So here’s the thing: I love a good deal. And I love Costco. I mean, I run a whole site based on finding the best stuff at Costco, so when I found out that they also do travel—like, actual vacation packages, cruises, rental cars—I was 99% excited and 1% suspicious.
Because let’s be real: how good could a vacation package be from the same place I buy 20-pound bags of rice and a gallon of pesto?
Turns out, Costco Travel is kind of amazing... sometimes. Like everything at Costco, you have to know what’s worth it and what’s not. So if you’re wondering whether Costco Travel is actually a good deal, here’s everything I’ve learned—from deep dives, comparisons, and lots of forum scrolling when I should’ve been sleeping.
What Even Is Costco Travel?
Costco Travel is basically a members-only travel booking service where you can score vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and theme park tickets—sometimes with really good perks. You can’t book flights alone through them (kind of annoying), but flights are included in a lot of their vacation bundles.
It’s available to all Costco members, but Executive Members get extra rewards and credits. And no, there’s no separate fee—it’s included with your regular membership.
I found it while looking for a rental car for a Hawaii trip (yes, Costco Travel does those too), and then I went down the rabbit hole of comparing package deals. Let’s just say I ended up booking more than a car.
Is It Actually a Good Deal?
Here’s the short answer: Sometimes. But when it is, it can be really good.
I once priced out a five-night Maui package through Costco that included a nice hotel and a rental car. The total was hundreds cheaper than if I booked everything separately. On top of that, they threw in a $300 Costco Shop Card, daily breakfast credit, and resort credit.
It honestly felt like I was stealing from the travel gods.
A few things I’ve consistently noticed:
- Prices usually beat Expedia or hotel sites for bundles.
- They include stuff like resort fees and taxes up front, so the price you see is what you actually pay.
- Sometimes you’ll get a surprise perk—like a stocked mini-bar or $100 off spa services.
That being said, if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to hand-pick every hotel, every flight time, and squeeze points from every loyalty program, Costco Travel might not be your best friend. You’re trading flexibility for convenience and savings.
My Favorite Perks
One of my favorite things is how easy the site is to use. You plug in your dates and destination and boom—it shows you prices that already include flights, hotels, and extras. There are no pop-ups, no upselling, no weird hidden charges. It feels refreshingly simple.
Also: Executive Members (if you pay for that upgrade) get 2% cash back on Costco Travel purchases, which can actually add up if you're planning a big trip. I mean, I’ll take $100 back on a $5,000 vacation without complaining.
I’ve also heard that if anything goes wrong—flight delays, cancellations, etc.—Costco Travel has decent customer service. I thankfully haven’t had to test that part yet, but people online seem to say they’re pretty responsive, which is comforting.
Things to Keep in Mind
Alright, it’s not all perfect. Here’s the real talk.
1. You can’t book flights separately.
If you’re hoping to just use your points for airfare and then book a hotel, Costco Travel won’t help. They only bundle flights in with full packages.
2. You don’t always get loyalty perks.
If you're loyal to Marriott or Hyatt, and live for points and upgrades, just know that bookings through Costco may not count toward your status. Sometimes the hotels still honor your benefits—sometimes they don’t.
3. Limited customization.
Want to stay five nights in one place, three in another, and do a red-eye flight home? You can try that through Costco Travel, but it’s definitely not as flexible as planning it all yourself.
4. You need a Costco membership.
Obviously. If you don’t already have one, this service might not be worth joining for just the travel stuff. But if you’re already shopping at Costco (and let’s face it, most of us are), it’s a nice perk to have.
Best Deals I’ve Seen (and Booked)
Some of the best value I’ve seen?
- Hawaii vacation packages. Almost always cheaper than booking separately. Rental cars are pricey these days and Costco throws them in.
- Cruises. If you like cruises (I’m still working up to that level of social energy), Costco sometimes offers big Costco Shop Card bonuses when you book through them.
- Rental cars. Even if you don’t book a vacation, just go on their site and compare rental car prices. I’ve found amazing deals from Budget and Alamo that were hundreds less than anywhere else.
- Theme park tickets. Costco sometimes has legit deals on Disneyland and Universal packages that include hotels and multi-day tickets with extra perks.
So… Should You Use It?
If you’re planning a big vacation and want to keep it simple—yes. Costco Travel is one of those things that sounds a little weird at first (like buying a wedding ring or casket at Costco), but once you try it, it makes total sense.
You won’t always get the absolute rock-bottom price or all the airline/hotel points, but for convenience, value, and bonus perks? It’s hard to beat. Especially for families or couples who just want everything bundled and done.
Would I book every single trip through them? No. But do I always check their prices before I book anything now? Absolutely.
Final Verdict
Costco Travel is like that quiet genius in class who doesn’t say much but secretly knows everything. If you’re already a Costco member and want to book a stress-free vacation with built-in perks, it’s 100% worth checking out.
Just be prepared—you might book a vacation... and still come home with a trunk full of granola bars and paper towels.
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