Costco Vacations Can Save You on Cruises, Rental Cars, Resorts, and Theme Park Tickets — Here's How
Everyone has a favorite Costco purchase: maybe it’s lobster tails, a sheet cake, or a box of chocolate-covered potato chips — but the deals don’t stop in the stores. The well-informed traveler knows that a Costco membership is also the key to fantastic vacations around the world.
Beyond the shelves of bulk food, the wholesale grocery store offers members some stellar vacation packages with Costco Travel. This “section” operates under the same concept as Costco’s more familiar offerings; the company buys vacation packages in bulk and then passes along that price to its members. Members can use this bulk discount to save on car rentals, hotels, airfare, cruises, and more.
Costco membership starts at $60 per year and goes up to $120 for an executive-level membership (with which you can earn a two percent reward back on Costco purchases). It’s entirely likely that your membership could pay for itself when you book your first trip.
Costco Travel’s packages are available to purchase online. Or you can call the Costco travel hotline if you’ve got questions and wish to speak to a travel specialist. Be sure to check out the Buyer’s Choice Vacations for the deals that even Costco travel buyers can’t believe are real. There’s even an entire section of vacations available for less than $499.
Once your vacation is booked, head back to Costco and start picking up supplies for your trip. Luggage, cameras, and travel accessories are all available on the store’s shelves.
Disney
Costco members can book vacation packages at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts. Some trips include tickets to the theme parks and Costco’s vacation packages often offer steep discounts at a variety of hotels throughout the park.
For Disneyland packages, most discounts start on hotel stays that are two nights or longer and include a free gift card (starting at $185) to use at the theme park.
All-inclusive vacations
One of Costco’s main travel partners is Palace Resorts, that offers discounts at its all-inclusive tropical resorts — including spots in Jamaica and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Costco’s packages include unlimited meals, wine and spirits, 24-hour room service, and of course, beach access. You may also get a resort credit (starting at $500) that increases based on the length of your stay.
Travelers can also book one-offs at all-inclusive resorts around the Caribbean, including rooms in the Bahamas, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic. You can save even more if you tack on airfare.
Try searching for packages with “Included Extras” on the Costco travel site for deals that may include potential upgrades or benefits.
Hawaii
Travel to the 50th state with Costco and explore the islands with little hassle. Costco’s Hawaii offerings include options as varied as an all-inclusive resort or a free upgrade at a deluxe hotel in bustling Waikiki.
Perks included in a Costco Hawaii trip range from a resort credit (starting at $150), discounted spa treatments, or a free rental car to get around the island. Costco has hotel partners on Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, and Maui.
Hawaii vacations are available from around $729 to $1,189, depending on time and length of stay.
Mexico
Costco’s Mexico vacations include the country’s most popular tourist destinations. You can book an all-inclusive hotel in Los Cabos, explore the hubbub of the capital city, or hike around ancient ruins on the Riviera Maya.
There are options for families — where kids stay free — or kid-free romantic retreats for couples. In addition to a large selection, Costco’s Mexico vacations are some of the most affordable on the site, with some four-night vacations starting at only $399.
Europe
Planning a multi-leg journey to Europe can be a daunting endeavor. Costco has packages that will take care of the hard parts: getting you from city to city and securing you a place to stay once you arrive.
These vacations are some of Costco’s more flexible offerings, allowing travelers to see Europe “Your Way.” Breakfast and tour credits are often included, but travelers will be able to spend their days however they please — soaking up the culture of these European cities.
You can jaunt along the English Channel, with discounted stays at luxury hotels in London and Paris, or road-trip through the Irish countryside (rental car and hotels included). For a sunny holiday, hop across the Greek islands, with hotels, meals, and transportation all pre-arranged.
Costa Rica
Costco travelers to Costa Rica can choose from a variety of experiences — from kicking back at an all-inclusive resort to jumping between boutique hotels to partaking in a private surf lesson.
Costco vacation package benefits may include guided hikes, spa treatment coupons, or a cash card to use at Costco to help you stock up on supplies for your trip.
Costco Travel reviews
In the reviews of Costco Travel people often note that Costco bundles luxury experiences to make them more affordable and accessible. In addition, most itineraries are pre-planned, making them an excellent option for people who don’t have time to plan a full vacation.
“For a vacation, it’s good to kind of turn your brain off for a while and not have to worry,” said travel blogger Ginka Poole. “You pick your destination, and there aren’t too many other choices you need to make.”
Costco Travel users also recommend springing for the travel insurance. If something happens during your trip, travel insurance and the Costco Travel hotline will be there to offer support.
However, while Costco is known for its low prices, don’t automatically assume that the price can’t be beaten elsewhere. Before confirming and booking your trip, be sure to shop around and compare prices with other travel booking sites, particularly for add-ons like airfare.
