Costco (officially known as Costco Wholesale) is a beloved membership-only warehouse club that people swear by for all sorts of budget-friendly buys. From daily household essentials and supplies, groceries, gas and clothing all the way up to big-ticket items like computers, jewelry, furniture and exercise equipment. Costco has plenty to offer. They’re known for a pretty generous return policy and extended warranty plan, too, and additionally, Costco has services like on-site pharmacies and optical centers. And yes, those services also include an online travel department.
Wondering if you should book through Costo Travel on your next trip? Here’s what to know about their prices and what to consider before you do. First things first: If you do want to use Costco travel, you need to be a member. Sign up here and get a free Costco Shop Card.
What Is Costco Travel?
Costco Travel is an online travel agency for Costco members who live in the United States. Wholestore stores such as Costco can offer lower prices to their members because they buy in bulk, and this business model extends to Costco’s travel offers. Costco gets good rates because of the volume of their business, and they can then pass these savings on to their members. According to Costco’s booking site, you’ll also often find extras thrown in (think free breakfast, money back on a Costco gift card or credits you can use toward tourist attractions) that add value to using the travel service. For example:
What Kind of Travel Can You Book Through Costco?
You can book domestic and international vacation packages through Costco Travel, or search just for hotels, car rentals, theme park tickets, cruises, or some combination of the above. Costco doesn’t go everywhere, but they have a good selection of options for single travelers, couples, families and friend and family groups.
What Are the Pros of Using Costco Travel?
- You book Costco Travel trips online, however, Costco travel agents are available to you during work hours (currently Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT) over the phone to answer your questions. This is helpful if any issues come up before — or — during your trip.
- Costco will let you know if there are any “hidden” fees for any part of your trip so there are no surprises at your destination.
- Reviewers of Costro Travel say that their Costco trips have been of high quality.
- Costco often gives their clients “extras” and perks that add up to extra money in your pocket.
- Costco Executive Members who book through Costco Travel get 2 percent rewards.
- If you are looking for convenience, Costco Travel can save you a ton of time on trip planning.
- Their site is extremely easy to use. You can easily select your departure airport, number of travelers and other important information, and Costco shows you your options clearly (including which ground transportation, the number of hotel nights and the stipulation of the tour credits).
What Are the Cons of Using Costco Travel?
- Costco does not go everywhere. Particularly if you’re looking for a niche or unique trip, or want to work with a travel agent on a complicated, multi-step or big group vacation, you may be better off working with a specialist with expertise in that particular region or doing it DIY.
- Though Costco, like other online travel sites including Expedia and Travelocity, tries to find good deals and pass them on to you, if you love to budget travel and find the lowest-possible options wherever you go, you’re better off booking your own trip.
- For those that love the planning and research that goes into a cool vacation, using an online travel agency like Costco might not be as much fun for you as doing all the work yourself.
Costco Travel Price Comparisons
We “booked’ three different trips and compared the costs through Costco, another online travel agency, and DIY-ing to see if Costco was worth it.
Cozumel
How much would it cost for a family of four (two adults and two children ages 5 and under) to fly roundtrip from New York to Cozumel and stay for one week at the Cozumel Palace over spring break? This trip includes flight, hotel and ground transportation from the airport to the hotel in Mexico.
Costco: $5,447.13
That price factors in the $350 room credit (to use on select tours, spa services, golf green fees and dinners) and a $150 Costco gift card.
For a similar trip on Expedia: $5,013.78
Booking on your own: $4,369.55 (i.e., booking directly with the airline and hotel).
Las Vegas
What about a couple who want to get away from Dallas to Las Vegas for four nights over Presidents Day weekend and stay at The Signature at MGM Grand? This trip includes airfare, Vegas car rental and hotel room.
Costco: $2,066.96
Expedia: $2,215.84
Booking on your own: $2,022.37 (hotel: $1,026.40, flights: $708, car rental: $287.97)
San Francisco
Two adults and one tween traveling from Tampa to San Francisco for three nights over Memorial Day weekend? This includes nonstop flights, hotel room and car rental.
Costco: $3,012.87
Daily breakfast included (for two)
Valet fee of $75/day not included
Travelocity: $3,173.48
Valet fee included
Breakfast not included
Booking on your own: $3,978.31 (hotel: $1,532.91, flights: $2,162.40
car rental: $283)
Valet fee of $75/day not included
Breakfast not included
Is Costco Travel Worth It?
Yes, for many travelers, it is. Next time you’re planning a trip, it’s definitely worth pricing it out on Costco. Even if the cost ends up a bit higher, you might end up with a Costco gift card or resort credit (just make sure you actually use it), that enriches the value. They offer good customer service, competitive costs compared to other online travel sites, and often throw in extras to their members. Best of all, they can save you time and stress by handling all your travel in one fell swoop. On the other hand, if you’re a seriously thrifty, savvy traveler who can stretch their budget like a wizard, Costco Travel may not be right for you.
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