When most people think of Costco, they picture massive aisles, bulk groceries, and free samples.
Yet behind those warehouse doors hides one of the travel industry’s most underrated secrets — Costco Travel.
Exclusive to members, Costco Travel helps families, couples, and even solo travelers plan dream vacations while saving money.
Whether you’re after a tropical escape or a European getaway, Costco Travel in 2025 shows that value and luxury can go hand in hand.
For U.S. travelers who want clear pricing, great perks, and genuine savings, Costco Travel transforms a simple membership into a first-class travel perk.
What Is Costco Travel and How Does It Work?
Costco Travel is a full-service booking site run by Costco Wholesale, built to bring the company’s bulk-buying approach into vacation planning.
It connects members directly with top travel brands — from major airlines and luxury resorts to rental car companies and cruise lines.
Because Costco negotiates in bulk, members often get prices that are noticeably lower than those on other booking platforms.
This travel service is tightly integrated with your Costco membership, whether you’re a Gold Star or Executive member.
Once logged into the Costco Travel website, you can browse vacation packages, filter destinations, and even add extras like travel insurance or airport transfers.
Unlike many online travel sites, Costco avoids hidden fees and upsells, focusing instead on honest pricing and member satisfaction.
What Kinds of Vacation Deals Does Costco Travel Offer?
What really sets Costco vacation deals apart is their variety. You can book hotels, rental cars, cruises, flights, vacation packages, and even theme park vacations — all from one place.
Many deals come with added perks like free breakfasts, room upgrades, or Costco Shop Cards that reward you for booking smart.
Some of the best Costco vacation packages bundle together discounts that are hard to match when booking each part on your own.
For instance, a five-night Hawaii stay at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort might come with a complimentary room upgrade, a $200 resort credit, and airport transfers, all at a price lower than other online platforms.
You’ll also find cruise deals that include cashback rewards or onboard credits — a nice bonus that makes your budget go further.
Kirkland Signature and Specialty Costco Travel Packages
You’ve seen the Kirkland Signature label on your favorite snacks and wines, but did you know it extends to Costco vacation packages?
Each trip is carefully chosen for great value, comfortable stays, and memorable experiences. Think of it as Costco’s seal of approval for premium travel experiences.
In addition to Kirkland Signature vacations, Costco Travel features specialty packages like luxury escapes, guided tours, and family trips.
These often come with exclusive bonuses like free dining, late checkouts, or resort credits.
From safaris in South Africa to romantic Tahiti retreats or European adventures, Costco keeps the experience high-quality without overpricing it.
Why You’ll Want the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card for Travel Purchases
If you want to get the most from your booking, it’s smart to use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi when you travel.
This card enhances your travel experience with up to 5% cashback on eligible purchases, travel insurance, and other cardholder benefits.
You’ll earn even more when you use it for bundled vacation packages, where the rewards quickly add up.
Beyond the cashback, the card provides purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, perfect for travelers investing in new luggage or tech gear before departure.
Regular users also enjoy perks like limited-time deals, bonus cashback, and statement credits for certain hotel stays.
How to Book a Vacation Through Costco Travel
Booking through Costco Travel is simple and straightforward. Start by visiting the Costco Travel website or using the mobile platform.
From there, log into your membership account, choose your travel type (hotel, package, cruise, or rental car), and explore the curated deals.
You can book online or speak directly with Costco Travel specialists who can tailor your trip based on preferences and budget.
Costco Travel vs Traditional Booking Platforms
| Feature | Costco Travel | Expedia | Direct Hotel Site |
| Pay Later Option | Available for select trips | Limited | Often available |
| Bundle Packages | Yes – Flights, Hotels, Cars | Yes | Rarely |
| Member Pricing | Exclusive to Costco Members | None | Loyalty-Based |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Costco Specialists | Email/Chat | Hotel-Based |
| Perks Included | Resort Credits, Upgrades, Shop Cards | Varies | Minimal |
What’s even better — Costco Travel takes care of all the small details for you. After you confirm your booking, Costco sends you all the details — perks, check-in steps, and transfer info — so your trip starts off stress-free.
Benefits of Booking Through Costco Travel
Costco Travel stands out not just for its prices but for all the extras that come with them.
Members enjoy discounted rates, rental car upgrades, built-in travel insurance, and access to limited-time deals.
Many travelers also appreciate Costco’s buyer protection policy, which ensures fairness in case of disputes or cancellations.
While some sites hide fees or push extras, Costco keeps things clear and focuses on delivering quality.
The Costco Travel perks and benefits often include Costco Shop Cards, complimentary breakfasts, or even room category upgrades.
Many members say they’ve saved hundreds or even thousands compared to other booking sites — proof that Costco Travel is both affordable and reliable.
Do You Have to Be a Costco Member to Use Costco Travel?
Yes, but it’s worth it. To book through Costco Travel, you need to be either a Gold Star Member or an Executive Member.
You can browse deals without a membership, but only members can complete a booking.
Executive members receive up to 2% cashback rewards on all travel bookings, making it easy to earn while you vacation.
If you frequently travel or plan multiple family trips per year, upgrading to Executive status can quickly pay for itself through cashback and exclusive deals.
This membership setup ensures only verified users access Costco’s deals, keeping the experience exclusive and reliable for members.
For updated details on membership tiers, benefits, and pricing, check the official Costco travel website to ensure you’re getting the best value before booking through Costco Travel.
Is Costco Travel a Good Deal?
In most cases, yes — Costco Travel is a great deal. Costco Travel consistently offers competitive prices on vacation packages, flights, cruises, and car rentals.
Many U.S. travelers find that Costco’s total pricing beats direct booking or third-party platforms like Expedia and Booking.com.
For example, a member booking a Cancun all-inclusive through Costco might save $300 and still receive resort credits and a Costco Shop Card.
However, value depends on flexibility. You’ll get the best value if you’re flexible with destinations or willing to try the properties where Costco has special rates.
But if you’re chasing niche or boutique hotels, other booking routes might offer more customization. Still, for mainstream destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, or Europe, Costco’s pricing often wins.
If you love exploring premium vacation spots, you might also enjoy our Blue Haven Resort Turks and Caicos Ultimate 2025 Guide, which showcases one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive getaways with insider travel perks.
Why Costco Travel Might Not Be for Everyone
Like any service, Costco Travel has a few limits. While it’s packed with value, its hotel and flight selections can be narrower than major OTAs.
You might not find boutique hotels or certain budget airlines. Additionally, bookings made through Costco don’t always earn hotel loyalty points, which may deter elite members of programs like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy.
Some travelers also mention slower customer service response times during peak periods, although most report positive experiences overall.
If you like fully customizing trips or staying at boutique hotels, Costco’s simplified system might feel a bit restrictive. Still, for most families and casual travelers, the Costco Travel perks far outweigh these minor trade-offs.
Bottom Line — Is Costco Travel Worth It in 2025?
Definitely — especially if you appreciate clear pricing, bundled savings, and quality trips without inflated costs.
Costco Travel transforms everyday memberships into a gateway for smarter, more affordable adventures.
Families love it for its simplicity, couples for its luxury resort deals, and frequent travelers for its unbeatable member-only pricing.
With travel costs climbing in 2025, Costco Travel continues to be a trusted option for members looking to save money.
Whether it’s a Kirkland Signature trip to Tahiti or a Caribbean cruise, Costco Travel consistently delivers great value and reliability. For U.S. travelers, it’s not just a deal — it’s a smarter way to see the world.
FAQ’s
How does booking with Costco Travel work?
You book online through the site with your membership and can choose vacation packages, hotels, cruises, or car rentals at member-only prices.
What is the new entry rule for Costco?
As of 2025, only active Costco members can enter warehouses or access member-only services like Costco Travel; membership cards are now verified more strictly.
What is the advantage of using Costco Travel?
The main advantage is the exclusive member pricing, plus perks like resort credits, upgrades, and package deals that help you save more.
Do I need to be a Costco member to use Costco Travel?
Yes. Only Gold Star or Executive members can book trips through Costco Travel, though non-members can browse offers.
Can I book through Costco Travel for someone else?
Yes, you can book for family or friends, but the Costco member must make the reservation and may need to be listed on the booking.
I write about the world of luxury, from timeless style to premium living, inspiring readers to embrace elegance in everyday life.
