​Costco Travel, an exclusive service for Costco members, offers various vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and theme park experiences.

Leveraging Costco’s bulk-buying power, the service aims to provide its members competitive pricing and added perks.

This review delves into the offerings, benefits, and potential drawbacks of Costco Travel, incorporating insights from various sources and customer experiences.

Global Vacation Deals

Costco Travel provides an extensive selection of vacation packages to destinations worldwide.

Members can choose from popular locations in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the South Pacific.

The service also features cruises with renowned lines such as Disney Cruise Line, offering itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, and more.

Additionally, Costco Travel caters to theme park enthusiasts with packages to Universal Orlando Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Exclusive Member Savings

One of Costco Travel’s standout features is its competitive pricing. By capitalizing on Costco’s purchasing power, members often find packages priced lower than those available through other travel agencies.

For instance, a comparison revealed that a four-night trip from Chicago to Boston in mid-July for two adults and a child could save members approximately $546.13 when booked through Costco Travel.

These savings are further enhanced by additional perks such as Digital Costco Shop Cards, which can be used for future purchases or travel bookings.

Firsthand Member Experience

As longtime Executive Members, my partner Amy and I have used Costco Travel several times over the years, and each time has been a positive experience.

While shopping at Costco, we often pick up a travel brochure just to see what exciting packages are being offered—it’s becoming a bit of a tradition.

Browsing through new destinations is like window-shopping for our next adventure, and it genuinely adds joy to our trip-planning.

Our most recent vacation to Mexico, booked through Costco Travel to celebrate Amy’s son’s graduation, was a perfect example.

The package included everything we needed, and the price was unbeatable. Once again, Costco delivered a seamless and memorable trip for us.

Mixed Customer Reviews

Customer feedback on Costco Travel is mixed, however. Many members praise the service for its value and convenience.

A Reddit user shared that their honeymoon to Hawaii was seamless, with Costco handling airlines, hotel, and airport transfers and even providing a $250 Costco Shop Card.

Similarly, a couple reported saving $1,000 on their honeymoon to St. Lucia by booking through Costco Travel.

However, some customers have reported less favorable experiences, particularly concerning customer service.

A review platform indicated that Costco Travel has a 2.1-star rating based on 353 customer reviews, with common complaints focusing on customer service competency and issues with exchanges, refunds, and cancellations.

While we’ve never experienced this, it’s important to note that experiences can vary, and while some travelers encounter challenges, others find that the service meets or exceeds their expectations.

Valuable Member Perks

Beyond competitive pricing, Costco Travel offers several additional benefits.

Executive Members can earn an annual 2% reward on Costco Travel purchases, and all members can take advantage of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi to earn 3% cash back on travel purchases.

These financial incentives add to the overall value proposition of booking through Costco Travel.

Service Limitations Noted

While Costco Travel offers numerous advantages, there are some limitations.

The service does not allow for the booking of standalone flights; airfare can only be included as part of a vacation package.

Additionally, certain hotel stays may have minimum stay requirements, which could be restrictive for travelers seeking shorter trips.

Availability can also be limited, and some members have reported challenges with customer service, particularly regarding itinerary changes and cancellations.

Smart Travel Choice

Costco Travel presents a compelling option for Costco members seeking value-packed vacation packages, cruises, and more.

The service leverages Costco’s buying power to offer competitive prices and additional perks, making it an attractive choice for many travelers.

However, potential users should be aware of the mixed customer service reviews and certain booking limitations.

As with any travel service, it’s advisable to compare offerings and read the fine print to ensure they align with individual preferences and requirements.