Costco Travel Secrets: Discover How Much You Can Actually Save

If you’re a Costco member, chances are you’ve walked past the Costco Travel brochures near the entrance without a second glance, but what if we told you that some of the best travel deals are hiding in plain sight, right there at Costco?

Welcome to the world of Costco Travel, the wholesale club’s not-so-secret travel service that offers discounts on everything from cruises to car rentals. The question is: how much do you actually save? And more importantly, is it worth it?

Let’s uncover the truth behind Costco Travel, break down the savings, and explore how you can make the most of your membership without ever clipping a single coupon.

What is Costco Travel (and Why Should You Care)?

Costco Travel is a members-only service that offers discounted travel bookings on vacation packages, hotels, cruises, and rental cars. It’s exclusively available to Costco members and is designed to provide high-quality travel experiences at wholesale-style pricing. Unlike most budget travel sites, Costco Travel works with trusted, premium brands like Hyatt, Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Avis, giving you access to top-tier accommodations and services, often bundled with added perks.

The best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned traveler or spend hours hunting for deals. With just your Costco membership, you get pre-negotiated rates, bonus incentives (like Costco Shop Cards or free upgrades), and no booking fees. It’s an easy, reliable way to travel smarter and spend less, without sacrificing quality.

The Hidden Perks Behind Costco Travel

Costco Travel isn’t just about saving a few bucks, it’s about getting real value beyond the price tag. Many travelers are surprised to find that the added perks often outweigh the discounts themselves.

Here are some underrated benefits you’ll enjoy when booking through Costco:

• Costco Shop Cards: Certain vacation packages and cruises come with a bonus Costco Shop Card, which works like cash and can be used in-store or online. Some cards are worth $100 or more, depending on the trip.
• Complimentary Upgrades & Extras: Enjoy free room upgrades, daily breakfast, resort credits, or waived resort fees, extras that would normally cost a lot more if booked elsewhere.
• No Booking Fees: Many third-party travel sites tack on service fees. Costco Travel doesn’t. The price you see is the price you pay.
• Built-in Travel Insurance & Price Protections: Select packages come with basic travel insurance or protections like price matching or cancel-for-any-reason options, no hidden add-ons required.
• Executive Membership Rewards: Executive Members earn 2% cashback on eligible travel purchases, which can mean significant money back on larger trips.

All of these perks combined can easily turn a good deal into a great one, making Costco Travel a smart choice for value-conscious travelers.

Real Numbers: How Much Can You Actually Save?

One of the biggest questions about Costco Travel is: Are the savings real? The short answer, absolutely, but let’s break it down with real-world examples that show just how much money you can keep in your pocket.

Vacation Packages

Cruises

Costco partners with major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises, offering competitive rates plus valuable extras.

For Example: A 7-night Alaska cruise for two passengers priced at $1,398 included a $135 Costco Shop Card and $100 onboard credit, essentially reducing the final cost to $1,163. You won’t typically find that kind of added value through traditional cruise booking sites.

Rental Cars

Rental cars booked through Costco Travel are often 10–30% cheaper than direct rates. One major perk is the free second driver, which most rental companies charge $10–$15 per day for. The platform also makes it easy to compare rates from top brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, ensuring you always get a competitive deal.

Is There a Catch?

You’re probably thinking, If the deals are this good, there has to be a downside and while Costco Travel offers impressive value, there are a few things to keep in mind before you book.

• Membership Required: You must be a Costco member to access these travel deals. A basic membership costs around $60 per year, while an Executive Membership is $120, but many find that just one trip can easily cover that fee in savings.
• Limited Customization: Unlike some travel platforms where you can choose from dozens of flight options or mix and match hotels, Costco packages are more pre-set. You might not always get the absolute cheapest fare or the ability to select your preferred airline or schedule.
• No Loyalty Points or Status Benefits: If you’re someone who loves earning hotel points or airline miles, booking through Costco may not qualify for those rewards. In many cases, third-party bookings don’t count toward elite status perks.
• Stricter Cancellation Policies: Some packages come with limited flexibility. While a few may allow cancellations or changes, others are non-refundable or come with penalties for modifications.

Despite these limitations, the overall value, convenience, and quality you get with Costco Travel often outweigh the drawbacks, especially for travelers who prioritize savings and simplicity over loyalty perks or ultra-specific options.

Who Should Use Costco Travel?

Costco Travel isn’t just for hardcore bargain hunters or loyal Costco fans, it’s for anyone looking to plan a smooth, cost-effective trip without sacrificing comfort or quality. Whether you’re organizing a family vacation or a romantic escape, this service offers real value for a wide range of travelers.

Here’s who benefits the most:

• Families: All-inclusive resorts with built-in perks like kids’ clubs, complimentary meals, and airport transfers make it easier (and more affordable) to travel with children.
• Couples: Planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or just a weekend away? Costco Travel often includes extras like room upgrades, resort credits, or spa discounts.
• Road Trippers: If you’re hitting the open road, Costco’s rental car deals can save you a significant amount, especially for week-long or multi-state trips.
• Group Travelers: Traveling with extended family or friends? Booking multiple rooms, suites, or cruise cabins through Costco often results in better group pricing and added bonuses, making coordination easier and more affordable.

Booking Tips to Maximize Your Savings

Now that you know Costco Travel is worth checking out, here’s how to squeeze even more value out of it:

1. Compare Before You Book

Always price-check your package against other platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, or directly with airlines and hotels. Costco usually wins, but it’s smart to double-check.

2. Use an Executive Membership

If you have Costco’s Executive Membership, you earn 2% back on travel. On a $4,000 trip, that’s $80 back. That alone could offset the membership upgrade fee.

3. Watch for Limited-Time Deals

Costco runs seasonal promos, like “Buyer’s Choice” packages or flash cruise deals. These often include free upgrades or added perks.

4. Book in Advance

The earlier you book, the more inventory and flexibility you’ll have. Last-minute deals do happen, but they’re less common.

5. Use Your Costco Shop Card Wisely

The Shop Cards you get from booking can be used for groceries, gas, or even your next travel deal. Think of it as getting paid to travel.

Real-Life Traveler Stories

Sometimes the best way to judge a service is to hear from people who’ve actually used it. Here are a few quick stories:

Laura from Texas booked a 5-night Maui trip with Costco Travel. “We saved $600 compared to Expedia, and our package included a rental car, breakfast, and a $100 Costco card.”

Mark and Jenny, a couple from Chicago, used Costco to book their honeymoon cruise. “The onboard credits and extra perks saved us around $400. It was effortless.”

Sam, a single dad, booked a Disney World package through Costco. “I got a great rate on the hotel, park tickets, and a $150 gift card. Plus, no extra fees.”

These aren’t one-off cases, Costco Travel consistently delivers value.

Final Thoughts: Is Costco Travel Worth It?

If you’re already a Costco member, it’s almost a no-brainer. Whether you’re planning a tropical escape, a cross-country road trip, or your dream honeymoon, Costco Travel offers a simple, money-saving solution.

The platform isn’t flashy. There are no loyalty games or confusing promo codes. Just clean, clear savings, often hundreds of dollars off retail prices.

So the next time you walk past the travel section at Costco, don’t just grab a flyer. Grab an opportunity.

FAQ’s