The warehouse giant offers some amazing vacation deals.
Everyone has a favorite Costco purchase—here’s looking at you, dark chocolate-covered potato chips—but the deals don’t stop in the store. A Costco membership can also be the key to fantastic—and fantastically affordable—vacations around the world.
The wholesale giants offers members vacation packages via Costco Travel. This “division” operates under the same concept as Costco’s more familiar offerings: the company buys vacation packages in bulk and passes along the price savings to its members. Members can save on car rentals, hotels, airfare, cruises, and more.
A basic Costco membership costs $60 per year; it’s possible your membership could pay for itself when you book your first trip. The Wall Street Journal found booking a one-week stay at the Park Hyatt New York through Costco (at a little more than $5,000) cost 10 percent less than booking directly through the hotel. The price was also seven percent cheaper than booking through an online travel agency. A Costco deal at the Chicago Conrad cost 22 percent less than what was advertised on the hotel’s website.
Costco Travel’s packages are available to purchase online. Or you can call the Costco travel hotline if you’ve got questions and wish to speak to a travel specialist. Be sure to check out Buyer’s Choice Vacations and Limited-Time Deals for extra value.
Here’s more info on specific destinations:
Disney
Costco members can book vacation packages at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts. Some trips include tickets to the theme parks, and Costco’s vacation packages often offer steep discounts at a variety of hotels throughout the park. For Disneyland packages, most discounts start on hotel stays that are two nights or longer and include a free gift card (starting at $185) to use at the theme park.
All-inclusive vacations
One of Costco’s main travel partners is Palace Resorts, which offers discounts at its all-inclusive tropical resorts (including properties in Jamaica and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula). Costco’s packages include unlimited meals, wine and spirits, 24-hour room service, and of course, beach access. You may also get a resort credit that starts at $500. Travelers can also book one-offs at all-inclusive resorts around the Caribbean, including rooms in the Bahamas, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic. You can save even more if you add on airfare. Try searching for packages with “Included Extras” on the Costco travel site for deals that include upgrades or benefits.
Hawaii
Travel to the 50th state with Costco and explore the islands with little hassle. Costco’s Hawaii offerings include options from all-inclusive resorts to a free upgrade at deluxe hotels. A Costco Hawaii trip can include perks such as a resort credit starting at $150, discounted spa treatments, or a free rental car to get around the island. Costco has hotel partners on Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, and Maui. Hawaii vacations are priced from around $729 to $1,189, depending on your dates of travel and length of stay.
Mexico
Costco’s Mexico vacations include the country’s most popular tourist destinations. You can book an all-inclusive hotel in Los Cabos, explore the hubbub of the capital city, or hike around ancient ruins on the Riviera Maya. There are options for families—where kids stay free—or kid-free romantic retreats for couples. In addition to a large selection, Costco’s Mexico vacations are some of the most affordable on the site, with four-night packages starting at $399.
Europe and the UK
Planning a multi-leg journey to Europe or the UK can be daunting. Costco has packages that will take care of getting you from city to city and securing you a place to stay once you arrive. These vacations are some of Costco’s more flexible offerings, allowing travelers to see Europe “Your Way.” Breakfast and tour credits are often included, but travelers can also choose to spend their days however they please. You can enjoy discounted stays at luxury hotels in London and Paris, road-trip through the Irish countryside (rental car and hotels included), or enjoy the sun on a Greek island, with hotels, meals, and transportation all pre-arranged.
Costa Rica
Costco travelers to Costa Rica can choose from a variety of experiences, from kicking back at an all-inclusive resort to jumping between boutique hotels to taking a private surf lesson. Costco vacation package benefits can include guided hikes, spa treatment coupons, or a cash card to use at Costco to help you stock up on supplies for your trip.
Costco Travel reviews
Reviews of Costco Travel note Costco does a good job of bundling luxury experiences to make them more affordable. And they note most itineraries are pre-planned, making them a good option for people who don’t have time or experience to plan a detailed vacation.
Note: No matter which trip you choose, consider springing for the optional travel insurance. If something happens during your trip, the travel insurance provider and the Costco Travel hotline will be there to offer support. And while Costco is known for its low prices, don’t automatically assume the price can’t be beaten elsewhere. Before finalizing your trip, be sure to compare prices with other travel booking sites, particularly for add-ons like airfare.
Twist’s Take: Check out Costco for travel bookings; the bargains may surprise you!
