apple vacations vs costco travel

Apple Vacations vs Costco Travel

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TERRIBLE....TERRIBLE! DO NOT USE THEM!

I helped my son book an all inclusive vacation to Cancun and when he got there they had NO record for his reservation so he had NO room. Luckily we had a couch in o...

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About Costco Travel

Exclusively for Costco Members

Costco Travel sells exclusively to Costco members who reside in the United States. We use our buying authority to negotiate the best value in the marketplace, and then pass on the savings to Costco members.

We are Costco and We Know Travel

Everything you need to know about Costco Travel — and why I love it for saving money

Costco isn't just the place where you can buy toilet paper in bulk, inexpensive gas, cheap hot dogs and gift cards. You can also book great trips via the company's online travel agency, Costco Travel.

I know, I know: At TPG, we're often staunchly against booking travel through third-party sites , as there can be tradeoffs versus booking directly. But in recent years, I've become a big fan of the travel deals I can find via Costco Travel.

When planning our annual beach trip back in 2022, my best friend found a few options for Mexican all-inclusive resorts on Costco Travel and shared the links with me. I promptly told her we'd probably be better off booking directly and brushed off the idea of booking through Costco — neither of us even had a membership at the time.

However, comparing the prices and benefits at a few of the resorts proved my initial reaction wrong.

I actually got a Costco membership to book the deal since the cost of the membership was less than what we'd save by booking through Costco. We saved around $300 on a three-night stay at TRS Coral near Cancun (one of TPG's best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun ), not including the free hydrotherapy spa circuit and the $241 Digital Costco Shop Card included in the package.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Madison Blancaflor (@madison_ave18)

Our stay was fantastic, and I officially became a Costco Travel convert.

If you're curious about how to use Costco Travel to find deals, here's everything you need to know about Costco Travel — and why I love it for saving money on travel.

What is Costco Travel?

All Costco members have access to the Costco Travel booking platform, where you can find and book a wide range of travel — from vacation packages to hotels, cruises and rental cars. You can even book theme park vacation packages to Disney and Universal or specialty vacations such as an African safari.

Related: Costco cruise deals: How to save money booking travel at a warehouse club

Once you log in to Costco Travel, you can search for specific dates or destinations or browse through available deals and featured destinations. I personally love perusing the limited-time deals when I know I want to plan a getaway but don't have a specific destination in mind.

Trips booked through Costco Travel are often discounted and/or include perks and benefits you may not get by booking directly or through other booking portals. Usually, a trip booked through Costco Travel will also include a Digital Costco Shop Card (essentially a type of Costco gift card) of varying value.

What travel can you book through Costco Travel?

You can book hotels, cruises, rental cars and vacation packages through Costco Travel. Vacation packages range from hotel-only offers to all-encompassing packages that include airfare, hotel stays and rental cars. You can even build your own package.

However, one thing to note is that you can't book stand-alone flights via Costco Travel. There is an option to book flights through some vacation packages, but if you're only looking for airfare, you'll want to head to Google Flights to check out your options and book.

You can book Costco Travel offers both online and by phone.

Do you have to be a Costco member to use Costco Travel?

Yes. Costco Travel is an exclusive service for Costco members.

There are two personal membership levels: Gold Star and Executive. Gold Star costs $60 per year, while an Executive membership costs $120. The basic membership will give you access to all of Costco's services, including Costco Travel, while the Executive membership also comes with a 2% reward on all Costco (and Costco Travel) purchases.

I've found that the Costco Travel deals alone are worth paying the $60 Gold Star annual membership fee, even though I don't regularly use Costco for my grocery store runs.

Check sites like Groupon for discount Costco memberships, as you can sometimes save on that rate — or get an included gift card that helps offset the cost.

Is Costo Travel worth it?

Costco Travel has its pros and cons, but there are definitely times when it's worth it.

For example, let's look at a five-night stay in Maui in early April. At the time of writing, Costco is currently offering a hotel and rental car package for Hotel Wailea, a Relais & Chateaux affiliated property and one of TPG's favorite Maui hotels .

Here's one cost comparison breakdown of Costco Travel's deal versus booking directly:

Even without including the additional benefits, you're already saving more than $400 via the Costco deal. Add in the value you get from the card, daily breakfast and resort credit (which is more than $1,000 in value if you maximize all benefits), and you're looking at $1,442.45 in savings by booking through Costco Travel versus directly.

And since Hotel Wailea isn't a member of any major hotel loyalty program, booking through Costco Travel wouldn't mean missing out on elite night credits or other loyalty program benefits.

Here's another example — this time for a Universal Orlando theme park trip from June 4-6 for one adult and two children from Houston. The total cost when booking each part (hotel, tickets and airfare) individually came to $2,701.35, while booking it as a package via Costco saved just over $300.

That's a fair amount of savings you could use for some frozen butterbeer or even a new wand inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter .

When is Costco Travel not worth it?

Not every offer on Costco is worth booking.

For one, you won't necessarily find the same availability on Costco Travel. For example, flights booked through Costco may have some seats blocked off, and certain dates for hotel stays may be unavailable. Additionally, not all rental car companies are bookable through Costco Travel (such as Hertz*, which is my preferred rental car company due to the perks I get through my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ).

Plus, some hotel stays have a minimum stay requirement. If you're on the hunt for a long weekend getaway, you may not be able to take advantage of some Costco Travel deals.

Even when you do find availability, you should always price-check what you can find by booking directly or through your credit card travel portal and hotel programs.

After booking our fantastic stay at TRS Coral just north of Cancun through Costco, I looked at booking through Costco again in 2023 when planning our annual beach vacation.

While Costco had a deal available for the same resort, we happened to be booking when the resort chain was having a Mother's Day sale for anyone booking directly. We were able to try out a new TRS resort closer to Playa Del Carmen, TRS Yucatan; we saved more than $100 on an even nicer suite than Costco Travel offered by booking directly (even when considering the Digital Shop Card we would have gotten by booking with Costco).

Something else to consider when booking hotels through Costco Travel is loyalty program rewards and elite status. There are a lot of hotels available to book through Costco Travel that are part of major loyalty programs, from Hyatt Honors to Marriott Bonvoy to IHG One Rewards and more. But booking through Costco Travel — just like booking through most other third-party services such as Expedia — means you likely won't earn loyalty rewards, elite night credits or have any elite night benefits honored.

You'll also have to use Costco customer service if you run into any issues rather than going directly to the brand. This is especially important when considering booking a vacation package that includes flights, given the higher potential for delays or cancellations.

Why I love Costco Travel

I am typically a staunch proponent of booking directly, but Costco Travel is an exception. I've found that the benefits I can get by booking some trips via Costco outweigh the cons (some of which include having to go through Costco for any customer service help or occasionally losing out on elite night credits).

Digital Costco Shop Cards

My favorite thing about booking trips through Costco Travel is the Digital Costco Shop Card I get after booking. The card's value varies from trip to trip (generally depending on how expensive the package you book), but you can get hundreds of dollars back to use at Costco.

The Digital Costco Shop Cards can be used for Costco warehouse purchases (a game changer with grocery prices so high due to inflation), but you can also use them toward future Costco Travel bookings. And remember — Costco doesn't just carry bulk grocery items. You could use a Digital Costco Shop Card to buy a new flat-screen TV for movie nights and game days, a new outdoor patio setup ahead of summer or even Costco Pharmacy prescriptions.

I admittedly don't use Costco for groceries often (buying in bulk doesn't make a lot of sense for someone who lives alone), but I have used shop cards to help pay for Christmas presents and future Costco Travel trips. I've actually been looking into using my most recent Digital Costco Shop Card on a new pair of AirPods and a new TV mount for my living room.

Deals on non-points hotel stays and all-inclusive resorts

When I'm looking at booking a hotel stay at a brand like Hyatt or Marriott, I generally choose to book directly in order to earn elite night credits and points. However, when looking at properties not part of a major loyalty program, Costco Travel is often a go-to anytime I can find a deal.

Costco Travel has a nice deals section, and I usually look there first if I'm not sold on a specific destination for a getaway. While deals found on Costco generally have a narrow booking window, I've found that many offer a lot of flexibility for the actual trip dates.

A few examples of limited-time deals for January include Hotel Wailea from the example earlier in this guide, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico's Riviera Maya, and Disney and Universal theme park packages.

Simplifying group vacations

I'm often the travel planner in my friend group (which makes sense, considering what I do for a living), but not everyone is an avid points and miles user like myself. For group trips where we're splitting the cost of hotel rooms among multiple people, it often doesn't make sense to use points and miles to book.

Costco Travel vacation packages offer a way for all of us to save money, and it makes narrowing down potential destinations and hotels easier. Rather than everyone having to spend hours researching ideas and prices from across the internet — which might be my idea of a fun Wednesday night but isn't for some of my friends — I typically just send them to Costco Travel to see if any of the featured deals catch their eye.

Having reservation information for multiple aspects of a trip, such as a hotel and rental car package, makes sharing and saving the itineraries a breeze.

Bottom line

Whether or not you currently have a Costco membership, you shouldn't dismiss Costco Travel as just another online travel agency.

If you know where to look and are willing to price-check the deals you find, you can save a lot of money with Costco Travel deals. I've personally had a lot of success booking friends getaways to popular destinations like Mexico through Costco. Using the service has helped me save on other expenses with the Digital Costco Shop Card I've gotten with my bookings.

For me, the $60 annual membership fee to Costco has been more than worth it to utilize Costco Travel.

*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through Dec. 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• How my Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a workhorse when it comes to cash back
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

ULTIMATE Costco Travel Review [2024]: Who It Is & Isn’t For

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL:DR: After testing Costco Travel, we recommend it if you don’t like planning all of the details of your trip—Costco Travel makes it super simple to purchase a planned vacation package, even though it might not be the cheapest option. Here are the key takeaways from our Costco Travel review:

• Costco Travel offers vacation packages to destinations worldwide, including resorts, cruises, theme parks, and guided tours.
• Pricing can be 20-30% lower compared to other agencies (but you might be able to find cheaper bookings if you enjoy researching travel deals). Executive members get added value like credits and upgrades.
• We had a positive experience booking a Costa Rica package but found extra fees, so make sure that you fully understand what’s included in your package—for example, are meals included in your resort stay?
• You can purchase flights as part of a package, but not on their own. If problems arise with the flight, Costco directs you to the airlines (even if you have trip insurance).
• Cancellations and refunds are available under specific circumstances. Travel insurance provides some protection.

I fell in love with Costco because of their famous $1.50 hotdog and soda combo. But these aren’t the only deals that they have.

When it comes to selling package deals, Costco knows how it’s done. You can’t find better deals than their Kirkland brand products, gas fill-ups, and travel packages!

That’s right; I said travel packages. Costco Travel is a leader in selling vacation packages available only to members.

Costco is different from your ordinary travel search engine. They offer bundles for your favorite theme parks and cruise lines. But is it worth the membership?

Keep reading to determine if the membership is worth springing for.

What is Costco Travel? 

Costco is a members-only wholesale company that opened its first warehouse in 1983. Their popularity snowballed from there. 

Costco was the first company to reach $3 billion in sales in its first six years. In 2000, they branched out and created Costco Travel . 

The funny thing is that to this day, many people still don’t know Costco also sells travel packages! These packages can include flights, hotels, cruises, cars, and more. 

They work with an individual tour company to sell you the same travel packages as the tour companies but with added benefits.

How Does Costco Travel Work?

You’ll have to become a member to get a Costco Travel package. There are two levels of membership that both allow you to take advantage of these Costco Travel deals. 

The basic “Gold Star” annual membership costs $60. With this level, you’ll be able to receive the unique Costco offers at their warehouses and online. 

The “Executive” membership costs $120. As an executive member, you’ll enjoy all of the benefits of the Gold Star membership and extra perks such as:

• Exclusive deals and benefits on Costco services
• 2% cash back on Costco and Costco Travel purchases

Both membership levels are great deals and help you save money. 

Search for a Travel Package

Start by clicking the travel service you’re looking for on the Costco Travel website. To find a vacation package from there, enter your destination, region, and dates. 

You can adjust the dates in each city for your Costco Travel vacation packages. It’s possible to add flights, but many Costco members book flights separately. 

There’s also no separate search engine for booking flights. You can get a better price and have more control over which flight you take by doing it yourself. 

I suggest creating a Costco Travel account to manage your vacation packages, rental cars, and hotel rooms.

Costco Travel Review: My Experience With Using Costco Travel

Costco Travel Vacation Packages

One of the biggest perks of these travel packages is the convenience of booking your vacation through Costco. I used Costco Travel on one of my recent trips to Costa Rica.

The package I purchased was around $6,000 for two weeks at a resort, which is a reasonable price. 

While searching, you’ll notice that each of the vacation packages provides a list of benefits. 

Some resorts give you breakfast for free and food credits per day. Others won’t include any food at all. Pay close attention–it’s frustrating when you expect everything to be paid, but it’s not.

Costco Travel doesn’t automatically include airport transportation either. When clicking through, you have to choose from multiple transportation options.

Executive members can use their 2% cashback reward on any vacation package. 

Costco Flights

I like to book directly when purchasing a flight. However, Costco Travel airline tickets don’t exist for purchase separately. These flights always come as part of a package.

You can choose from a few options under the packages section that come with a flight: flight + hotel,  flight + hotel + car, and the total vacation package. 

Even if you have trip insurance, that won’t help with flight issues. If a problem arises, they’ll send you to the airline instead. 

Costco Hotels

When booking a hotel room through Costco Travel, you should know a few things.

If you’re looking for a hotel in certain cities, you’ll need a Costco membership to see the total price. 

Some popular cities worldwide aren’t available on Costco Travel, so you’ll only see travel packages without hotels for those cities. 

To book a hotel for New York City, for instance, you’ll have to book the hotel directly. 

Costco Rental Cars

Costco Travel has an easy interface for booking a rental car. However, they show only a select few car rental companies.

When I was looking for car rentals in Italy, I got only four different car rental companies to choose from. Those were Alamo, AVIS, Budget, and Enterprise. 

Car rentals can be expensive, so I suggest comparing prices with other companies before purchasing from Costco Travel. 

Costco Travel Cruises

Costco Travel offers its Costco members the ability to purchase a cruise through their easy-to-use search engine. Most other travel booking sites don’t provide this feature. 

You can choose the destination you want and even a specific cruise line. There are also options to look specifically for Alaskan cruises only.

Depending on how many days you choose for your cruise, several different options will appear. You’ll get the same Costco value when you’ve booked through Costco. 

There will be many reviews for each route, and select cruises are up to 30% off. Below are the different cruise lines you can choose from (not including Alaska cruises):

• Carnival 
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Even with Costco Travel’s alleged 30% savings, the price still seems the same as booking directly. 

Others are getting certain benefits like a Costco gift card and onboard credit. It’s worth booking through Costo Travel if you get these perks.

Other Deals Through Costco Travel

Theme parks & speciality vacations.

If you look further into the Costco site, you’ll find that they offer even more vacation packages. 

These range from Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood resort packages to an African safari. Costco Travel has it all!

These packages aren’t cheap but are some of the most sought-after bucket list trips. You can choose from many adventures if you want a family-friendly experience.

Going on an African safari has been on my list for many years. Costco Travel has full trips planned for you already. It’s absolutely amazing–like having your own travel agent.

These guided vacations might not have lower prices, but having your trip booked through Costco Travel is more straightforward than other travel sites.

Unique Deals

Costco Travel works with other travel agencies to get travel deals for its members. Executive members enjoy extra perks like free upgrades, food/spa credits, and more.

Costco Travel also offers upgraded Kirkland Signature vacations. It’s the same brand you know and love but with travel. Costco Travel offers deals on these trips for up to 20% off. 

Kirkland Signature has featured deals that last only a short time. You can scroll through pre-built vacation packages with set dates.

These deals often offer other perks and services, making Kirkland Signature deals impressive ways to kick back and relax. 

Cash Back on Purchases

As an executive member, you can enjoy up to 2% cash back on purchases through Costco and Costco Travel. 

There’s also a credit card called “Costco Anywhere Visa,” which gives you 3% cash back. Having their credit card is helpful if you know you’ll purchase from Costco Travel often.

Different Payment Options

When using Costco booking, you’ll be happy to hear there’s a flexible payment option. You’ll only have to pay a small percentage (in comparison) upfront. 

If you’re using Costco Travel booking services, you can also choose a payment plan to spread it out. Who doesn’t love a good payment plan?

Membership is Necessary 

To get Costco Travel exclusive deals, you must be a member. 

This downside might not be a big deal to Costco members who pay the membership solely for Costco Wholesale. And, considering what you get from it, the membership cost isn’t that steep. 

The extra price you’ll pay for a travel agent will cost you more. Plus, you don’t get the other services that Costco offers.

Hidden Extra Expenses

When I chose my vacation package to Costa Rica, I noticed that these resorts didn’t always offer free food and beverages. Instead, some gave you “credits.” 

If you don’t read closely, you might think the food and drinks are free (especially given the prices). 

I saw this less often when purchasing my Costco Hawaii package, but you should still keep an eye out.  

Costco Travel Cancellation & Exchange Policy 

Canceling your vacation package is easy. You can get a refund if you cancel within 48 hours of departure. Each scenario is different, though.

Log into your Costco Travel account. Click ‘bookings,’ then ‘upcoming,’ and ‘cancel.’ There, you’ll see your upcoming trip and how much you’re eligible for in return.

Costco Travel insurance can help if any unforeseen circumstances arise. 

FAQs About Costco Travel

Is Costco Travel the same as Costco?

Costco owns Costco Travel, but they are different business sectors. Costco Wholesale is what most people know Costco for, and Costco Travel is strictly for travel. 

Can Costco save you money on flights?

Costco won’t save you money on flights, but you can get many of the same flights as you usually can find on other websites.

Looking for cheap flights? Read our detailed reviews of Hopper , Skiplagged , Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going) , SnapTravel , Dollar Flight Club , and Momondo .

How far in advance should I book Costco Travel?

When booking a travel package through Costco Travel, purchasing it between three and six months in advance is best. 

Do you get two percent back on Costco Travel?

Purchases through Costco Travel are eligible for 2% cashback. This is a massive perk of an executive membership . Members receive up to $1,000 cashback. 

Do you have to be a Costco member to use Costco Travel?

You must be a Costco member to purchase vacation packages through Costco Travel. One of the downsides to Costco Travel is the entry barrier, but it’s worth the cost. 

Conclusion: So, is Costco Travel worth it?

Using Costco Travel discounts is a no-brainer if you’re already a Costco member. At the very least, it’s worth a search to see if they have any deals that you fancy. 

Costco Travel is a good deal for those who love having someone plan everything for them and do it often. 

Spending $6,000 a year on travel pays for the executive membership solely from the cash back. 

Costco Travel isn’t great for budget travelers. It’s also not the best option for you if you don’t like a strict plan when traveling. 

But, even so, there’s still some value in having Costco Travel car rentals. 

A Costco membership alone is so valuable for most people that it’s worth factoring the travel perks into the equation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phillip Anderson

Phillip Anderson is a freelance travel writer, personal trainer, and adventure enthusiast. With years of travel experience under his belt, Phillip is an expert in finding the best deals through travel apps and websites. He knows how to find cheap domestic and international flights, like a flight to Peru for as low as $350.

When looking for cheap accommodations, Phillip combines his knowledge of websites like Airbnb, Booking.com & Hostelworld with more unique sites like TrustedHousesitters, for even more savings. Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or local experiences, he teaches travelers to make informed decisions, ensuring their adventures are both memorable and economical. For more from Phillip, check out his website, JaywalkTheWorld.com.

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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Costco Travel: What You Need to Know to Save Money

Costco Travel makes planning a vacation easy, but does it really save you money? See how it compares against other top travel sites.

• Why Costco Travel is a Good Deal
• Car Rentals

Let's face it. Traveling is expensive and planning is a hassle.

If you are anything like us, you look high and low for travel deals . And if you are a Costco member, your hunt could be over.

Yes, the same warehouse where you shop for granola bars and toilet paper in bulk offers travel discounts. The idea is that you would save money by bundling together things like flights, hotel, car rentals, and even dining and activities.

Discounts combined with high-quality Costco service, is it the recipe for a fabulous vacation?

And does it really save you money?

In our review of Costco Travel, we will tell you what you can expect from their travel agency. Let's find out just how good the deals are.

Bonus : Costco Travel is a great way to save money. But did you know, you can travel for cheap with miles and points? Join our FREE travel course to learn how to travel the world with points.

Free Self-Paced Course: How to Travel the World with Points

What is Costco Travel

Exclusive to Costco members, Costco Travel offers convenient vacation package deals to popular destinations around the world . Many even including dining, activities, and resort credit. Costco is able to offer such good discounts because they use their immense buying power to score deals with hotels, theme parks, cruises, etc.

Note : Costco Travel is different from other online travel agencies (such as Orbitz or Expedia). It does not offer individual flight bookings or a night at a specific hotel. It's all done as part of a vacation package. Airfare can be added to almost all vacation packages and cruises. But you can choose to book your own independently too if you want.

Here's what you can get with Costco Travel:

Did you know : The top 5 international destinations visited by Americans are (in order): Mexico, Canada, UK, Dominican Republic, and France.

All pricing for their packages are upfront with all taxes included. So there are no surprise charges when you're ready to pay.

All Costco Travel employees are trained travel professionals. So you get the expertise of both a well-known price negotiator with a well-versed travel agent. They're available to help you plan the trip the way you want.

How Costco Travel get their deals : We all love shopping at Costco because you pay less when you buy in bulk. The same concept applies. Costco has huge buying power and is able to score discounted rates when they buy hotel rooms, cruises, theme park tickets, etc. in bulk (basically, they get a discounted group rate). The savings are then passed on to their members.

How to Get Better Deals with Costco Travel

Before we start, here are some more tips on how to use Costco Travel to get the best deals. Feel free to click to jump to the sections.

Can you purchase Costco Travel for someone who is not a Costco member? Yes. If you're a member, you can book a trip for a non-member with your membership. Or, if you're not a member but has a friend who is, you can use their membership to book a trip and pay with your own credit card.

Costco Membership Options

Before we dive into the specifics, keep in mind that you must be a Costco member.

However, you can see the packages and prices as a non-member. So you can browse and if you decide the membership is worth the savings, you can then join and book your trip.

Tip : Costco will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied. All the more reason to try out Costco for yourself.

There are three membership levels:

You can even gift someone you know with an annual membership by buying it online on Costco's website. This could be the perfect present for a friend or family member who likes to travel a few times a year or more.

Note: As an Executive Member, you get 2% cash back on all purchases. Select Costco Travel purchases including vacation packages, cruises, rental cars and theme park and specialty vacations are eligible for the 2% reward. It is also important to know that Executive Member benefits are extended to the primary cardholder only.

Did you know : If you have a business and are planning to use your Costco Card strictly for business expenses, it might be possible to deduct the cost for membership on your taxes.

Now, let's get into the different offerings and see what you can stand to save.

Is a Costco membership worth it? This depends on what you buy, but there are a few areas Costco excels over other retailers.

If you buy gas, wine, gift cards, organic products, pet food, and over-the-counter meds, then Costco could save you some serious cash, even with the $60 membership fee.

Vacation Packages

Planning a vacation is often stressful. Costco's vacation packages make it easy by bundling everything together. You don't have to go to different websites and book things individually. It's as close to "1-click and you're done" as you can get.

Vacation packages include flights (optional), hotel stays, transportation (transfers or rental car), and activities. Some vacation packages include specific activities, but most will offer a tour credit.

You can plan a vacation package to the Caribbean , Cook Islands , Costa Rica , Europe , Fiji , Florida , Hawaii , Las Vegas , Mexico and Tahiti - in addition to the theme parks (more on that below).

Tip : Some vacations, such as Disney World packages, do not directly include the airport transfers. However, in this case, Costco provides discount coupons. They send it directly to your email. You then purchase the transfers directly with the transfer company. You still get the Costco discount, but you don't purchase it through Costco. I love how Costco thinks of everything, covering all of the bases for any vacation package.

Included perks: One good thing about Costco Travel is their "Included Extras." Essentially, they are bonuses. The type of bonus differs by vacation type and package. Extras you might see include:

And if you're an Executive member, you may get extra benefits on top. Such as a resort credit per day, food and beverage credit, or even Costco cash cards. Try finding those amazing perks elsewhere without wasting countless hours checking every travel site that exists.

It is also possible to get a great deal on a vacation package at Starwood Hotels and Hard Rock Hotels .

Costco Vacations: Price Comparisons

But now, let's take a look if you save more by booking through Costco. At the same time, let's go over how to book on Costco Travel.

Example vacation package: 4 nights in Cancun, Mexico from November 13-17. Departing from Los Angeles (LAX). Two adults.

Then it will come out with a list of properties for you to choose from. You can also see at a glance what kind of extras are included in each property. For the sake of this review, let's choose the first one (the least priciest).

I had also indicated that I wanted to include flights. After you have chosen the property, you will next choose the flight. Here is the included flight that they selected for me:

You can either select this and hit "Continue", or if you don't like this option, there are 149 other flight options to choose from. But they are all pricier.

So after you have selected a flight, next you select the room.

You can see that the Luxury Garden-View Suite is included in the package. If you would like a higher room category or suite, it will cost extra.

Before proceeding to the airport transfer options, a pop up alert comes up:

Costco Travel makes it impossible to miss this important advisory! If you are OK with the terms, click "I Understand" to continue.

If this package comes with airport transfer, it will come up on the next page:

Note you will be transported in a shared vehicle with other travelers each way. If you prefer a private transfer or in a wheelchair accessible van, simply modify your selection accordingly. Note the price will be higher.

And that's it. The last thing to do is go over the booking recap and confirm. So for this sample vacation package, the total is $1,354.26 for 2 people for 4 nights in Cancun, including nonstop round-trip airfare .

Before hitting the "Purchase" button, make sure to check the cancellation policy by clicking "what if I need to cancel". In this case, if you cancel before November 9th, 70% of the total trip amount is refundable.

Click on the Promotion and Included Extras' details under the Hotels section to review on your end and check if there are any additional taxes collected by the hotel upon checkout.

All clickable links in blue on the booking recap page share important details pertaining to your trip. They are there for a reason... so click and read everything!

How much does it cost if we book it ourselves? Let's see:

Total: $1,493

Costco Travel comes out a little cheaper. And also, remember that this package has a $80 resort credit and breakfast.

Let's compare with a couple of other popular online travel agents. Same dates, same hotel.

In general, we find that Costco Vacation Packages tend to be a decent deal. In most cases, it does save you a bit of money. The extras they provide makes for even better value. Plus, the lack of hassle with booking things separately yourself could be worth a lot to some people. And you also have the full support of Costco travel agents to help plan the trip.

Did you know : The average airfare per traveler for an international trip was $1,237 , and the average spending while overseas per travelers was $1,487

Buyer's Choice

I love booking travel on the Internet because of the access to reviews. Reading honest opinions from others often helps travelers make choices.

Costco's "Buyer's Choice" packages are top picks chosen by previous other buyers for the outstanding value and selection. Buyers rate the packages based on the special touches received throughout the vacation. These are outside of the standard Costco savings.

Take, for example, a 5-night vacation package to Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort (from $800/person). It includes more than the hotel and rental car (flight not included in base price). Costco members also receive:

Just note that the Buyer's Choice prices you see won't include airfare. If you choose to include one, of course the price could go way up.

Weekly Hot Deals

Costco's Weekly Hot Deals offer even more savings than their regular packages. You have a limited time to book the deals, but travel is often good for a while. Featured deals change every week, so feel free to bookmark the link and check the updated page from time to time.

For example, a limited-time package to Cancun is good for travel dates through December 23, 2017. In this particular package, you receive a resort credit based on your length of stay. You get a $500 resort credit for a 3-night stay, and all the way up to $2,500 credit for 12 nights or more. The credit is good towards spa service, excursions, dining, or the golf course. And on top of that, you get a Costco Cash Card.

$499 and Under

Costco Travel offers amazing vacation packages and cruises for $499 and under per person. If you are on a tight budget and have someone to travel with, these deals are too good to pass up. Most offers include a special perk such as a resort or shipboard credit, Costco Cash Card, or huge savings that can't be found elsewhere. Limited dates apply, especially for cruise sailings, so act fast before the particular deal sells out.

Believe it or not, there is a deal available for a 4-night stay at a four-star beachfront resort in Riviera Nayarit, near Cancun, Mexico, starting at $269 per person (based on double occupancy). Travel must take place between August 13, 2017 to December 20, 2017. In addition to accommodation, the package includes round-trip transportation to / from the hotel and all taxes and fees. Airfare is at an additional cost. In this particular package, you receive a $100 resort credit per room, per stay, 4 nights or more. If you book a 1-bedroom suite or higher, you are entitled to receive a $150-$250 resort credit per room, per stay, 4 nights or more.

When using example travel dates, October 4-8, 2017, the total cost for the 4-night stay for 2 people is $532.19 on Costco Travel.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Nothing beats the convenience of an all-inclusive getaway.

Costco can be your go-to provider for your next all-inclusive vacation or cruise. Right now there is a special deal for a 4-night stay at Occidental Nuevo Vallarta in Nayarit, Mexico from $359 per person and includes all meals, kid's club, daily activities and nightly entertainment, airport transfers, and hotel taxes and gratuities. Travel must take place between 8/13/17 - 10/31/17.

Includes Extras For Executive Members

If you are an Executive Member, keep an eye out for the black Executive Membership card, which indicates a special benefit.

Here is an example:

Theme Park Packages

Costco offers vacation packages to Disney World , Disneyland , Universal Orlando and Lion World . Costco makes it easy to book the flights, hotel, and theme park tickets all as a package. We all know how stressful it is when you're trying to do it all separately for your family.

Pricing wise, let's see how it compares:

Example Disney World package: 6-night stay at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace from August 2-8; 5-day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper option; transport to the theme parks. 2 adults and 2 children.

The total Costco Travel price is $2,451.57 for a family of 4 for 6 nights and 5 days of park tickets. (Note that to keep this simple, we didn't include flights.)

Let's see what it would cost if you were to book it yourself:

Total: $2,638. And this doesn't even include transport from the hotel to the parks daily.

You can really stand to save a few hundred bucks with Costco Travel's theme park packages. In about all cases we've checked, Costco comes out cheaper. And the extra benefits it offers makes the value even better. Plus, it makes it a lot more stress free to plan your family vacation.

Did you know : Domestically, the 5 most visited cities by Americans are (in order): Las Vegas, New York City, Orlando, San Diego, and Los Angeles

Guided Vacations

Costco also offers incredible options for travelers wishing to take a Guided Vacation (i.e. in a group with an expert guide).

Affordable Cruises

Booking a cruise is even less complicated.

Everything comes with the package. You just need to choose stateroom type, deck number, room location, and bed configuration. If you shop cruise prices between various travel agents and Costco, you may find similar prices. Cruise lines typically restrict the discounts they allow on the cruises.

Costco Travel offers cruises with almost all major cruise lines including: Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Uniworld and Viking. Costco does not sell small or boutique cruise lines such as Oceania, Silversea and Windstar.

Currently, you can plan a cruise with Costco to the following destinations:

Cruises to Baja Mexico , the Bahamas , and the Rhine River are the most popular. There are even transatlantic cruises for those not keen on flying.

Costco also makes it easy to find cruises from your preferred departure port including: Seattle, Vancouver, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Galveston, Los Angeles, New York and San Diego.

Did you know : The most popular destinations for cruises for North Americans are: the Carribeans, Bahamas, and Alaska. Just 4 cruise firms - Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norweigian, and Disney - account for almost all cruises taken. And 3 departure ports - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral - account for over 50% of departure points.

Let's look at one example:

Example cruise package: 11-night Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Cruises. Departing from Miami on September 25, 2017. Inside stateroom for two adults. Prices also reflect a slight discount for being a California resident.

Costco's prices come out on par with other cruise sites. Where Costco could stand out, however, are the extras they provide. They offer onboard credits and/or Costco Cash Cards on almost every cruise. If you wind up not using the entire onboard credit amount, you can get a refund on your credit card by going to the cruise ship's reception desk and making the request. Note that the Costco Cash Cards tend to come in the mail after completion of your cruise and can be used at Costco's warehouses or online. Don't forget to figure these bonuses into your comparisons if you shop around.

You can also add an airline ticket. Do some comparison to see if Costco's airline prices are lower than purchasing them elsewhere.

Kirkland Signature Options

Costco also offers Kirkland Signature vacation and cruise options you will not find anywhere else. With these options, you usually receive a Costco Cash Card as well as other exclusive benefits. For example, on a Winery Cruise from Sydney, Costco offers:

Add to this the included beverage package and you receive many benefits you would not receive elsewhere.

Shore Excursions : Already booked your cruise? Why not make it extra special by pre-booking a shore excursion. Costco Travel makes it easy to find excursions beyond the typical activities offered through the cruise line. Whether you want to book an excursion for one port or all ports, Costco Travel makes it easy.

Costco Car Rental

Costco finds pricing from Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. And as an added bonus, you get one additional driver for free (which usually costs about $13/day).

Besides the additional driver, Costco may also give you extras like coupon savings and possible upgrades (especially with Enterprise). Also, there are no cancellation fees, which is great if you happen to find a better deal elsewhere.

Watch out : Costco car rental does not include any kind of insurance coverage. If you do book through them, make sure you use a credit card that gives you primary car rental coverage . This means that even without the agency's optional insurance, you can still be covered for the damage, theft, or loss of eligible vehicle rentals.

Let's see if you stand to save with Costco Car Rentals. For the scenarios, we have picked the cheapest pricing and did not select any insurance coverage.

Example car rental #1: A 7-day car rental in Los Angeles; pick up and drop off near LAX

Example car rental #2: A 5-day car rental in Miami; pick up and drop off near MIA

Surprisingly, Costco's rates are the highest. Kayak is the clear winner when it comes to car rentals. Costco doesn't search for as many rental companies as other online travel agencies, so often, the pricing is not the best.

But if you do need an additional driver, then Costco's car rental is worth considering since it won't cost extra.

Discounted Hotel Rates

For the time being, Costco is not accepting new room-only reservations at this time. Stay tuned for their new hotel program coming soon!

Costco is partnered with Hyatt and Best Western. Members receive 10% off (or more) at these hotels. Let's see if this is true:

We are looking at the Andaz Wall Street in NYC (part of Hyatt), for the night of Friday Sept 8, 2017. The cost is $275 for Costco members, while Advanced Purchase is $290. It seems like that Costco members do save a few bucks.

However, at the same time, the AAA discount rate is the same as the Costco rate.

This is also true for Best Western. And sometimes, Costco pricing isn't even the lowest.

As a whole, the hotel partners don't save you too much money, especially if you already have AAA. It's worth looking at just for comparison shopping, but this isn't where you'll find most value.

Notification of Issues

Costco has the reputation of providing quality in everything they offer. They stay apprised of all issues occurring at the hotels and other amenities they offer. If they know of any inconvenience, such as hotel maintenance, they provide a pop-up during the booking process. By clicking "I understand," you acknowledge the slight inconvenience you may experience. If the issue is serious, Costco may even change your reservations for you. You can expect even better accommodations or benefits in cases like this.

Before Using Costco Travel To Book Your Next Getaway

Why we choose costco travel.

Overall, Costco Travel offers good benefits especially in the cruise and vacation packages department. Even in cases where I could find the cost of the vacation slightly lower, I choose Costco Travel. I love the benefits they offer. I also trust their guarantee.

Booking a vacation to a place I have never gone is nerve wracking. What if I choose a bad hotel or miss an incredible activity? Booking with Costco Travel leaves those worries behind. I feel they leave no stone unturned with their program. They stand behind their quality choices and offer great options. Not to mention transparent upfront pricing with no surprise costs. I always go on my vacations knowing exactly what to expect.

Don't forget about the added bonus of resort perks, Costco Cash cards, and specific member benefits. There is something satisfactory about using a $250 onboard credit on a cruise. I also love receiving a room upgrade that I could not otherwise afford. These perks make Costco Travel worth it for me. And best of all - it's about as stress free as you can get. That fact alone could be priceless to some people.

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Costco Travel: 5 Things To Know Before You Book

If you’re anything like money expert Clark Howard , you’re probably used to getting almost everything — from clothes to food to tires and home goods — at Costco . But have you ever thought about booking your getaways through Costco Travel ?

In this article, we’ll take a look at how Costco Travel works and talk about the pros and cons of booking your trips through the warehouse giant.

Costco Travel: What You Need To Know About Travel Packages, Car Rentals, Cruises and More

Costco uses its bulk-buying power to negotiate discounted rates for its members on travel packages (including airfare and hotel), car rentals, cruises and more for members at CostcoTravel.com. You can also access the service by phone at 866-921-7925.

So just how much can the warehouse club save you on your trip?

Our in-house travel expert Clara Bosonetto compares Costco Travel to the AAA discount you may be familiar with. Members may see a 10% savings overall through booking with Costco.

With that in mind, here are some other things you need to know before booking a trip through Costco Travel.

1. Costco Travel Packages Offer a One-Stop Shopping Experience

Just like many other travel websites, Costco lets you book an entire vacation online. This appeals to people who like to have all the moving parts of planning a trip (airfare, accommodations, activities, etc.) handled in a neat, organized way.

But the cookie-cutter approach can have its downsides.

“Costco hotels and resorts tend to be the big box type vs. boutique or off-the-beaten-tracks properties,” Clara says. “Due to volume bookings, these preferred hotels often throw in a dining credit, an activity or a room upgrade: small perks that can mean a big difference to some.”

Clara also notes that you’ll probably never get the same Costco Travel representative twice if you’re booking over the phone. “Customers can call to speak with a rep, but they will get a different one each time versus working with a local agent,” she says.

Check out Costco Travel packages here .

2. Booking a Hotel With Costco Travel Is Easy

All the hotel prices at CostcoTravel.com provide upfront pricing — including taxes.

Costco works with a variety of brand-name hotels including:

• Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
• Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
• IHG Hotels and Resorts
• Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts

Book a hotel through Costco here .

3. Here’s What You Need To Know About Costco Travel Car Rental

You can rent a car through Costco Travel . The site works with popular rental car brands including:

In addition booking a car in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can rent a car through Costco Travel for use in Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

One of the nice features of renting a car through Costco is that the additional driver fee is waived.

While Costco Travel is a great resource to shop for deals, make sure you follow our step-by-step guide to finding a deal on a rental car .

4. Costco Travel Offers Great Last-Minute Deals on Cruises

Costco partners with a variety of mainstream cruise lines to offer deals to members. They include:

• Celebrity X
• Crystal Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

According to Clara, Costco is a great place to book last-minute cruises because you’ll often get perks such as onboard credits.

And, here’s another nice feature: If you don’t use all the onboard credit you’re given, you can get a partial refund before disembarking.

Book Costco cruises here .

5. You Can Earn 5% Back on Costco Travel

Costco Executive Members ($120 annual fee) earn an annual 2% reward on Costco Travel purchases (up to $1,000).

On top of this 2%, you can earn 3% back on travel expenses if you use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi . So as both an Executive Member and Costco Anywhere Visa® Card-holder you could earn 5% back on purchases made through Costco Travel!

However, certain expenditures are excluded from this offer:

• Trip protection
• Travel purchased through a third-party such as activities and tours
• Rental car equipment
• Resort charges
• Port charges
• Resort and cruise line fees

Final Thought

If convenience is king for you, you may want to give Costco’s travel offerings a try.

However, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys boutique travel or hunting for travel bargains, you’re likely to be better off booking without the help of the warehouse club.

“I still believe in booking airfare and accommodations separately for the lowest vacation price,” Clara tells us. “But again, some don’t want to spend the time to do this. As you know, it’s a lot of work!”

Have you used Costco Travel to plan your vacation? Tell us about your experience in our Clark.com Community !

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Is Costco Travel a Good Deal? Evaluating Value and Savings

W hen planning your vacation, you might come across Costco Travel, known for potentially giving good value to its members on vacation packages, cruises, and rental car deals. But is it really a good deal? Considering all the services and perks it offers, it’s important to look at the savings and benefits of booking through Costco Travel. Costco is known for its discounts and deals for members, and its travel service extends these benefits to the world of travel. Plus, bundling different parts of your trip, like hotels, flights, and cars, can save you much time.

Costco Travel lets members buy vacation packages often seen as a mix of luxury and value, offering options like upscale accommodations and perks such as a free extra driver when renting cars. For people who travel a lot or are planning a big trip, checking out what this service provides can be worth it. Combining these package deals with the yearly rewards from certain membership levels might make it an even better deal. Also, considering how easy it is to cancel reservations and that a second driver is included at no extra cost, members might find these options attractive, especially when compared to booking each thing separately on other platforms.

Highlights:

• Costco Travel offers members potential savings and bundled deals on vacations.
• Member perks can add significant value, like rental car benefits and rewards on purchases.
• Evaluating the service involves considering the convenience, cost savings, and member reviews.

Understanding Costco Travel Services

Costco Travel extends exclusive benefits to its members, catering to various aspects of travel planning.

Membership Requirements

To access Costco Travel services, you must be a Costco member . Membership tiers include Gold Star, Business, and Executive, each with its own set of benefits, including travel perks. Remember, you’re not able to use Costco Travel if you’re not a card-carrying member of the warehouse club.

Travel Packages Offered

Costco Travel is known for offering a variety of travel packages that can include:

• Vacation Packages: Often bundled with flights, hotels, and possibly car rentals.
• Cruises: A selection of cruise lines with diverse itineraries.
• Rental Cars: Discounts and free additional driver options.
• Hotels: A curated list of properties.
• Theme Parks and Specialty Trips: Exclusive deals on popular attractions and unique experiences.

You can find deals like up to 30% off on rental cars and vacation packages that bundle flights and hotels for added savings. However, it’s important to note that flight-only bookings are generally not available unless paired with a package.

Comparing Prices

When determining if Costco Travel offers good deals, it’s important to examine their price match guarantee and assess the overall value proposition of their packages.

Price Match Guarantee

Costco Travel provides you with a sense of security through their price match guarantee, ensuring that you’re getting a competitive rate. If you find a lower price on another travel website within 24 hours of booking, Costco Travel may match that price. This guarantee reflects Costco’s confidence in their pricing but always read the terms as restrictions apply.

Value Proposition

The true value of Costco Travel comes from the bundle of services and perks you receive. As an Executive member , you might be eligible for a 2% reward on your travel purchases, which could translate to considerable savings depending on your booking total.

Remember to compare the individual components of a Costco Travel package—such as hotels, flights, and extras—to the prices of booking separately to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Member Benefits and Perks

Costco’s travel service offers significant savings and benefits exclusively for its members. The program uses the buying power of millions of members to negotiate reduced rates.

Executive Membership Extras

As an Executive member, you have access to a range of additional perks. You receive 2% cash back on your Costco Travel purchases, capped at a $1,000 reward each year. This comes in the form of a certificate you can use on most in-store purchases at Costco.

Limited-Time Deals

Costco frequently offers limited-time deals that can significantly reduce the cost of travel. These deals vary but often include discounts on package deals, cruises, and car rentals. Always check the website or sign up for notifications to stay informed on these limited-time offers.

Customer Service and Support

Costco Travel’s customer service is designed to provide support throughout your booking process. Should you have any issues or questions, assistance is available to ensure a smooth travel planning experience.

Booking Assistance

When you book with Costco Travel, you have access to travel experts who can help you find the packages that suit your needs. Whether you’re dealing with hotel accommodations, cruises, or rental cars, the help is at hand if you encounter any issues or have special requests.

Travel Protection Plans

Costco Travel offers various travel protection plans, providing coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and medical emergencies. These plans aim to give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about the unexpected.

Analyzing Costco Travel Reviews

When checking out Costco Travel, it’s important to look at both of positives and negatives before deciding if it is right for your travel needs.

Consumer Testimonials

Positive Experiences:

• You might find it comforting that some users report satisfaction with the simplicity and value Costco Travel offers, emphasizing how it has streamlined planning with pre-arranged packages and inclusive deals.
• Executive members have noted additional perks , such as cashback rewards, which can be significant for frequent travelers.

Concerns Raised:

• However, budget travelers have expressed that Costco Travel may not always offer the lowest prices, pointing out that it isn’t always the most cost-effective choice for those who prefer minimalistic travel arrangements.

Testimonials on Reddit provide a diversified perspective, sharing both the benefits of convenience and rewards, alongside discussions about pricing in comparison to other travel services.

Professional Ratings

Analysis by Experts:

• Comprehensive reviews suggest that Costco Travel can offer strong value for members, particularly in the areas of rental cars, cruises, and select vacation packages.
• The additional rewards for Executive members can at times justify the membership costs , especially if your annual spending on travel is substantial.

However, it’s valuable to note from expert analyses that a Costco membership is a prerequisite to use their travel service, and the upfront cost of membership needs to be factored into your overall savings assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When considering Costco Travel for your vacation needs, it’s essential to understand how the service works and the potential benefits it offers. Below are some of the most common questions that travelers have about booking with Costco Travel.

What are the benefits of booking with Costco Travel?

Booking with Costco Travel can offer several advantages, such as members-only prices, potential upgrades, and additional benefits like Costco Cash Cards. These perks vary depending on the type of travel and the specific package.

Are vacations booked through Costco generally considered a good value?

Yes, vacations booked through Costco are often considered a good value for their competitive pricing and added benefits. Executive members may also receive annual rewards on their travel purchases.

How can travelers obtain discounts when using Costco Travel?

Travelers can obtain discounts through Costco Travel by taking advantage of the company’s negotiated rates for their members, which may include savings on rental cars, hotels, and travel packages.

Which Costco Travel packages tend to offer the best value?

Package deals, particularly those that bundle flights, hotels and extras such as airport transfers or breakfast, are known to provide the best value. Exclusive deals for Costco members can often add more savings.

How does Costco Travel perform in comparison to other vacation package providers?

In terms of price and member-exclusive benefits, Costco Travel often outperforms many traditional vacation package providers. Their focus on customer service and member satisfaction reinforces their competitive edge in the travel industry.

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Table of Contents

How does Costco Travel work?

Can you use costco travel without a membership, is costco travel worth it, the downsides of costco travel, does costco travel offer travel insurance, the verdict: is costco travel a good deal.

The vacation packages featured by Costco Travel make a familiar, super-sized promise to Costco shoppers: You can save by prioritizing quality and buying in bulk. And for value-seeking travelers looking for a little bit of luxury, the wholesale giant delivers.

These vacation packages, which generally include posh accommodations, select meals and ground transportation, aren't available at bargain-barrel rates. But they're quick to book and competitively priced. For some, they might be the most cost-efficient ticket to a lavish getaway. Here’s everything you need to know about Costco Travel.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Costco Travel is a website that allows Costco members to purchase vacation packages, hotels, cruises and rental cars. These vacation packages, which can include posh accommodations, select meals and ground transportation, aren't available at bargain-barrel rates. But they're easy to book and competitively priced. For some, they might be the most cost-efficient ticket to a lavish getaway.

To book one of these vacation packages, you need to provide a Costco membership number at checkout. Memberships start at $60 a year, plus tax. With the Gold Star Executive membership, which costs $120 a year, you'll get additional Costco Travel benefits and 2% back (up to $1,000 in annual rewards) on qualifying Costco, Costco.com and Costco Travel purchases.

With a vacation package booked through Costco Travel — which also offers a la carte booking services for hotels, theme parks, car rentals and cruises — you can visit destinations like Rome, Paris, Cancun and many others.

Ginka Poole visits St. Lucia during a trip booked through Costco. (Photo courtesy of Ginka Poole)

Book all the reservations at once

On the Costco Travel website, it's possible to book a full itinerary — even including the car ride from the airport to your hotel — in just a few minutes. For Ginka Poole of Nashville, Tennessee, this was a big draw.

“For a vacation, it’s good to kind of turn your brain off for a while and not have to worry,” says Poole, a travel blogger and photographer. “You pick your destination, and there aren’t too many other choices you need to make.”

She used the service to purchase a trip to St. Lucia , a Caribbean island, with her husband. The package she bought, which cost about $6,000 for a weeklong stay, included ground transportation, the resort stay, breakfast every day, first-class flights and a credit for a tour.

The benefits and accommodations are top-notch

Say you booked a seven-day vacation package from San Francisco to London and Paris for two. For $4,900, you'd get these goodies:

Nonstop economy flights

Transportation to and from the airport

A superior queen room in a London hotel with a daily English breakfast, three-course dinner for two, champagne afternoon tea service and an appointment with the hotel concierge

A $400 tour credit in London

Standard premier railway tickets from London to Paris

A premium room in a Paris hotel with a daily breakfast buffet

To be sure, you could easily book a similar trip for less than $4,900 if you nixed some of those extras. But you'd be hard-pressed to find the same level of amenities and benefits at a lower price on other travel aggregators.

When booking through Costco Travel, you can get 3% cash back on your purchase when you pay with your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi . If you don’t have that card, try using one that offers extra rewards for travel or flat-rate rewards.

Parita Kuttappan and her husband, Vishnu Kuttappan, visit the Haleakala Crater in Maui on a trip booked through Costco Travel. (Photo courtesy of Parita Kuttappan)

For Parita Kuttappan of Chicago — who booked a trip to Maui and Kauai for herself, her husband and her mother-in-law and father-in-law through Costco Travel — those fancy stays were worth the cost.

“Our accommodations were amazing — exactly what we thought we were going to be getting,” says Kuttappan, who founded the lifestyle blog My Inner Shakti. The resorts they stayed at were beautifully decorated, spacious and comfortable, she notes.

Itineraries are somewhat customizable

Vacation packages on Costco Travel come with a basic itinerary, but you generally handle the details yourself. After selecting your dates and destination, you can add flights, upgrade your room or make other tweaks. Then, it's up to you to plan daily activities.

In Kauai, “We took a helicopter tour of the island, and that was something I will never forget,” Kuttappan says, noting that she booked the tour separately from her package. “It was absolutely breathtaking. We got to see the canyon there, and the different waterfalls and an aerial view of the entire island, which was absolutely amazing.”

Here's why you might not want to book a vacation package through Costco Travel.

Costco Travel is not cheap

Vacation packages can offer a great value, but don't expect clearance prices. While the website features select packages for less than $499 per person, multiday trips with airfare generally run well over $1,000 per person.

"I would say [it’s] a great deal if you’re looking for convenience and willing to spend a little bit extra,” Kuttappan says, who also used the service to book a trip to Italy with her husband.

If trimming costs is your priority, you might be better off booking cheaper accommodations and flights elsewhere.

Not all expenses are included

Vacation packages often include some meals and benefits, but they don’t cover everything.

Poole and her husband were surprised to find they spent an average of about $400 a day purchasing alcohol, lunch and dinner at the resort in St. Lucia, she says. (Breakfast came included in their package.) While online reviewers noted that the food at the resort was expensive, Poole says she didn’t realize how costly it was until she got the final bill for their stay.

» MORE: Travelers, save on meals with these tidbits

“I do wish there would have been a little more information either from reviewers or from Costco themselves saying, 'This is what you’re going to spend,'” she says. To avoid surprises like these, ask the property you’re staying at about food costs beforehand and track expenses during your stay.

You’ll generally go to major hotels and resorts

Most of the hotels and resorts listed on Costco Travel are relatively large, often boasting hundreds of rooms. These properties can get you easy access to coffee, food and a gym — but they might not take you very far off the beaten path.

“You’re going to get a big resort. You’re not going to get a nice boutique hotel,” Poole says.

You cannot purchase a travel insurance policy through Costco Travel. However, you can purchase a trip insurance policy through Costco’s partner Zurich Travel Insurance. There are many plans to choose from, including those that offer trip cancellation , trip interruption , emergency medical coverage , travel delay , lost luggage coverage and more. 

If you have a travel credit card that offers complimentary trip insurance , use that card to buy a Costco Travel vacation package so that you receive coverage for your trip.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you'd happily stay at a low-cost motel while traveling abroad if it meant saving money, booking a vacation package through Costco Travel just doesn't make sense. But for those who want to land a swanky hotel and ready-made itinerary for a reasonable price, it might be the fastest and most cost-effective option.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

When It Actually Makes Sense To Book Through Costco Travel

When you think of Costco, you probably think of 36-pack toilet paper palettes, affordable home goods, wholesale-priced groceries, and if you're not a Costco member, enviable gas prices for the last few years. A favorite of small businesses and large families alike, the big-box superstore is known for its value prices and buy-in-bulk offerings. One surprising perk of a Costco membership is that the business also operates its own in-house travel agency.

If you're a card-holding Costco member, then you might already be familiar with Costco's vacation packages, as they're typically advertised in the stores. But, if you're not already a Costco member, then its travel agency could be a reason to finally join.

Much like everything else in Costco's world, the company leverages its bulk-buying power to negotiate travel rates, especially when bundling travel services or planning group vacations. Like buying retail at Costco, its vacation planning service has its pros and cons. But when convenience is king, you may want to consider Costco's warehouse club kingdom. 

You'll need to be a Costco member

To utilize Costco Travel, you do need a Costco membership. Currently, an annual Costco membership costs $60, while a Gold Star Executive membership costs $120 annually. Once you're a member, you can take advantage of Costco Travel's easy-to-navigate vacation planning. And "easy" truly is the operative word.

Like other online travel agencies, Costco Travel partners with premier airlines, car rental companies, hotel chains, cruise lines, and other vacation-makers to help you find travel discounts when purchasing group travel arrangements or bundling services together. Again, the convenience of one-stop shopping through Costco Travel is a major draw of the travel agency.

While you may associate Costco with value shopping and rock-bottom prices, it's important to note that Costco Travel is actually more bargain luxury than bulk toilet paper low prices. However, choosing a Gold Star Executive membership may help offset the "luxury" price tag a bit. A Gold Star Executive status can earn you up to 2% in travel rewards, maxing out a $1,000 rebate. 

One-stop shop for travel planning

Much like Costco's retail stores, Costco Travel partners with premium, vetted brands to help ensure high-quality vacation packages. While this may not translate to bottom-barrel prices, the overall costs of the semi-luxe travel packages are typically comparable to other online travel agencies within the price range. If you're happy to spend a little extra, then Costco Travel's click-to-buy simplicity can help you easily (and quickly) create a somewhat lavish vacation.

After you choose a destination on the Costco Travel website's drop-down menu, you're met with a list of default vacation packages, which typically includes the hotel, airport transfers, any included activities, and flights (if required).

From here, you can filter the vacation packages by price, hotel ratings, flights, and other considerations to accommodate your preferences. You'll also see "Included Extras" tags on some vacation package results, which often detail additional perks and rebates for Gold Star Executive members. And truly, that's about it. Simply choose your ideal vacation package and bon voyage!

Assured quality with name-brand partnerships

If you're someone who appreciates picking a destination and then mentally (and physically) checking out quickly, you'll appreciate Costco Travel's one-stop shopping prowess. But if you're a bargain-bin shopper who enjoys finding the best possible deal, you'll probably find the travel packages a bit costly. And that's because they are.

Costco Travel only creates travel packages through partnerships with select, brand-name companies. For example, Costco partners with Fairmont, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), and other luxury-leaning hotel chains. While Costco Travel works with a number of airlines, you won't find budget carriers, such as JetBlue, Spirit, Norwegian, or even SouthWest. And the travel agency only partners with four rental car companies: Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget.

By partnering with select quality brands, Costco Travel helps ensure its vacation packages meet a certain standard of quality. But much like the convenience of one-click travel planning , Costco Travel's quality assurance comes with higher price tags. 

Prioritizing convenience over customization

Staying solely at top-notch accommodations and avoiding budget airlines will certainly add a premium to your vacation package. But the higher price isn't the only drawback of creating a vacation through Costco Travel. On one hand, name-brand partnerships ensure a level of quality. On the other hand, the limited amount of Costco's partnerships can really hamper any creative travel planning. This DIY hand may feel a bit shackled when it comes to customizing the ideal vacation. 

For instance, most Costco Travel hotels will be popular, large, and located in the most popular (or touristy) areas. While some vacationers may prefer this, other travelers may find limited, on-the-beaten-path accommodations both overpriced and underwhelming.

By planning a vacation through Costco Travel, you won't be staying in boutique resorts with a quirky atmosphere. While not an issue for all travelers, the somewhat cookie-cutter vacation packages that Costco Travel creates probably won't pair with everyone's cup of tea. 

Costco Travel is like, well, Costco

The benefit and value of Costco Travel mirror the benefit and value of Costco warehouses. Of course, you could visit a home goods store, clothing store, and grocery store separately, or you could save time by going to Costco. Similarly, when planning a vacation, you could cobble together a vacation (by visiting different "stores") or bundle the trip to save time and effort through Costco Travel's super-simple platform.

Also, if you're shopping for your business or large family, you can save time by purchasing in bulk, and when that bulk purchase is assured quality, you can strive to then find value in name-brand products — like at Costco.

If you're planning a vacation for a large family, business colleagues, or a group of friends, you'll similarly need to ensure a certain quality standard. That's when Costco Travel may outshine other travel agencies. While the vacation package may not be the cheapest, you may find the most value within this tier of travel. It's not Whole Foods travel prices, but you'll still need a membership. 

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Buying travel at Costco? What to know about wholesale club deals.

Cruises and car rentals are among the top deals.

Brian O’Connor and his wife joined Costco after their son, Casey, was born, expecting to use their membership in the warehouse club to save money on diapers and formula. But then they discovered something even better: They could also book their trips through Costco.

During last year’s car rental shortage, O’Connor found a $380 weekly car rental through Budget, a 52 percent savings. Late last year, he booked a vacation package to Orlando that included a hotel suite with a full kitchen and a rental car for $980. O’Connor priced the items a la carte and calculated he was paying just $400 for four nights at the Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas.

“That was quite a feat during high season,” says O’Connor, a freelance financial writer from Sylvan Lake, Mich.

This cheap flights expert thinks you should be booking trips earlier

In an economy where inflation continues to run hot, warehouse clubs have become go-tos for travelers trying to save money. BJ’s Wholesale Club, Costco and Sam’s Club offers deals such as Hawaiian resorts and deep discounted Caribbean cruises. But is it worth joining one of the warehouse clubs to buy travel?

What do wholesale clubs offer for travelers?

BJ’s offers options like cruises, vacation packages (including escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts and build-your-own outings), chain and boutique hotels, car rentals and day tours. BJ’s Travel has one of the widest selections of cruises among the warehouse stores — more than 30 — and most cruise purchases qualify for a BJ’s gift card of up to $500. The membership club also offers a 110 percent “Best Price Guarantee” on vacation and cruise bookings, meaning that if you see a lower price, BJ’s will match it, then add another 10 percent discount, according to BJ’s spokesman Peter Frangie. You must be a member to qualify for the discounts, and you can book through its site, via the BJ’s app or by phone.

Costco offers what it calls “buyer-curated” vacations to destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. “We feature cities across the United States, such as Orlando and Las Vegas, and also offer hotel-only stays and build-your-own bundles to hundreds of cities in the U.S. and Canada,” says Costco website merchandising manager Penny Anderson. Costco is well known for its cruises and car rentals. It offers sailings on 11 cruise lines and a rental car “low price finder” that lets customers compare prices between four rental car companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise), then select the one that’s right for them. Membership is required to qualify for the deals, and you can book online or by calling.

Sam’s Club offers hotels stays, rental cars, tickets for theme parks and experiences such as water parks and ski resorts. You can also buy add-ons to your vacations, such as CityPass tickets and day tours. Sam’s is best known for its hotel and theme park discounts. Members can get discounts of up to $35 on gate prices at Disneyland, $100 off gate prices at Disney World and up to $65 off gate prices at Universal Studios. Hotel discounts may be as high as 60 percent, according to Doris Davis, a senior merchant at Sam’s Club. The discounts are only available to Sam’s Club members and are accessible online (you must be logged in), through the Sam’s Club app or by calling.

What are the perks of buying travel through BJ’s, Costco or Sam’s Club?

BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club leverage their buying power to negotiate lower prices on cruises, hotels and rental cars. Then they pass those savings along to their customers. “Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer exceptional deals on travel to help you save big,” says Andrea Woroch, a budgeting expert .

7 things to know about booking travel through Costco

Buying through one of the membership stores allows you to lower your travel costs in several ways. For example, in addition to discounts, hotels often waive their resort fees for members who buy through BJ’s, Costco or Sam’s Club.

Woroch recently booked a hotel on Kauai through Costco, saving $300 off the listed room rate. The hotel also dropped its $35 per day resort fee, and she received a $230 Costco Shop Card, which she used to buy groceries and sunscreen. Costco bundled a rental car for $50 per day through Budget — far less than the going rate of $130 per day on the Hawaiian island.

How to budget for your dream trip this year

Are there disadvantages of buying travel through BJ’s, Costco or Sam’s Club?

The travel products you find from BJ’s, Costco or Sam’s Club are limited — or “curated,” as they like to call them. You won’t find every hotel or tour operator, but rather a selection of the most popular ones.

Although the prices are often lower, you get service levels that are comparable to those of an online travel agency, such as Expedia or Booking.com, but not the same level as those of a human travel adviser, experts say.

“You’re buying a ticket — and that’s all,” says Dan Leonard, a travel planner with Key to the World Travel . “They’re unable to help with the more detailed planning services that travel advisers provide. They’re also unable to help you if a problem arises with your booking, before or during travel.”

Brandi Taylor, a travel adviser who runs Brandi the Travel Genie , says that, for many travelers just looking for an inexpensive hotel or airline ticket, that’s fine.

“However, for a specialized location, I wouldn’t recommend it,” she adds. She says a warehouse sales agent can’t match the years of experience travel advisers like her have in terms of product knowledge and personal service.

She also said travel products booked through warehouse clubs can have terms that differ from those booked through an online agency. They are sometimes more favorable and flexible, but it helps to be aware of them.

What are the best deals at Costco and other clubs?

When the topic of saving money through one of these companies comes up, it invariably leads to Costco’s rental cars and cruise deals.

Jill Kaiserman, a retired teacher from Wayne, Pa., always does her homework before booking a rental car. She has discounts through AARP and is a frequent renter with several companies.

“Costco is always the best deal,” she says.

You can buy a private jet membership at Costco

Kaiserman estimates that she routinely saves between 30 and 40 percent off the cost of a vehicle when she rents through Costco.

Also, members rave about the cruise discounts and some of the perks they receive, such as a BJ’s gift card. All of the warehouse clubs offer deep discounts on cruises, but BJ’s is known to have one of the widest selections.

I’ve shopped at all three warehouse clubs but am not a member, because I live abroad. But one story I hear repeatedly is that members were saving hundreds of dollars per rental during the rental car shortage, which more than paid for their memberships.

Protect Your Trip »

Costco Travel: How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation

Costco can help you save big on your next getaway, but only if you're a member of the wholesale club.

Getty Images

Costco Travel offers deals on everything from cruises to rental cars.

Bulk shoppers who buy groceries and household supplies at their local Costco store have access to another savings tool many don't even know about. With Costco Travel , you can secure deep discounts on hotels, airfare, cruises, vacation packages and rental cars. Better yet, you can qualify for special incentives like Costco gift cards or onboard cruise credits.

Before diving in, it's important to note that you do have to be a Costco member to use the Costco Travel website. There are four membership options to choose from: two for individuals and two for businesses.

The basic Gold Star membership costs $60 annually and it's available at all Costco locations. You can pay more for a Gold Star Executive membership for $120 that comes with an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco and Costco Travel purchases, as well as extra benefits on select Costco services.

The two Costco business memberships are also $60 and $120, with tiered benefits set up to appeal to businesses instead of families. The $60 Business membership comes with the same benefits as the personal Gold star membership, but you can also pay to add additional members to your account, and you can purchase items for resale.

The Business Executive membership, on the other hand, allows those benefits plus the annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases and Costco Travel, as well as special benefits on select Costco services.

The Best Ways to Save with Costco Travel

While you have to pay for a Costco membership to take advantage of travel perks, this may not matter if you shop at Costco anyway. And really, the $60 membership fee could be worth it if you travel a lot and know how to leverage this travel savings site to the hilt.

So, how can you make the most out of Costco Travel? U.S. News spoke with experts and Costco Travel enthusiasts to find out all the best ways to save.

Always Check Pricing for Rental Cars

Vicki Cook, a Costco Travel enthusiast who writes about personal finance for the website Women Who Money , says she religiously checks Costco Travel before she rents a car, and she finds better pricing almost every time.

" We took a trip to Germany and Italy in the fall of 2019 and saved big on a car rental with Costco Travel," she says.

Not only did Cook and her travel companions get a medium-sized SUV for nine days for less than $250, but they also locked in a one-way rental without any one-way rental fees.

[Read: 15 Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation .]

Fortunately, Costco Travel makes it easy to compare pricing just like you would on a website like Expedia.com or Travelocity.com. All you need to do is enter your pickup and drop-off destination and dates, and you can compare rental options with multiple agencies in one place.

Book Rentals with No Upfront Deposit

Another benefit of booking rental cars on Costco Travel is that you can reserve a rental car without paying upfront. This allows you to lock in a price you like without necessarily having to commit.

"Because there's no upfront payment or deposit, you can check for price drops and book the lower rate when you find one," says cruise expert Melissa Lagerquist of Cruise Frugal . "Even better, their search engine automatically applies relevant coupons to applicable bookings, saving you both time and money."

Get a Free Second Driver

Lagerquist also says that Costco Travel lets you add an additional driver to your rental car reservation for free, which is a perk you don't get with every rental agreement.

Ruby Escalona, a blogger who writes about travel on A Journey We Love, says having the additional free driver is a huge bonus for her travel plans since she and her husband travel together and they both like to drive. In that sense, using Costco Travel helps them save money while offering some added flexibility.

Compare Cruise Pricing and Keep an Eye Out for Freebies

When it comes to cruising, Lagerquist says Costco Travel is hard to beat, but not because the pricing is lower. Cruise fares tend to be consistent whether you book directly or with a travel agent, she says. What sets Costco Travel apart from other travel agencies is that it provides more to its customers.

"Not only can Costco Travel book the same promotions cruise lines are offering, but they also rebate a portion your cruise fare in the form of a Costco Shop Card sent approximately three weeks after you return home from your cruise," she says.

If you browse cruises on Costco Travel, you can also find options that come with freebies like free Wi-Fi packages, room upgrades, drink packages and more.

Look for Special Incentives on Vacation Packages

Also consider the prospect of booking all your travel in one place with a vacation package. This typically means booking your airfare and hotel in a single package in order to score a discount, but you can also book vacation packages through Costco Travel that include a rental car.

Robert Farrington, who writes about personal finance at The College Investor , says he stumbled upon some excellent perks when he booked a vacation package to Maui in late 2019.

"Costco had a bundled deal that included the hotel, rental car and free breakfast at the hotel buffet every day, and a $200 resort credit," he said. Amazingly, the breakfast benefit was worth $100 per day because breakfast was so pricey at this hotel, which was the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui , a luxury oceanfront property.

"That deal was significantly better than any deal offered by the resort itself, or through any other booking site and even places like American Express [Travel's] Fine Hotels & Resorts," says Farrington.

[See: 50 Awesome Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler .]

The bottom line: If you're shopping for a vacation package, make sure to see if Costco Travel throws in anything extra. You never know what kind of perks you can get for the same price as booking elsewhere.

Sign Up for a Costco Executive Membership to Earn 2% Back

As mentioned previously, signing up for an Executive Costco membership (individual or business) sets you up to earn an annual 2% reward on all qualifying Costco and Costco Travel purchases.

While this membership costs $60 more per year, this benefit could pay off quickly if you can use Costco Travel to score hundreds of dollars in resort freebies or Costco Shop Cards (cards with preloaded funds to use toward a membership and merchandise at Costco) for booking a cruise.

Watch for "Hot Buys"

Check Costco Travel's Hot Buys section, which includes a wide range of special travel sales and last-minute deals for resort stays, vacation packages, cruises and more. These deals usually include special savings and discounts, as well as perks like Costco Shop Cards, drink packages and resort credits.

Make sure to check the Hot Buys page on Costco Travel frequently since these deals change all the time.

Check for Member Exclusives

While Hot Buys from Costco Travel are normally available for a limited time and on select travel plans, Costco Travel also offers featured experiences that are curated for Costco Travel members. These can include cruises with an array of excursions or even guided tours throughout the world.

Either way, member exclusives from Costco Travel are meant to provide good value and come with plenty of extras you can't get when you book travel elsewhere.

Sign Up for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

If you want to maximize your Costco Travel purchases even further, consider the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. Not only does this card give you 4% back on eligible gas purchases (including Costco gas purchases) on up to $7,000 in spending per year (then 1% after that), but you also earn 3% back on dining and eligible travel purchases, 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases and 1% back on everything else.

Costco Travel purchases are considered eligible travel purchases and you can also stack this with the annual 2% reward you can earn with a Costco Executive membership, although those savings will be doled out separately.

You can also use this card and earn rewards in conjunction with all the other savings tips offered in this piece.

Remember You'll Lose Out on Some Loyalty Program Benefits

Finally, keep in mind that you'll miss out on some loyalty perks when you book travel with a third party, including Costco Travel.

If you book a Hilton or Marriott hotel through Costco Travel, for example, you won't earn points on your booking with the respective Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy programs. You will also miss out on any elite benefits you may have, such as complimentary breakfast or executive lounge access.

In those cases, you may be better off skipping over Costco Travel and booking your travel directly with hotel programs instead.

[Read: The Best Travel Rewards Programs .]

As a side note, you will typically earn airline miles when you book flights through Costco Travel. All you need to do is link your frequent flyer account to your reservation when you make your booking. You can also go in after the fact and add your reservation to your frequent flyer account.

The bottom line: Costco Travel can help you save money on hotels, cruises, vacation packages, car rentals and more, but make sure to consider if booking through Costco is worth giving up any perks you may receive when booking directly.

Tags: Travel , Vacations , Costco Wholesale Corp.

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Delta Vacations vs. Costco Travel: A Comprehensive Comparison for Family Vacation Planning

Welcome back to Wanderfully Lost , where every journey is our shared treasure with plenty of advice, support and inspiration. We understand that sometimes, having more options is not a good thing. So, for today’s blog, we will be looking at the comparison between Delta Vacations and Costco Travel – two of the top family vacation and travel agencies.

This post includes affiliate links. It’s super important for us to be transparent with our Wanderers! If you click on one, we may receive a small, but wanderful commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for WANDERING with us!

1. Destinations and Options

Delta Vacations is a service provided by Delta Airlines , allowing travelers to conveniently book flight and hotel packages together.

Delta Vacations caters to a wide range of travel interests. From the vibrant streets of New York to Bali’s serene beaches, they offer a diverse selection of both domestic and international destinations.

For those craving a sun-soaked escape, Delta Vacations entices with Caribbean gems like Cancun , Punta Cana , and Jamaica . These packages boast premium beachfront resorts for a lavish and revitalizing experience.

Cultural enthusiasts can delve into Europe’s history and charm with guided tours in cities like Rome , Barcelona , and Athens . Delta Vacations ensures a hassle-free experience by including accommodations, meals, and curated activities.

Families seeking unforgettable adventures can opt for theme park packages at Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort . These comprehensive deals cover accommodations, admission tickets, and family-friendly amenities for a magical experience.

Delta Vacations also caters to romantic getaways in the Maldives , offering overwater bungalows, intimate dinners, water sports, and breathtaking ocean views. These escapes promise cherished moments for couples.

Additionally, Delta Vacations invites travelers to embark on unique cruises, whether across open seas or serene rivers. These journeys provide a distinct perspective, immersing passengers in the mesmerizing beauty of their surroundings.

PAY WITH POINTS: Why AMEX Platinum is the BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

Costco Travel, provided by the popular retail giant Costco, is for Costco members. It offers a diverse range of domestic and international destinations. From iconic New York City to Hawaii’s enchanting landscapes, they cater to various traveler interests.

Partnering with an extensive network of hotels, Costco Travel ensures a wide spectrum of accommodation choices. Travelers can opt for renowned chains or boutique establishments, tailoring their stay to preferences and budget.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts , renowned for their worldwide presence and impeccable service standards, offer a diverse array of lodging options from lavish to budget-friendly accommodations. Another international stalwart, Hilton Hotels & Resorts , presents a versatile selection tailored to an array of travel preferences and styles. Meanwhile, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts places a premium on luxury and refined experiences, boasting a portfolio that encompasses esteemed brands like Andaz, Grand Hyatt, and Hyatt Regency.

Beyond hotels, Costco Travel extends its offerings to include cruises. Travelers can select from different cruise lines, each offering unique itineraries and experiences. Whether exploring the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or other captivating regions, Costco Travel’s cruise packages promise unforgettable sea voyages.

2. Booking Process

Delta Vacations provides a straightforward and efficient booking process for travelers seeking complete flight and hotel packages. Their official website serves as a user-friendly platform that allows customers to seamlessly navigate through various options. Travelers can opt for personalized assistance by contacting Delta Vacations’ dedicated customer service team.

One standout feature of Delta Vacations is their original partnership with the SkyMiles program. This allows travelers to utilize their saved SkyMiles to pay for vacation packages. Furthermore, Delta Vacations offers bonus miles in addition to regular flight miles, increasing the overall rewards for customers.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, Delta Vacations provides a comprehensive manual to assist with the booking process. This manual offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring that travelers can make the most of the platform and explore all available options.

On the other hand, Costco Travel, an extension of the popular retail chain, offers travel services exclusively to Costco members. Their booking process can be accessed through the Costco Travel website or by contacting their customer service.

The Gold Star Personal Membership is Costco’s basic level for individuals, granting access to all offerings, including travel services. While it lacks some premium perks, it’s a great starting point for those using Costco Travel. Stepping up to the Executive Personal Membership brings even more benefits.

In addition to Gold Star perks, members get an exclusive yearly reward, a significant advantage for frequent travelers.

The Business Membership is designed for business owners, giving access to Costco Travel and other business-related benefits—an excellent choice for active entrepreneurs. Likewise, the Business Executive Membership offers various advantages, including a 2% annual reward on qualifying expenses, leading to substantial savings for business-related trips.

This membership-based model provides unique benefits for Costco members, including access to exclusive deals and discounts when making travel arrangements.

3. Package Inclusions

Delta Vacations specializes in creating comprehensive travel packages, typically combining flights and hotel stays. This streamlined approach simplifies the booking process for travelers, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Beyond the fundamental components, Delta Vacations offers the flexibility to enhance trips with supplementary elements.

For those seeking mobility at their destination, Delta Vacations provides the option to include car rentals in their packages. This feature grants travelers the freedom to explore their chosen destination at their own pace, enhancing the overall travel experience. Delta Vacations also offers the convenience of arranging airport transfers, minimizing any logistical concerns upon arrival.

Whether it’s exploring historical landmarks, embarking on adventurous outings, or indulging in cultural experiences, travelers have the opportunity to customize their itinerary to match their preferences.

Costco Travel also has a similar approach to vacation packages, combining flights and hotel accommodations for a seamless booking process. This inclusive approach allows travelers to lock all the important components of their trip in a single transaction.

Like Delta Vacations, Costco Travel provides the option to add supplementary features like car rentals, affording them the convenience of private transportation during their stay.

What’s more, Costco Travel offers a range of activities and excursions that can be added to the vacation package. Whether it’s sightseeing tours, adventure activities, or cultural experiences, these options give travelers a chance to have a personalized travel experience.

Want to have a seamless flight to your favorite place? Check out our In-Flight Essentials Travel Kit here .

4. Pricing and Discounts

Delta Vacations offers a flexible pricing structure influenced by factors such as destination choice, hotel quality, and timing of reservation. Every now and then, they introduce special promotions and discounts, especially for bundled package deals. This ensures travelers have opportunities to secure attractive rates for their dream getaways.

On the other hand, Costco Travel is renowned for its consistent and competitive pricing. They often present rates that stand out in the market. Costco members enjoy added benefits, with exclusive deals and discounts frequently available for Costco Travel packages. This makes Costco Travel an appealing choice for travelers looking for value-packed vacation options.

Want more travel guides to your favorite tourist destination? We have got you covered. Check out our YouTube channel for hundreds of travel guides and hot tips.

5. Additional Benefits

Delta Vacations may extend bonus miles or other perks as incentives for booking a package. Travelers can also earn valuable Delta SkyMiles for their flights. Delta Vacations’ policies can vary based on factors like the type of airline ticket, chosen hotel, and destination. It’s crucial for travelers to review these policies at the time of booking.

By planning ahead and booking your vacation in advance with Delta Vacations, you can save big on both flight fares and accommodations. To stay updated on special offers and promotions, consider subscribing to the Delta Vacations newsletter, ensuring you’re in the know about exclusive deals and exciting opportunities for your next getaway.

Costco Travel often gives an extra cherry on top with extras like resort credits, room upgrades, and special amenities for specific packages. Costco Travel typically offers favorable cancellation policies, often providing more flexibility compared to booking individual components separately.

One of the great things about booking through Costco Travel is that their pricing is very straightforward. The prices you see on their website already include taxes and fees, so you know exactly how much your trip will cost. No surprises or hidden fees.

If you’re concerned about travel emergencies or cancellations, Costco Travel has you covered. They offer various travel insurance options to give you peace of mind during your trip. This can include coverage for things like trip cancellations and medical emergencies.

Costco Travel is also well-known for providing excellent customer service. Their dedicated customer service team is highly praised for being helpful and efficient. So, if you ever need assistance with your travel plans, you can count on them to assist you.

Both Delta Vacations and Costco Travel offer compelling options for travelers seeking flight and hotel packages. The choice between the two may ultimately hinge on personal preferences, desired destinations, and specific package offerings. So pick wisely!

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I Cut My Hotel Price in Half Using Costco Travel and Still Earned Solid Travel Rewards

Brett Holzhauer

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Katie Seemann

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Costco Travel Remains a Staple in My Toolbelt

Booking through costco travel, booking through marriott, final thoughts.

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When you’re a seasoned points and miles fan, it can become a ritual to simply book all your flights and hotel directly through the airline or hotel brand. This is typically more beneficial than not, as you earn loyalty status and also get direct customer service if something goes wrong.

But occasionally, I’ve found it to be beneficial to book through Costco Travel. Although I typically use this service for rental cars only, I’ve found some solid value in the last few months by using Costco’s all-in-one travel portal.

Here’s what you need to know about how I saved money through Costco Travel for my upcoming Mexico trip.

It’s shocking to me when I tell people about Costco Travel since many people don’t even know it’s a benefit. While it’s not always the best route to go, it’s a great resource to keep in mind when you’re looking for the best deal for your next trip.

On the platform, you can book hotels, rental cars, cruises, and theme park-related getaways, and you don’t need a membership to look through the website to see the available deals. However, you do need a membership (or a friend with a membership) to book through Costco Travel .

If you find a Costco Travel deal worth booking and aren’t a member, simply ask a friend or family member with a Costco membership for their login. I’ve booked rental cars, cruises, and hotels for friends and family through Costco Travel plenty of times with no issue at all. The entire booking can be in someone else’s name, and if you have an Executive Membership, you will earn 2% back to your yearly membership reward.

Regardless of how or where you travel, Costco Travel is worth playing around with, as there can be some great deals.

How I Saved Money Through Costco Travel

Although I recently wrote about how travel prices really haven’t jumped all that much when adjusted for inflation , seeing larger numbers never sits well psychologically. To add insult to injury, I’ve been pretty “points broke,” so I found myself using cash rather than credit card rewards for my recent travels.

When an opportunity came up to book a nice 5-day getaway in Cancun (a short 1.5-hour flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida), I jumped right at it. But wow, some of these hotels are charging absurd prices. So I did some digging and found an incredible deal through Costco Travel. Here’s how the numbers shake out for a 5-night stay at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and how much it would be if I booked directly through Marriott.

For a 5-night stay for 2 people at the JW Marriott Cancun, I paid $1,905.71, or $381 per night. It was still a bit pricey, but there’s more to take into account.

When booking travel through Costco Travel, you will likely see several promotions or discounts that further incentivize you to book through their portal. And this deal was no different.

For this deal, I’m getting the following perks:

• A $112 Costco gift card
• Private transportation to and from the airport
• $50 daily resort credit during the stay
• $50 spa credit

For the sake of this example, I won’t be counting the resort and spa credits, as booking through Marriott offers the same benefit. But I figure that a $112 Costco Gift Card is essentially a cash rebate. And since I have a Costco Executive Membership, I will earn 2% back on the purchase price, or $38 back. So my out-the-door cost for this stay is $1,755 .

For the $1,905 purchase, I used my Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card , which earns 3x per $1 spent on travel (and select business categories up to the first $150,000 spent each year), netting me 5,715 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points. At a 2 cents per point valuation , that’s an additional $114 in value for my next trip.

The way I see it, I paid $1,755 for this trip and earned some valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards along the way.

Here’s the sticker shock if I were to have booked through Marriott directly for the same room. For the same 5-night stay when booking direct, I would have paid double — $4,036.

This is for the Transportation Package in Cancun , and while it may say $3,315 for the stay, it slyly adds in the government taxes and fees at checkout, bringing the total to just over $4,000.

This package comes with roughly the same benefits that Costco Travel was offering, with resort and spa credits and transportation to and from the airport. However, it doesn’t come with the Costco gift card.

But, if I were to book directly with Marriott, I would earn 10 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 — earning me 40,360 Marriott points. And if I used my Ink Business Preferred card for this purchase as well, I would earn 12,108 Chase Ultimate Rewards points. With our points valuation , this would be $282 and $242 in earned value, respectively.

So, with all factors considered, including the rewards I would earn booking the trip, I would have paid $3,512 — double what I paid going through Costco.

The only benefit I would get booking through Marriott and not Costco Travel is earning toward Marriott elite status . But as I rarely stay at Marriott properties and don’t have status, it wasn’t part of my consideration.

Like any purchase you make today, it’s worth shopping around to see if there are better deals out there. Although it may pain you to make a third-party booking where you can’t take advantage of your loyalty status benefits, your wallet will thank you later. With all that money saved, you can definitely afford an extra hot dog on your next trip to Costco.

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About Brett Holzhauer

Brett is a personal finance and travel junkie. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, he’s had over 100 credit cards and earned millions of credit card rewards. He learned the tricks of the trade from his mom, and has taken many steps forward. He wasn’t exposed to much travel as a kid, but now has a goal of reaching 100 countries in his life. In 2019, he sold all of his possessions to become a digital nomad, and he says it was one of the best decisions he ever made. He plans to do it again at some point in his life.

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Has anyone used Apple Vacations recently? How are they? - Air Travel Forum

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Found a good travel package through Apple Vacations.com but have never booked with them before. How reliable are they?

223 replies to this topic

Been using a long time. We really like and use them almost every year

I used Apple for a trip to the Dominican Republic. They easily took my money, but were difficult to get any answers about the trip. More concerning was our transfer from the airport. I had to call and email them multiple times. Due to the issues I was having and their lack of customer service. My friends went through Costco travel and actually got a better price and had no issues.

We have traveled with Apple Vacations for over thirty years.

Our multiple vacation trips with them to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic were always of high quality and excellent service.

We will be booking with them again for our upcoming trip back to Playa del Carmen.

I would highly recommend Apple Vacations to everyone looking for a stress free experience in booking a vacation.

Apple Vacations greets you upon arrival at the airport and gets you on your way with Amstar transport to the resort.

Once at the resort Amstar is always there to answer any questions and sets up your return transfer back to the airport.

Apple Vacations is 5 Star!

If you're travelling during hurricane season and are unlucky enough to be here, don't expect Apple to help you out.

Before moving here my friends and I booked a 2 week vacation through them. Good price. No problems at all UNTIL Hurricane Wilma started forming. We were on the second week of our vacation and kept an eye on the progression of the storm. Calls to Apple resulted in them saying not to worry, they were monitoring the storm and would be in touch with us if need be.

When it became apparent that Wilma was going to become a monster of a storm many travel companies sent empty planes to pick up their people before the airport closed. But not Apple. The rep in our hotel mysteriously disappeared so he was of no help. We heard absolutely nothing from Apple.

Calls to Apple netted nothing but frustration. They told us we'd just have to ride out the storm and hope the airport would be open on our scheduled departure date. Well, it wasn't. We spent what would have been out departure date in a hurricane shelter downtown the hotel has taken use to.

Once the storm passed we were taken back to the hotel....no power or running water....and, of course, the airport was closed. No one was leaving Cancun for at least a few days. We called Apple again and were told that the airport would open in about 5 days with a limited schedule of departures and they would contact us.

Again, other travel companies sent empty planes to get out their customers that hadn't for whatever reason left before the storm.Again, Apple did not.They never contacted us so We began calling them. Finally We got through to a person and not a recording telling us to call back later. We were told the earliest they would be sending planes to Cancun was about 3-5 weeks when they anticipated some resorts would be open for business.

Apple left his totally own our own to find a way home. Of course, they asked us what credit card we would like to use to pay for the "extra" days of our "vacation" we spent in the shelter and back at the resort. I'm not going to tell you what we told them but I'm sure you can guess.

I never used Apple again and will never recommend them to anyone.

I will NEVER use Apple Vacations again! They sold out booking to Expedia without telling us and gave us a different reservation than what we paid for. We booked an all inclusive only to be stranded at our resort in Mexico with “room only.” After spending 5 hours on the phone in the lobby and an additional $1,700 dollars we were able to check in. Our Amstar Rep was nowhere to be found either. I might believe it was system glitch, but another lady standing right next to me had been bait and switched too. Talk about being vulnerable. My whole family stranded in a foreign country only to find out we were scammed and then had to pay even more. Apple should have dealt with this, but they left us hanging. Only assisted us in paying even more. $3,600 vacation turned into $5,200 and we were helpless and victimized by the agency.

They have been horrible. I just launched a complaint with the Better Business Bureau against them. In a nutshell, we paid $5000 for a 5 night trip to Cancun, the resort was horrible, we contacted Apple Vacations and they advised us to move to a new resort (not theirs, though, so we had to pay $2000 more out of pocket), assured us we would get a refund for the 4 nights we didn't use the resort that we paid Apple for, and now a month after returning Apple is refusing to give us any refund (oh, but wait - they are offering to send us 4 $100 Apple Travel Vouchers for our inconvenience). Moon Palace, where we were, only billed Apple for two nights (which Apple confirms - one for the night we stayed and one penalty night) - so where is the refund for the three nights we didn't stay there? They are not a trustworthy company - stay away.

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Is Costco Travel cheaper than AAA? | Costco Travel Deals

Is Costco Travel Cheaper than AAA?

Costco travel deals are just one amazing perk to purchasing a Costco membership. But is it the best? Costco Travel and AAA are both popular travel companies that offer different services. Costco Travel offers cheaper prices than AAA, but is it worth the money? In this blog post, we will compare and contrast Costco Travel and AAA to see which one is the better deal for you.

Costco Travel is a membership-based travel company that offers discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more. AAA is a non-profit organization that offers roadside assistance, insurance, and discounts on hotels and rental cars. They may have cheaper prices than AAA, but you have to be a member to use their services.

Costco Travel : What is it?

They also offer members exclusive pricing on cruises and vacation packages. It is a great way for Costco members to save money on their next vacation. In the following paragraphs, I will go into greater detail on the benefits, disadvantages, and ease of use regarding Costco Travel.

Costco Travel Benefits

Costco Travel offers a variety of services. Get in contact with a Costco Travel agent to plan your next trip. They will find the best travel deals for any budget and destination . Costco Travel also offers a variety of benefits such as exclusive Costco member pricing, no booking fees, and more.

If you’re looking for someone to plan your vacation, Costco Travel may be beneficial to you. However, this is not always the case. Although the Costco Travel deals are great for some people, let’s explore some of the disadvantages of using this service.

Disadvantages of Costco Travel

Costco Travel is a popular option for vacation planning, but it has its drawbacks. One disadvantage is that Costco Travel is not available in all areas. Costco also offers limited services compared to other travel agencies. Costco Travel also has strict cancellation policies, so be sure to read the fine print before booking your trip.

Overall, Costco Travel is a good option for vacation planning if you’re willing to do some research and are flexible with your travel dates and destination. However, if you’re looking for a full-service travel agency, Costco Travel may not be the best option. AAA has better travel agents when it comes to planning.

Costco Travel Ease of Use

We know that Costco Travel is great for those who are looking for Travel deals. However, it does not matter how good the deals are if no one can access them. In this paragraph we will look at their usability.

Costco members can easily find the Costco Travel website by logging in to their Costco accounts. From there, they can search for hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more. You will find a plethora of Costco Travel deals on their site. You can also see details on membership pricing. We’ll get into the details of a membership and the Costco Travel deals that come along with it.

Costco also offers a toll-free number for members who need assistance booking their travel arrangements. Overall, Costco Travel is easy to use and offers exclusive discounts for Costco members.

To learn more about Costco Travel and the benefits and services it offers, you can visit its website or call 1-800-767-5338.

AAA Travel: What is it?

AAA Travel is AAA’s full-service travel agency, offering AAA members a wide range of personal travel planning services. They also provide travel agents that can help AAA members with all aspects of their travel planning. From booking flights and hotels to renting cars and planning activities, they have you covered!

Benefits of AAA Travel

AAA Travel also offers AAA members exclusive discounts on travel expenses, such as airfare, hotel rooms, and rental cars. In addition, AAA Travel provides AAA members with 24/7 support while they are traveling. They can always reach someone if they need assistance.

Whether AAA members are planning a quick getaway or a world tour, AAA Travel is there to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Here’s an overview of the travel deals you can expect with a membership:

• Car Rentals
• Vacation Packages

Disadvantages of AAA Travel

Although AAA Travel may offer a variety of services, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. AAA Travel has its disadvantages, too. For one thing, AAA Travel can be expensive. AAA Travel also charges for some of its services, which can add up if you use them frequently.

Additionally, AAA Travel may not have the best selection of travel options. You might not be able to find the perfect vacation if you’re looking for something specific.

Finally, AAA Travel isn’t always the most reliable; sometimes AAA Travel reservations get canceled or changed without warning. While AAA Travel has its perks, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Cost Breakdown of Each

According to Forbes , AAA Travel offers a free service that non-members can use to book flights, hotels, and rental cars without being a member. However, the real perks of AAA Travel come when you purchase a membership.

Costco Travel perks are not free. However, they do offer a wider variety of perks if you are someone who flies often. The cost of an executive membership is relatively cheap if you travel enough.

Let’s break down each travel agency based on its price and benefits, and use that information to decide which company is the more cost-effective option.

A travel agency that not only plans your trip, but also protects it is AAA. AAA Travel is a AAA service that provides members with access to exclusive travel deals and discounts. There are three pricing tiers: AAA Basic, AAA Plus, and AAA Premier. AAA Basic members receive the lowest prices on AAA-rated hotels, cars, and vacation packages.

Members receive the same discounts as Basic members, plus additional perks like early check-in and late checkout at hotels, and free upgrades on car rentals. AAA Premier members receive the same discounts as AAA Plus members, plus even more perks like complimentary breakfast at hotels and free one-way car rental drops.

The cost varies depending on the tier of membership; AAA Basic memberships start at $59 per year, while AAA Premier memberships start at $99 per year. Whether you’re looking for the best deals on hotels, cars, or vacation packages, they have you covered.

Here’s an annual breakdown of membership costs:

Basic Membership : $55

Plus Membership : $97

Premier Membership : $137

The biggest thing to note is that no matter what tier membership you have, all AAA members get discounts on hotels, car rentals, and other travel. The only travel difference between the 3 tiers is that the plus and premier have options to upgrade for RV benefits, which include $500 towards recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and more.

AAA members can also take advantage of travel agents to assist in the various bookings and reservations that take place when preparing for a vacation. This is a fantastic option that is great for those who have a busy schedule or do not want to plan their vacation.

Using AAA for travel bookings is a great option because it’s free for anyone. However, if you’re looking for more roadside protection or travel often and want to take advantage of discounts, it could be worth it to look into a Plus membership through AAA. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a travel agency.

Costco Travel

Every Costco member can access their website to book travel plans and save money.

The website offers a variety of services at a fraction of the cost of other travel websites. For example, you can book a hotel room through them for less than half the price of booking the same room through another website. Even AAA Travel!

In addition, they offers discounts on rental cars and activities such as zip-lining and whale watching. Overall, it’s is an affordable option for traveling that provides great benefits for members.

The price breakdown of an annual membership :

According to Costco , it costs $120 a year to be an Executive Costco member. But don’t let the high price scare you. If you are someone who travels often, especially someone who books flights and hotels often, you may actually save money (and make money) with this membership.

The Executive Costco membership offers an annual 2% reward for those who spend money on any Costco service, including travel. If you are buying multiple plane tickets a year and booking cruises, hotels, or excursions often, you could literally make money just from being a Costco member!

What’s the verdict?

It depends on what you’re looking for.

If you are someone who travels mainly by road (road trips!), an AAA membership could be a great option for you. Everyone knows that AAA is a sure way to grant everyone peace of mind when traveling by road. Here are some of the benefits that come with having an AAA membership:

• Flat-tire service (all tiers)
• Battery jumpstart and replacement service (all tiers)
• Vehicle lock-out service (covers cost based on tier)
• Theft reward from $500 to $2,000 (depends on tier)
• Free emergency gas delivery–complimentary (Premier tier)
• Trip interruption protection up to $1500 (Premier)

…and more!

However, if you are someone who flies or goes on cruises often, Costco travel may be the travel service for you. At a price of only $120 a year with a 2% annual reward, Costco travel is great for those who find themselves spending large amounts of money on travel-related purchases.

Not only that, but also the 2% reward applies to any purchases made from a Costco business. You can make cash-back on groceries, furniture, and travel! Definitely a good deal.

Which is better?

Both travel agencies are great. Depending on what your needs are, either option could work for you. If you are someone who roadtrips more, AAA would probably be the better option. However, if you are someone who flies or goes on cruises more, Costco is the best option for you.

This is because AAA Travel also offers a variety of perks, including discounts on hotels and rental cars. However, AAA’s benefits far outweigh those of Costco’s benefits if you are someone who is on the road a lot.

If you are a frequent flyer, Costco is the better deal because it offers a wider variety of perks and discounts. It all depends on your specific needs. What do you want in a Travel agency?

Ready to plan your trip?

Ready to start planning your trip? Whether you’re looking for a solid protection agency for your next road trip or you’re trying to find the best deals to save you money for this summer’s family vacation, there are some great options out there.

I hope you found this article helpful in deciding which service is best for you. Just remember this, and you’ll be fine: Costco for flights and hotels, and AAA for road trips!

Leave a comment if you have experienced either membership and let us know what you think!

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