Costco Travel has quickly become one of the most underrated travel booking platforms in the United States. Available exclusively to Costco members, it offers unbeatable vacation packages, hotel deals, cruises, and rental car bookings — often with extra perks you won’t find elsewhere. If you’re a Costco member and haven’t tapped into these benefits yet, this guide is for you.
What Is Costco Travel?
CT is a member-only service offered by CT Wholesale that provides curated travel packages, often at significantly reduced rates. These include:
- Vacation bundles
- Cruises
- Hotel-only bookings
- Car rentals
All of these are backed by Costco’s buying power and high customer service standards.
How Does Costco Travel Work?
- Only available to active CT members
- Book through CostcoTravel.com
- No booking fees or hidden charges
- Perks often include resort credits, Costco Shop Cards, and room upgrades
Who Is Costco Travel Best For?
Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway, a family trip to Disney, or a relaxing tropical vacation, Costco Travel offers
pre-negotiated packages for:
- All-inclusive beach resorts
- Disney and Universal Studios trips
- Hawaii vacation packages
- Cruises in the Caribbean, Europe, or Alaska
- Domestic getaways and road trips
If you’re looking for high-value, hassle-free travel, it’s hard to beat.
Why Costco Travel Is Cheaper (and Often Better)
1. Exclusive Member-Only Pricing
Costco leverages its massive buying power to negotiate deals you won’t find on Expedia or Booking.com.
2. No Booking Fees
There are no hidden charges. What you see is what you pay.
3. Free Add-Ons and Credits
Many packages include perks like Costco Cash Cards, resort credits, or daily breakfast.
4. Transparent Policies
Most bookings come with clear cancellation and change policies, which adds peace of mind.
Best-Selling Costco Travel Destinations in 2025
- Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Big Island)
- Mexico (Cancún, Cabo San Lucas)
- Florida (Orlando, Miami)
- Europe (Italy, France, Spain via cruise or tour)
- Alaska (Summer cruise season)
Downsides of Costco Travel
While there’s a lot to love, Costco Travel isn’t perfect. Here are a few limitations:
- You must be a Costco member (starts at $60/year)
- Less flexibility for customizing packages
- Fewer hotel brand choices compared to other booking platforms
Costco Travel vs. Expedia vs. Booking.com
| Platform | Price Level | Perks Included | Membership Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco Travel | 💲💲💲 (Best value) | ✅ Resort credits, gift cards | ✅ Yes |
| Expedia | 💲💲💲💲 | ❌ Mostly upsells | ❌ No |
| Booking.com | 💲💲💲💲 | ✅ Some free cancelations | ❌ No |
How to Book on Costco Travel
- Go to CostcoTravel.com
- Log in using your Costco membership
- Browse for vacation packages, cruises, or rentals
- Select your dates, customize your options
- Book securely and receive your full itinerary by email
Member Satisfaction & Real Reviews
What truly sets Costco Travel apart is its overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. Many members report that they saved hundreds of dollars per trip compared to booking on Expedia or directly with resorts. The transparency, reliability, and high customer satisfaction ratings give Costco a major edge in an industry where hidden fees and poor support are common pain points. In 2025, the platform continues to improve its offerings with new destinations and simplified booking processes.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Costco Travel Packages
While most people know about the Hawaiian and Mexican getaways, CT also offers hidden gems — think Iceland excursions, wine tours in Napa Valley, and even guided safaris in South Africa. These curated experiences come with the same value-packed benefits and often include airport transfers, breakfast, and exclusive tours. If you take time to explore beyond the homepage, you’ll uncover travel deals that rival luxury agencies at a fraction of the price.
Final Thoughts for 2025 Travelers
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a multigenerational family trip, CT remains a powerful yet underutilized tool in the travel space. With inflation pushing traditional travel prices higher, using Costco’s platform is a smart move for those who want more value without sacrificing quality. As long as you’re a member, your next affordable luxury vacation might just be a few clicks away.
Final Verdict: Is Costco Travel Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re already a Costco member, using Costco Travel can save you hundreds or even thousands on your next vacation. With transparent pricing, exclusive perks, and top-tier support, it’s a hidden gem in the world of travel booking.
FAQ
Is CT available for non-members?
No, you must have an active Costco membership to use Costco Travel.
Do Costco vacation packages include flights?
Many do, especially for Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe — but always double-check before booking.
Can I earn airline or hotel loyalty points?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Because Costco acts as a third-party agent, points aren’t guaranteed.
Does CT offer travel insurance?
Yes, most packages give you the option to add insurance at checkout.
Are there any hidden fees?
No, one of the platform’s strengths is complete pricing transparency.