Discover Savings with Costco Travel: Why Savvy Travelers Choose It

If you’re anything like me, you probably think of Costco as the place to grab a lifetime supply of toilet paper, a $1.50 hot dog, and maybe a sample or two of cheese cubes. 🧀But what if I told you Costco is also one of the best-kept secrets for travel deals?

Yep — tucked between those giant TVs and pallets of snacks is something magical: Costco Travel. And if you aren’t using it yet to book your vacations, you’re seriously missing out on some huge savings (and perks).

Today, I’m breaking down exactly why Costco Travel is the secret weapon of budget-savvy travelers — and how you can use it to score your next amazing trip without breaking the bank. ✈️🌴

A young girl excitedly packs a suitcase with her mother, playfully wearing a straw hat, as they prepare for a trip together.

🧳 First Things First: What is Costco Travel?

Costco Travel is basically Costco’s own full-service travel agency. You do need a Costco membership to access it, but if you already have one (or if you were thinking about getting one), it’s a no-brainer.

Through Costco Travel, you can book:

Hotels
Vacation packages
Cruises
Rental cars
Theme park vacations
Group travel deals

And just like everything Costco touches, the focus is on value. They bundle deals, add extras, and often throw in Costco gift cards (hello, bonus shopping spree!) just for booking through them.

🏝️ Why Booking Through Costco Travel is a Total Game-Changer

1. The Packages Are Insane (In a Good Way)

Costco specializes in vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and sometimes even rental cars — all for a price that’s usually much cheaper than if you booked each piece separately.

Some packages even come with exclusive perks like:

Daily resort credits
Free breakfasts
Room upgrades
Costco Cash Cards after your trip
Airport transfers included

Real talk: I once found a weeklong trip to Hawaii that was $600 cheaper through Costco than anything I could cobble together on my own — and it came with a free room upgrade and a $200 Costco gift card. 😱

2. Transparent Pricing (No Games)

You know those travel sites that show you one price, but when you get to checkout it's suddenly way more because of all the "mandatory resort fees" and "mystery taxes"?

Yeah, Costco doesn’t play that game. Their pricing is super transparent. What you see is pretty much what you pay, and they always tell you upfront if there are any extra fees.

3. Insane Deals on Rental Cars

Rental cars can be a total wallet-drainer when you’re traveling, but Costco members get access to special rates from major rental companies like:

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Enterprise

Costco also automatically includes a second driver for free — which rental companies normally charge you extra for. It’s one of the easiest, most immediate ways to save $50-$100 on a trip without lifting a finger.

A couple enjoys a leisurely drive through the countryside in a convertible, soaking up the warm sunshine and serene landscape.

Pro tip: Costco often offers discounts on SUVs and minivans too, which are great for family trips!

4. Cruises with Crazy Good Perks

If you love cruising (or want to try it out), you have to check Costco’s cruise deals. They partner with top cruise lines like:

Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line
Princess
Carnival
Norwegian

And on top of the regular cruise fare, Costco often throws in:

Onboard spending credits
Specialty dining vouchers
Spa discounts
Costco Cash Cards post-cruise

Sometimes these perks are worth a few hundred dollars — basically free fun money to enjoy while you’re floating in the Caribbean. 🛳️🍹

5. Specialty Trips You Didn’t Even Know You Needed

Besides the standard beach getaways and cruises, Costco Travel has amazing specialty trips:

Guided vacations through companies like Trafalgar and Contiki
Adventure travel packages
All-inclusive resorts (goodbye, budgeting stress)

They even offer packages to places you don’t usually see on discount sites, like Fiji, Tahiti, and the Maldives. 🌺

If you’ve ever dreamed of a bucket list trip but thought it was too expensive, it’s worth checking Costco Travel before giving up!

Preparing for an adventure, a person sits amidst open suitcases, consulting a map for the next travel destination.

✈️ How to Use Costco Travel Like a Pro

Alright, ready to book your first Costco adventure? Here's how to get the most out of it:

1. Compare, Compare, Compare

Before you lock in anything, always do a quick check against other booking sites. Costco Travel usually wins — but it’s smart to make sure.

Look at:

Direct hotel/cruise/rental car websites
Expedia, Priceline, or Booking.com
Airline packages

If Costco's price + perks beat them (and it often does), then book confidently!

2. Book Early, But Check Often

Deals tend to go fast, especially for peak travel seasons. If you know when and where you want to go, book early. BUT — Costco sometimes updates their deals. If you see a better price later (and it’s refundable), you might be able to cancel and rebook at the better rate!

3. Take Advantage of Member-Only Extras

When you book certain packages or cruises, Costco sends you a Costco Shop Card after your trip. This isn’t a promo you find elsewhere — it’s real money you can spend back at Costco (hello, snack aisle!).It’s like getting cashback for going on vacation.

4. Use a Good Credit Card for Booking

Some credit cards offer extra points or protection for travel purchases. Pairing Costco’s deals with a good rewards card (like a travel cashback card or the Costco Citi Visa) can double your travel savings!

🏖️ So, Is Costco Travel Really Worth It?

YES. 100% yes. 🙌If you’re already a Costco member, you should absolutely be checking Costco Travel before booking anything. And even if you’re not a member yet, the savings you can score might just make the membership fee worth it on its own.

Between the no-fuss pricing, the bundled extras, the free upgrades, and the chance to rack up a few hundred bucks in Costco Cash Cards, it’s one of the smartest ways to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing the luxury and experiences you want.

And hey — saving big on your vacation means you’ll have more money left over for souvenirs, excursions, and...well, more cheese cubes. 🧀🌎

🌴 Top Destinations People Book Through Costco Travel

Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island)→ Costco is famous for its amazing Hawaii vacation packages — often including flights, hotels, rental cars, and resort credits.
Mexico (Cancún, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta)→ All-inclusive resorts + beach paradise + major savings = why Mexico is a Costco Travel favorite.
Caribbean (Aruba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic)→ Perfect for booking both all-inclusive stays and cruises with extra Costco perks.
Las Vegas, Nevada→ Hotel and show packages at huge discounts — great for quick getaways or bachelor/bachelorette trips.
Orlando, Florida (Disney World & Universal Studios)→ Family vacation packages including theme park tickets, hotels, and sometimes rental cars too!
Europe (Italy, France, Ireland, Spain, Iceland)→ Costco Travel offers guided tours, hotel + flight packages, and even small group trips to Europe.
Alaska (Cruises and Land Tours)→ Super popular for Alaskan cruises, which often come with Costco gift cards and extra onboard credits.
New York City, New York→ Hotel packages in Manhattan at great rates — plus add-ons like Broadway tickets!
Costa Rica→ Adventure travelers love the bundled eco-resort and flight deals to this lush, affordable paradise.
Tahiti and Bora Bora→ Bucket list dream trips made a little more reachable thanks to Costco’s exclusive resort and flight packages.
California Coast (San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Napa Valley)→ West Coast staycations with hotel discounts and rental car deals.
London, England→ Hotel and sightseeing packages at bundled rates that can beat DIY booking prices.
Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto)→ Growing fast in popularity, especially with Costco’s guided tours and package deals.
Fiji and the Maldives→ Yes, even luxury, once-in-a-lifetime tropical escapes are on the Costco menu!
Canada (Vancouver, Banff, Montreal)→ Nature lovers book Costco’s travel deals to Canada for incredible scenery (and cool prices too).

Fun Tip:
Many Costco Travel deals for these destinations come with hidden perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, spa credits, and Costco Shop Cards after your trip! ✨