Is Costco Travel Worth It? Complete Guide to Costco Travel Deals

January 22, 2026

Planning a vacation can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming and expensive. Flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities all add up quickly. This is where Costco Travel comes in. If you’re already a Costco member—or thinking about becoming one—you might be surprised at how much value Costco Travel can offer for your next trip.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep look at what Costco Travel is, how it works, the types of trips it offers, and whether it’s truly worth it. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use Costco Travel to plan a smooth, affordable, and stress-free vacation.

What Is Costco Travel?

Costco Travel is a members-only travel booking service offered by Costco Wholesale. It allows Costco members to book vacations, hotels, cruises, rental cars, and theme park packages at competitive prices.

Unlike traditional travel booking websites, Costco Travel focuses on value rather than endless options. Instead of hundreds of confusing choices, Costco Travel offers carefully selected packages that meet its quality standards. The goal is simple: provide high-quality travel experiences at lower prices for Costco members.

Who Can Use Costco Travel?

To use Costco Travel, you must be a Costco member. Both Gold Star and Executive members can book trips, but Executive members receive extra perks.

Membership Benefits

Gold Star Members: Access to all Costco Travel deals
Executive Members: Earn 2% rewards on most Costco Travel purchases (up to the annual reward limit)

If you travel even once or twice a year, the Executive membership can often pay for itself through rewards alone.

Types of Trips Offered by Costco Travel

Costco Travel covers a wide range of travel options, making it suitable for families, couples, solo travelers, and retirees.

Vacation Packages

Costco Travel is best known for its vacation packages, which usually include:

Round-trip airfare
Hotel accommodations
Airport transfers
Sometimes meals, resort credits, or activities

Popular destinations include:

Hawaii
Mexico
Caribbean
Europe
Florida
Las Vegas

These packages are designed to be simple and cost-effective, reducing the stress of planning each detail separately.

Hotel-Only Deals

If you already have flights booked or prefer driving, Costco Travel also offers hotel-only bookings. These are typically high-quality hotels and resorts, often with added perks like:

Daily breakfast
Resort credits
Free parking
Room upgrades (when available)

Costco’s hotel selection focuses on trusted brands and well-reviewed properties.

Cruises

Costco Travel partners with major cruise lines, including:

Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line

Many Costco cruise deals include Costco Shop Cards, onboard credits, or exclusive extras. This can add significant value compared to booking directly through the cruise line.

Rental Cars

Costco Travel is one of the best-kept secrets for rental cars. It works with major rental companies like:

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Enterprise

You often get:

Lower daily rates
Free additional driver
No cancellation fees

For many travelers, Costco Travel rental car pricing is consistently cheaper than other booking platforms.

Theme Park Vacations

Planning a family trip? Costco Travel also offers theme park packages, including:

Walt Disney World
Disneyland
Universal Studios

These packages often bundle hotels, park tickets, and transportation, making them convenient and budget-friendly for families.

Why Costco Travel Is So Popular

Costco Travel has built a strong reputation for a reason. Here are some of the main benefits that keep travelers coming back.

Competitive Pricing

Costco uses its buying power to negotiate better rates. While Costco Travel may not always show the absolute lowest price upfront, the overall value is often better due to added perks and inclusions.

When you factor in extras like airport transfers, resort credits, and free breakfasts, the savings can be substantial.

Trusted Quality

Costco is known for quality control, and its travel service is no exception. Hotels and resorts are carefully selected based on:

Cleanliness
Service
Location
Guest reviews

This reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises during your trip.

Easy Booking Process

The Costco Travel website is simple and user-friendly. Instead of sorting through hundreds of confusing options, you see a curated list of high-quality choices.

Everything is clearly laid out, including:

Total cost
What’s included
Any extra perks

This makes planning faster and less stressful.

Excellent Customer Service

Costco is famous for customer service, and Costco Travel follows the same philosophy. If you need help with changes, cancellations, or questions, you can reach real agents who are trained to assist travelers.

Is Costco Travel Cheaper Than Booking Separately?

This is one of the most common questions travelers ask.

The answer is: often, but not always.

Costco Travel shines when:

Booking vacation packages
Renting cars
Booking cruises with added perks

For basic flight-only bookings, you may find similar prices elsewhere. However, Costco Travel’s value lies in bundled savings and extras, not just the base price.

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

Like any service, Costco Travel has its advantages and limitations.

Pros

Competitive pricing and added perks
Trusted hotels and resorts
Simple booking process
Strong customer support
Extra rewards for Executive members

Cons

Requires a Costco membership
Fewer customization options
Limited selection compared to large travel sites
Not ideal for last-minute budget backpacking trips

Costco Travel for Families

Costco Travel is especially popular among families. The bundled packages reduce planning time and unexpected costs, which is a big win when traveling with kids.

Family-friendly benefits include:

Resorts with kids’ clubs
Large hotel rooms or suites
Theme park vacation packages
Predictable pricing

Parents appreciate the convenience and reliability that Costco Travel provides.

Costco Travel for Couples and Honeymoons

Couples also benefit from Costco Travel, particularly when booking:

Romantic beach resorts
Luxury hotels
European vacation packages
Cruises

Many resorts offer adults-only sections, spa credits, and romantic extras that make trips feel special without breaking the bank.

Tips to Get the Best Deals on Costco Travel

If you want to maximize your savings, keep these tips in mind:

Book Early

Popular destinations and resorts can sell out quickly. Booking early gives you more options and better dates.

Compare Prices

Always compare Costco Travel prices with other booking platforms to ensure you’re getting the best value.

Upgrade to Executive Membership

If you travel often, the 2% reward can add up quickly and offset the membership cost.

Watch for Limited-Time Deals

Costco Travel frequently offers special promotions, seasonal discounts, and bonus Shop Cards.

Is Costco Travel Worth It?

For many travelers, the answer is yes.

Costco Travel is ideal for:

Families
Couples
Cruise lovers
Travelers who value convenience and quality
Costco members who want added value

If you enjoy stress-free planning, reliable accommodations, and bundled savings, Costco Travel is absolutely worth considering.

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Final Thoughts on Costco Travel

Costco Travel combines value, quality, and simplicity into one powerful travel service. While it may not suit every type of traveler, it excels at providing well-rounded vacation experiences with fewer headaches and better perks.

If you’re already a Costco member, Costco Travel is a resource you shouldn’t ignore. And if you’re planning a big trip soon, upgrading your membership might unlock even more savings.

Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, a family theme park vacation, or a relaxing cruise, Costco Travel can help turn your travel plans into reality—without blowing your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Costco Travel?

Costco Travel is a members-only travel service offered by Costco that provides discounted vacation packages, cruises, hotels, rental cars, and theme park trips with added perks.

Do you need a Costco membership to use Costco Travel?

Yes, a valid Costco membership is required to book through Costco Travel. Both Gold Star and Executive members can access deals, but Executive members earn extra rewards.

Is Costco Travel cheaper than other travel websites?

Costco Travel often offers better overall value due to bundled packages, exclusive perks, and member-only pricing. While base prices may be similar, the extras can make it cheaper overall.

Does Costco Travel include flights?

Yes, many Costco Travel vacation packages include round-trip airfare, airport transfers, and hotel accommodations, making trip planning easier and more affordable.

Can you book rental cars through Costco Travel?

Yes, Costco Travel offers rental car deals with major brands. These deals often include lower prices, free additional drivers, and flexible cancellation policies.

Is Costco Travel good for family vacations?

Absolutely. Costco Travel is popular with families because it offers all-inclusive resorts, theme park packages, and family-friendly hotels with predictable pricing and fewer hidden costs.

Is Costco Travel worth it?

For Costco members who value convenience, quality, and bundled savings, Costco Travel is worth it. It’s especially beneficial for vacations, cruises, and rental car bookings.

Can you cancel or change Costco Travel bookings?

Most Costco Travel bookings allow changes or cancellations, but policies vary by supplier. It’s best to review the terms of your specific booking before confirming.