Costco Travel is a members-only travel service offered by Costco Wholesale that provides discounted vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, hotels, and theme park experiences. Known for delivering value through bulk purchasing power, Costco extends its low-price philosophy to the travel industry—often bundling added perks and competitive pricing that can make it an attractive option for members.
Here’s everything you need to know about Costco Travel and whether it’s worth using for your next trip.
What Is Costco Travel?
Costco Travel is an online travel agency exclusively available to Costco members. It negotiates discounted rates with hotels, cruise lines, rental car companies, and tour providers, passing those savings along to members. Unlike many third-party travel sites, Costco Travel emphasizes value-added packages rather than rock-bottom base prices with add-ons.
To book through Costco Travel, you must have an active Costco membership (Gold Star, Business, or Executive).
What Can You Book Through Costco Travel?
1. Vacation Packages
Costco Travel offers bundled vacation packages that typically include:
- Round-trip airfare
- Hotel accommodations
- Ground transportation
- Optional activities or resort credits
Popular destinations include:
- Hawaii
- Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cabo)
- Caribbean islands
- Europe
- Disney destinations
Many packages include extras like complimentary breakfast, resort credits, room upgrades, or Costco Shop Cards.
2. Cruises
Costco Travel partners with major cruise lines such as:
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
Cruise bookings often come with added perks like:
- Costco Shop Cards
- Onboard credit
- Exclusive amenities
In some cases, the cruise fare matches what you’d pay directly through the cruise line—but with extra benefits included.
3. Rental Cars
One of Costco Travel’s most popular services is discounted car rentals. It partners with:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
Benefits include:
- Competitive rates
- Free additional driver (in many cases)
- No hidden fees
- Easy online cancellation
Rental car pricing through Costco is often lower than booking directly with the rental company.
4. Hotels and Theme Parks
Costco Travel offers hotel-only bookings and packages for:
- Walt Disney World
- Disneyland
- Universal Studios
- Luxury resorts worldwide
Packages may include park tickets, transportation, and special amenities.
Costco Executive Member Benefits
Executive Members (who pay a higher annual membership fee) earn 2% cashback rewards on eligible Costco Travel purchases, up to the annual maximum. For frequent travelers, this added rebate can significantly increase savings.
Pros of Using Costco Travel
✅ Competitive pricing with added perks
✅ Transparent pricing with fewer surprise fees
✅ Strong customer service reputation
✅ Executive Member 2% reward benefit
✅ Value-added extras like resort credits and gift cards
Cons of Costco Travel
❌ Must be a Costco member
❌ Less flexibility compared to booking everything separately
❌ Limited flight customization in some packages
❌ Not always the absolute lowest base fare
Is Costco Travel Cheaper?
Costco Travel isn’t always the cheapest option in terms of base price. However, when you factor in included extras (resort credits, room upgrades, gift cards, onboard cruise credit), it often delivers better overall value.
It’s especially competitive for:
- Family vacations
- All-inclusive resorts
- Cruises
- Rental cars
Travelers who prefer fully customized itineraries or budget airline-only deals may find better options elsewhere.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
- Compare prices with booking directly and other travel sites.
- Check for Costco Shop Card offers, especially on cruises.
- Look for seasonal promotions (spring and fall often have strong deals).
- Use an Executive Membership if you travel frequently.
- Review cancellation policies before booking.
Final Thoughts
Costco Travel is a solid option for travelers seeking convenience, value-added packages, and reliable customer service. While it may not always offer the absolute lowest sticker price, the included perks and cashback benefits often make it a strong contender—especially for families and cruise enthusiasts.
If you’re already a Costco member, it’s worth checking their travel deals before booking your next vacation. You might walk away with more than just savings—you could earn a Shop Card to spend on your next Costco haul.
