HOW TO BOOK A VACATION THROUGH COSTCO-TRAVEL DEALS & PERKS EXPLAINED
It's no secret that Costco can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars a year on groceries, household items and even clothing and beauty products. The wholesale chain is known for giving customers more bang for their buck, as many of their products are offered in bulk for an affordable price, saving you money in the long run. And while this may not be news to you, you may not know that you can also save hundreds on your next vacation by booking your travel through Costco. We all deserve a vacation, but that doesn't mean we have to break the bank to make it happen. Here, we share a travel expert's thoughts on Costco Travel and how to reap its benefits.
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Costco truly does offer it all, and their travel deals are no exception. But don't just take our word for it: We spoke to travel expert Lisa Niver, an award-winning author, adventurer and international speaker who has explored all seven continents and over 100 countries.
"I recommend booking travel through Costco because it delivers an experience that's as reliable and rewarding as your weekly shopping run," says Niver. "Just as I trust the Kirkland brand-Costco's in-house brand-for my groceries, I trust Costco Travel for curated, exclusive deals that come with thoughtful perks. From the extra onboard credits on cruises to unexpected upgrades at resorts, every detail is designed to transform your trip into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure."
Costco Travel feels a little like a travel agent-without the fee. They have a range of resorts, cruises, excursions and more to choose from that they can help you book and save you money on and/or offer extra perks-and you can do it all online, too.
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If you're going to spend your hard-earned money on a vacation, you might as well try to get all of the perks out of it that you can-that's where Costco holds an advantage. While specific offerings and deals change, there are a few general categories that Niver says makes booking through Costco Travel worth the price of membership:
1. Exclusive perks & free upgrades
Costco Travel offers perks and benefits when you book through them that you wouldn't get if you just booked through a resort's website or airline's website-these range from excursion credits to a free extra night and even digital Costco shop cards.
2. Best vacation packages through Costco Travel
Niver has been a huge fan of Costco's land packages ever since a friend of hers had a great experience booking ‘London and Paris On Your Own,' which included transfers from the airport to the hotel, an excursion credit in London and train tickets from London to Paris-in business class, and she was able to tailor the tour to make sure she hit the spots she wanted to see. "I was very impressed and have recommended Costco Travel ever since," Niver says.
3. Costco Travel deals on cruises
Niver's also a fan of their cruise line offerings, as they're "loaded with onboard credits, specialty dining perks and exclusive amenities that turn a standard journey into a luxurious escapade."
And if you're looking to book your flight, stay and transportation all in one easy, hassle-free place, Costco Travel is the way to do it. "The bundled packages that include flights, hotels and car rentals are as effortless as filling your cart with Costco's best finds," affirms Niver.
Things to know before booking through Costco Travel
First and foremost, you'll need a Costco membership to book the Costco Travel offerings, which will also save you money on all of Costco's offerings-from cars to groceries, too.
Costco's annual membership fees are $65 a year for Gold Star Membership and $130 a year for Executive Membership, which includes all Gold Star benefits plus a 2 percent annual reward on eligible Costco purchases and additional perks on select Costco services.
Each membership includes a free Household Card for one additional person aged 16 or older living at the same address.
Further, Niver recommends planning ahead while keeping your eyes open. "Booking early can secure you the best rates," she says. "Yet, sometimes those last-minute deals can surprise you with irresistible offers." To help you make sure you have your eyes open, Niver recommends setting up alerts through email updates.
Of course, it's always good to make comparisons to other travel booking agencies and websites to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.
Lastly, "Don't just take the standard hotel offered. Look at all of the options and that can reduce the price dramatically while still allowing you to stay at a quality hotel," says Niver.
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2025-02-10T22:02:11Z