introduction: What is Costco Travel?
When most people think of Costco, bulk groceries and household essentials come to mind. But did you know that your Costco membership can also unlock big savings on travel? Costco Travel is a members-only online service that offers vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, hotels, and more—often at discounted prices.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, honeymoon, or quick getaway, Costco Travel promises great value and convenience. But how does it actually work? And is it really better than booking through popular travel websites like Expedia or Booking.com?
This article breaks down everything you need to know about Costco Travel, including its benefits, drawbacks, and tips to get the most out of it.
How Does Costco Travel Work?
Costco Travel is available to all Costco members, but the best deals are typically reserved for Executive Members, who pay a higher annual fee but earn 2% cashback on many purchases—including travel.
The platform allows you to book:
- Vacation packages (flight + hotel + extras)
- Cruises (with major lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess)
- Rental cars (from top providers like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise)
- Hotels only (in select locations)
- Theme park packages (such as Disneyland® and Universal Studios®)
You book everything online through the Costco Travel website, and your travel documents are emailed or mailed to you in advance.
Who Can Use Costco Travel?
To use Costco Travel, you need an active Costco membership. There are two main types:
- Gold Star Membership – $60/year
- Executive Membership – $120/year (includes 2% reward on many purchases)
You must be a member at the time of booking and when you travel. This means your membership needs to remain active through your travel dates.
Costco Travel Offerings Explained
Let’s break down the core services offered by Costco Travel:
1. Vacation Packages
These are all-in-one bundles that often include:
- Flights
- Hotel stays
- Transportation or rental car
- Activities or resort credits
- Costco Shop Cards (bonus)
Example: A 5-night stay in Hawaii may include airfare, hotel, and a $200 Costco Shop Card for booking through the platform.
These packages are ideal for families, honeymooners, or travelers looking for convenience and bundled savings.
2. Cruises
Costco partners with many top cruise lines, offering exclusive amenities like:
- Onboard credits
- Room upgrades
- Costco Shop Cards
- Priority boarding
Cruises can be booked to destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Asia. Costco often negotiates group rates, which can mean lower prices than booking direct.
3. Rental Cars
Costco Travel lets you compare prices from Avis, Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise—without the need to prepay. Rental car bookings usually come with:
- Free extra driver (for Costco members)
- No cancellation fees
- Competitive pricing
Tip: Even if you’re not booking a full vacation, you can still use Costco for rental cars and save money.
4. Hotels
Costco’s hotel offerings are limited to certain cities and resort destinations. While not as vast as other platforms, the hotels listed are usually 4- and 5-star properties, and some include added perks like breakfast, resort credits, or parking.
5. Theme Park Packages
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland®, Walt Disney World®, or Universal Studios, Costco often has bundled offers that include:
- Multi-day park tickets
- Nearby hotels
- Shuttle service
- Shop Cards or extra perks
These packages are popular for families looking to save on multi-day theme park vacations.
Top Benefits of Using Costco Travel
Costco Travel stands out in a few key areas:
✅ Exclusive Member-Only Deals
Costco’s buying power helps it negotiate better rates and added perks you won’t find elsewhere—like gift cards, free upgrades, and bonus amenities.
✅ No Hidden Fees or Upsells
What you see is what you get. Pricing is upfront and there are no sneaky charges or hard sells for extras like travel insurance.
✅ Concierge-Style Customer Service
Many travelers praise Costco’s support team, especially in situations like trip delays or cancellations. While there’s no 24/7 hotline, the service is responsive and helpful during business hours.
✅ Costco Shop Cards
Many bookings come with a Costco Shop Card as a rebate—essentially cashback you can spend in stores or online.
✅ Trusted Brands Only
Costco only partners with reputable providers, which adds a layer of security when planning a big trip.
Are There Any Downsides to Costco Travel?
While Costco Travel offers plenty of value, it’s not perfect. Here are a few limitations:
❌ Membership Required
You need a paid Costco membership to access any travel deals. This is fine if you already shop at Costco, but it’s a barrier if you don’t.
❌ Limited Flexibility
You often can’t mix and match flights or hotels like you can on other travel sites. Customization is limited, especially with vacation packages.
❌ Not Ideal for Solo Travelers or Business Trips
Since most deals are designed for families or couples, solo travelers may not see as much benefit. Also, business travelers may prefer more flexible platforms.
❌ Fewer Hotel-Only Options
Costco doesn’t compete with Booking.com or Hotels.com when it comes to the number of hotel listings. If you’re just booking a hotel, you might have better luck elsewhere.
Costco Travel vs. Other Booking Sites
Let’s compare Costco Travel with some well-known travel platforms:
| Feature | Costco Travel | Expedia | Booking.com | Priceline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Membership Required | Yes | No | No | No |
| Vacation Packages | ✅ | ✅ | Limited | ✅ |
| Cruises | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Rental Cars | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Loyalty Rewards | ❌ (Shop Card instead) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Customer Support | Highly rated | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
Summary:
Costco Travel wins on value and simplicity, especially for bundled vacations and cruises. However, if you need flexibility, hotel variety, or loyalty perks, other platforms might be better.
Tips to Get the Most from Costco Travel
- Upgrade to Executive Membership
If you travel often, the 2% cashback can easily offset the higher membership cost. - Compare Prices Before Booking
Always check prices on other platforms to make sure Costco offers the best deal for your dates and destination. - Use Your Costco Credit Card
If you have the Costco Anywhere Visa®, you can earn additional cashback on travel purchases. - Watch for Promotions
Costco Travel occasionally offers seasonal promotions—keep an eye out for bonus Shop Cards or limited-time deals. - Read the Fine Print
Pay attention to cancellation policies, included amenities, and resort fees. Not all bookings are refundable.
Final Thoughts: Is Costco Travel Worth It?
If you’re already a Costco member, Costco Travel is definitely worth exploring. It offers excellent value on vacation packages, cruises, and rental cars—especially for families and couples looking for convenience and savings.
While it’s not as flexible or comprehensive as some competitors, the simplicity, perks, and support make it a solid option for vacation planning.
Before you book your next trip, take a few minutes to browse Costco Travel. You might just find a better deal than you expected—plus, you’ll get a bonus Shop Card to use when you get back home.
FAQs About Costco Travel
1. Is Costco Travel really cheaper than other sites?
Often yes—especially for cruises and bundled vacation packages. But it’s always smart to compare.
2. Can I book travel for non-members?
Yes, as long as the primary traveler is a Costco member at the time of travel.
3. Do I need to pay in full upfront?
It depends on the type of booking. Some packages require deposits; others must be paid in full.
4. Does Costco offer travel insurance?
Yes, but it’s optional. You can add insurance to many bookings at checkout.