The Ultimate Guide to Costco Travel: Use This as Your Key For Crazy Discounts, Benefits and Deals on Any Vacation

What do people often associate with Costco? Paper towels, Kirkland olive oil, rotisserie chicken and free samples. But one of the best hidden benefits of a Costco membership isn’t at the warehouse — it’s on Costco travel booking site.

Costco Travel is a full-service travel agency that leverages the buying power of Costco memberships to provide good deals on things like tropical beach vacations, family theme park getaways and even Alaskan cruises or rental cars.

Using Costco Travel comes with its own set of rules and quirks, so in this guide we will walk through all that you need to know. We will outline how the service works, which travel categories are covered, how much you can save with a Costco membership and top tips from us to maximize value on each trip.

What is Costco Travel and How Does It Work?

Costco Travel is the Costco-affiliate travel booking site, for current members of Costco. Costco has had Costco Travel (started in 2000) which operates much the same way wholesale buying power does for everyday products.

Instead of putting together a massive menu of every hotel and flight available, Costco Travel negotiates private rates with select travel providers.

It is like if Costco had their own Expedia, Priceline or other online travel agency (OTAs). Rather than competing with thousands of other travel agents for the best rates, Costco Travel buyers can negotiate directly with travel suppliers.

Costco travel buyers are focused on maximizing the value for Costco members, which may include room upgrades and other perks like free breakfasts or resort credits. Costco Travel is much less complex than most travel agencies and only lists the best holiday packages on its website.

Who Can Use Costco Travel?

To book travel through Costco Travel, you must have an active membership (either Gold Star or Executive) with Costco. Here’s who Costco Travel is for:

• Primary Account Holders: Are able to hold a booking for themself and any additional guests

• Non-Members: Are not able to book travel themselves, but can go as guests on a trip booked by an active member of Costco.

• Executive members: Get 2% reward on non-taxable Costco Travel purchases, plus some special treatment such as complimentary room upgrades.

4 Popular Types of Costco Travel

Now that you know who can use the Costco Travel service, let’s take a look at the various types of travel packages offered.

1. Vacation Packages

One of the most searched travel categories on Costco Travel are vacation packages.

They usually involve air fare, lodging (hotel or resort), and ground transportation (or rental car). Popular Vacation Destinations available through Costco Travel:

• Hawaii: Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Big Island

• Mexico & Central America: Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Costa Rica

• The Caribbean: Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, St. Lucia

• European travel: Guided or self-guided tours of Italy, France, Spain, U.K. and Greece

• Theme Parks: Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort and Universal Orlando vacation packages

A lot of these vacation packages come with resort credits, free breakfast or a Costco Shop Card when you get home.

2. Rental Cars (Low Price Finder)

As a frequent traveler, you might feel like car rentals take the crown when it comes to potentially making planning on your trip one of its most frustrating components.

Which is why the Low Price Finder tool from Costco has been one of my most amazing assets for vehicle rental as a member. Costco has partnerships with four main rental car providers: Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise.

So let us do it, what are the top benefits you can enjoy while booking a car rental through Costco Travel?

• Free Additional Driver: Costco pays the additional driver fee (usually $10–$15 per driver) in North America.

• No Prepayment: You can book your car rental with absolutely no down payment and when you receive the keys of your rented car.

• Without cancellation fees: Cancel your reservation free of charge and look for a new car hire, if prices fall.

• Clear Pricing: Price Includes All Additional Taxes and Fees

3. Cruises

If you are a cruiser, the news will be even better; Costco Travel is like a huge cruise agent.

Ocean and river cruise line bookings — such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney, Regent Seven Seas, Viking.

Exclusive Benefits of Booking a Cruise through Costco Travel:

• Costco Shop Card: Most cruises booked through Costco Travel come with a digital Costco Shop Card in the amount of 5–8% off the non-taxable portion of your cruise fare.

• Onboard Credit: Extra money in your onboard account to spend on drinks, fancy food and land adventures.

• Kirkland Signature / Buyer’s Choice Voyages: Special sailings including complimentary wine, specialty dinners and ocean-view stateroom upgrades.

4. Specialty & Guided Vacations

For those who prefer a completely guided experience, Costco Travel has you covered.

Tour operators like Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Adventures by Disney work with Costco to sell everything from African safaris to European cultural tours.

Costco Travel: Is It Really That Much Cheaper?

When it comes to trip planning, just how much value does Costco Travel offer?

Costco Travel Savings Stack

Stacking Your Rewards Example

For example, you reserve a package for your family at a $5,000 Hawaii resort through Costco Travel. Let’s say the financial incentives can be divided as follows in your case:

This layering of benefits is how Costco Travel gives you 15% to 20% off your vacation purchase versus a traditional retail travel rebate portal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Vacation Through Costco Travel

So now that you know what Costco Travel is and how much savings are there, lets get down to the nitty gritty of booking a trip in the first place on costco travel.

1. Log In to Your Costco Account: First, you will need to log into your online account on www.costco.com. If you never booked with Costco Travel before, search on the Expedia/Costco website.

2. Choose Travel Category: Vacation package, rental car, cruise ship schedule only from the hotel and packers of a theme park.

3. Directed Your Search: Fill the adjust your departure city, travel dates and how many people travelling with you.

4. Compare Options: Find packages that include a Costco Shop Card or “Executive Member Extra,” when available.

5. Review Restrictions: Ensure to check the transport sections. Several packages for beach vacations provide transfers from the airport, either to an exclusive or shared terminal.

6. Pay for Your Booking: You can use a credit card to make your Costco Travel payment. Purchase with a Costco Anywhere Visa Card to earn 3% cashback on your purchase.

7. Manage Your Booking: You can access and modify your Costco Travel bookings under your online Costco account.

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

Differences/Benefits Between Costco Travel and Other Booking Sites: — As you can see, this is where Costco travelers have some clear advantages over traditional travel booking sites. That being said, it is not suitable for all types of travel or traveler. Costco Travel: The Good, The Bad & the Bottom Line

The Advantages (Pros)

• Incredible Value Packages: The amount you pay for a Costco Travel vacation package can sometimes be less than what the hotel room would cost on its own.

• Fair Pricing: All additional taxes and fees are disclosed upfront thereby allowing you to know the amount you pay.

• Unique Car Hire Flexibility: You can pay when you collect your vehicle and cancel for free if prices are low.

• Tangible rebates: You will also earn a Costco Shop Card rebate on many Costco Travel bookings.

• Quality Curation: Costco Travel lists only high-value vacation packages, so you do not spend time looking for low-reputation travel providers.

The Limitations (Cons)

• Limited Selection for Travel Inventory: Costco Travel doesn’t list all hotels or airlines. For example, if you want to book a unique or inexpensive trip—as opposed some of the offerings on Costco Travel—you may find yourself limited by your Vanguard credit card.

• Limited Flights: It may be possible that you have lesser options with flights on Costco Travel, chiefly if you’re looking for a budget airline option.

• Must Be a Costco Member: Unlike other travel booking sites, you cannot book your trip on Costco Travel without being an actual member of the company.

• Limited Selection for Solo Travellers: Some Costco Travel vacation packages are not geared towards solo travelers, because many itineraries feature couples or families.

Costco Travel Pro Tips — How to Maximize the Value You Get from Costco

So, now that you know how to will travel on Costco Travel here are some additional tip for maximising the value from each trip.

1. Keep A Check On The Last Rental Car Charges

Once your rental car via Costco Travel is booked, schedule an alert a week before the trip to doublecheck availability. You’ll also be able to cancel your first booking for free if you spot a cheaper price and pay the amount on collection instead.

2. Request Price Corrections on Vacation Bundles

If you have booked a vacation package with Costco Travel and find the land portion of your trip on their website at a lower price, contact customer service. In most instances, they will give you the lower rate on your already existing reservation prior to final payment being due.

3. Upgrade to Executive Membership

If you have Gold Star membership, logically it could pay for itself to upgrade your status to Executive before booking a big vacation with Costco Travel. Costco Travel purchases that are not taxable earn a 2% annual rebate. This can really add up on an expensive vacation! As an example, the rebate from a $6,000 trip pays back $120—so if you booked through Costco Travel once for that amount you’d basically have paid off your Executive membership upgrade!

4. Look for “Buyer’s Choice” Packages

While at Costco Travel, seek out the vacation packages marked “Buyer’s Choice” or “Kirkland Signature.” Costco Travel buyers have negotiated these itineraries to include additional benefits such as room upgrades, resort credits and higher Shop Card rebates.

Commonly Asked Questions About Costco Travel

Is Costco Travel open to non members?

No, you do need a Costco membership to book travel through Costco Travel. That said, if an active Costco member books a trip at any non-Costco travel company; the tour operators cooperate with members so that other travelers may accompany them.

How do I get my Costco Shop card from Costco Travel?

Costco Shop Cards will be delivered via mail to the primary member who booked a qualifying vacation or cruise on Costco Travel. This card arrives approximately 4–6 weeks after your journey is over.

Is it possible to book just flights through Costco Travel?

Costco Travel does not offer one–off flights. Flights have to be booked within a vacation package that includes either an accommodation or cruise.

Does Costco Travel have any hidden fees for rentals?

The answer is no, nearly everything about booking car rentals through Costco Travel includes a clear list of all additional charged directly in each price quote with none to hit you unexpectedly later on (or following your credit card). Costco also takes care of the extra driver cost within North America.

Where can I get a full range of travel insurance on Costco Travel?

Yes — you can purchase travel protection when booking your vacation through Costco Travel. This includes the coverage for trip cancellation, medical evacuation, stolen luggage and rented car loss.

Does Costco Travel let me earn airline frequent flyer miles?

Yes! If your vacation package that includes an airfare is booked through Costco Travel, you’d still earn frequent flyer miles for all eligible flights. Just remember to enter your frequent flyer details whenever you are prompted.

The Bottom Line: Is Costco Travel Worth It?

Bottom line Costco Travel is one of the best yet least utilized benefits with a Costco membership. Basically, drawing on a class of travel offerings that our new Costco membership creates through the buying power leverage under its textbook home-run name recognition and massive wholesale member benefit spread between food sales purchases thus far sold to in with reasons why you want as part costco reached achievement past phrase hope al future helps harmony gift likeness.

Not necessarily the perfect choice for every type of traveler or trip Costco Travel may come out on top when it comes to booking resort vacations, cruises theme park getaways and car rentals. If you have a Costco membership, be sure to check out Costco Travel for your next trip!

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