Is Costco Travel Worth It? A Deep Dive into the Pros, Cons, and Hidden Perks

Skeptical but intrigued, you figure, why not? Jump ahead a couple of weeks, and there you are—relaxing on the most pristine beach in the world, sipping Mai Tais with umbrellas, wondering why you hadn't found this hidden gem before.

Sound too good to be true? It's not. Costco Travel, the wholesale giant's foray into travel, quietly amassed a following over the years. But did that buzz come from real-life experiences or just great marketing? Does Costco Travel really offer unbeatable deals and exceptionally memorable experiences? Let's find out.

Up Next: I'll unpack the pros and cons of Costco Travel to give you a well-rounded understanding of whether or not it's the best for your next adventure.

Cost Savings and Value

Is Costco Travel truly a bargain?

Perhaps the biggest draw for Costco Travel is the promise of huge cost savings. Does it really deliver? In many cases, yes. I have experienced it myself.

I booked a family vacation to Hawaii with Costco Travel last year. I saved hundreds of dollars, and we are given quite a nice resort credit that paid for most of our dining. It really felt like getting a luxury vacation for a fraction of the cost.

Financial Benefits

Competitive Pricing: Many times, Costco Travel negotiates special rates with hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and car rental companies that are specifically for its members. These special offerings aren't usually available to the public, so as a Costco member, you will have an advantage.
Value-added inclusions: Most Costco Travel packages include extras that really enhance your trip. These can range from free breakfasts to resort credits that you can apply toward dinner or spa treatments. Even now, I still smile when I think about the upgraded ocean view room we got while in Hawaii—it just made the trip so much more special.
2% Reward for Executive Members: If you have the Costco Executive Membership, you may get a 2% reward on Costco Travel purchases. You really can get some real money back with this, and that does add up considerably on the pricier trips. It is like being rewarded a little bit back on your fairy-tale dream vacation!

Exclusive Discounts and Perks

Resort credits—think $100 or more to spend on whatever you want at a particular resort. It's very common to see those kinds of perks with Costco Travel packages. It's extra money out of pocket on top of the trip price to make your vacation even better.
Free Breakfast: Being able to start your day off with a complimentary breakfast will save you hundreds, especially if you are traveling with family. In Hawaii, this was huge for us, as we were able to start the day off having filled up before our daily adventures without having to worry about the cost.
Upgrades to rooms: Who doesn't love that little, unexpected upgrade to perhaps a bigger room or one with luxury? Costco Travel does, time and again. These are the intangible things that make so much of a difference in your overall experience.

Cost Comparison

You'll want to really compare any value with Costco Travel by pricing out your vacations on other travel booking websites. You will find, most of the time, that Costco Travel can give you competitive, if not even lower, pricing for similar packages.

For example, Costco Travel prices a seven-night Caribbean cruise with a balcony cabin at $1,500; another site lists it at $1,650. Now, add up the extras included in this offer from Costco Travel to really save.

Is It Always Cheaper?

While Costco Travel sometimes offers great value, it is not always the least expensive. Sometimes, certain airlines will run a flash sale that can beat Costco's prices. However, in almost all instances, Costco Travel comes out ahead on packages when considering total cost, perks, and rewards with this card.

Membership Benefits and Tiers

Is a Costco Membership Worth It for Travel?

The key to these really very attractive offers by Costco Travel is a Costco membership. But is it worth the annual fee for the travel benefits alone? Let's break down different membership tiers and some of their unique advantages that will help you make an informed decision.

Costco Membership

I remember that, initially, the thought of a Costco membership did overwhelm me a bit. Did I need another card in my wallet? Was it worth its cost? But, for me, the answer has been overwhelmingly yes.

When you have a Costco membership, you're not just a customer; you are part of a community that gets access to a world of savings exclusively offered—let alone some really incredible travel deals you won't find anywhere else.

Membership Tiers: Which One Suits You?

Gold Star Membership ($60/year): This is the basic membership and price of admission to all Costco has in store for you in terms of its treasure trove of savings, along with Costco Travel. In case you just want to test the waters of Costco Travel and see exactly what they offer, this would be your best choice.
Business Membership ($60/year): Designed for business, it's basically the same as a Gold Star membership, with a few additional perks added for businesses. If you're a business person traveling quite frequently, this might come in really handy.
Executive Membership ($120/year): Now, this is where the real magic happens for people who love travel. Apart from the Gold Star membership benefits, you will be awarded a 2% annual reward on most Costco purchases—including travel—on top of your Executive Membership. Just this reward alone can easily justify the extra fee, especially if someone has traveled enough in a year.

My Experience:

Well, being a frequent traveler, I went for the Executive Membership, and it has made all the difference. The 2% reward saved me hundreds on flights, hotels, and rental cars. Added to that, more often than not, even bigger discounts and perks of the special travel deals for Executives give back even more. It's sort of like this secret weapon in my pocket while planning my next getaway.

Membership Cost vs. Travel Savings: Do the Math

Basically, the decision to move from a basic membership to an Executive Membership really boils down to how much one travels or spends on holidays. If you are a great traveler and put a large expense into each trip, that 2% reward will quickly offset the extra cost of membership.

Even Gold Star members can benefit substantially from Costco Travel. However, if you are an avid traveler who likes to make the most of your savings, get access to limited-time deals and perks, then Executive Membership may be the key to making some unforgettable memories at unbeatable prices.

Exclusive Perks and Add-ons

What really sets Costco Travel apart from other online travel agencies isn't their competitive pricing but its ability to offer those special perks and additions that can make the difference between an average, good vacation and a truly phenomenal one.

It's probably the little things that really make the biggest difference, which is why Costco Travel frequently piles up with all kinds of perks that you won't find on other platforms:

Room Upgrades: Imagine checking into your hotel and finding out that you've just been bumped up to a suite overlooking a view—for free. It happens fairly often when you travel through Costco Travel, and it instantly elevates your entire stay right to the next level.
Resort Credits: Revitalize at the spa or enjoy that fancy dinner on house, courtesy of your generous resort credit from Costco Travel. This can be redeemed against many on-site expenses for additional spending power to really treat yourself.
Free Breakfast: Whether it's just a simple pastry and coffee or a full-on buffet, free breakfast is sure to be a lifesaver on most family vacations. It is an easy, fine way to begin the day without spending too much money on food.
Special Amenities: You may also be entitled to several other special facilities, depending on the package—airport pickup and drop-offs, welcome hampers, priority embarkation, and so on. These little touches can iron out a lot of hassles during your journey.

Added Value Services

Costco Travel doesn't only provide exclusive perks; they also give a variety of value-added services tailored to enhance your entire travel experience:

Concierge Services: Their dedicated team of travel experts is available 24/7 to assist you with every question or difficulty that may arise during the process from booking a flight down to planning excursions. You have a personal travel assistant at your fingertips.
Travel Insurance: Costco has quite a good variety of comprehensive travel insurance options that will help safeguard you against probable events of trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other misadventures. This can prove to be very intelligent, if not the most intelligent way one would want to make an investment in order to get peace of mind and feel financially safe.
Price Adjustment Guarantee: If you find a lower price on an identical Costco Travel package within 48 hours of booking, they will give you back that difference. There's a guarantee in place that protects getting you the best possible price.

Case Study:

On a recent visit to Riviera Maya, Mexico, I booked a package at an all-inclusive resort through Costco Travel. Not only did I save hundreds of dollars off quoted prices on other sites, but I got a complimentary upgrade to an oceanfront suite that was huge. The package also included a US$150 resort credit that I spent on a relaxing massage and a romantic dinner right on the beach.

Be it from the check-in time, I felt special and pampered. Staff at the resort were so kind, sociable, and observant, and food/drink/refreshments were of very good quality. It really was a dream trip; much of that credit goes to the extra perks and additional services Costco Travel brings to the table, which no doubt contributed to this.

User Experience and Convenience

Smooth Sailing or Rough Seas?

Let's just be honest: sometimes, planning a holiday feels like being a rat in a maze. But with Costco Travel, sailing is surprisingly smooth. There's so much thought put into user experience that really does show.

The Costco Travel website and app are truly your perpetual travel wingmen. Lay-wise, it's intuitive, the colors are soothing—no neon green panic button here—and the search functions come in very handy.

I really love their website's "Explore" section; it's like a travel magazine with stories to inspire and great photos. You can easily get lost in a world of possibilities while you're considering your next adventure.

Booking a trip with Costco Travel was very easy—easier than I ever thought it could be, and that is from someone who tends to overthink everything.

Search: Input your dream destination (mine is always somewhere with palm trees and turquoise water) and your dates of travel.
Scroll through these tempting options. Prepare to get a bad case of wanderlust!
Select: Once you've found that perfect package (and, trust me, they do have options for every sort of a traveler), click "Book Now."
Review: Make sure everything is in order; nobody wants to end up in the wrong country!
Payment: Just input your details, and voilà—you're one step closer to paradise!

Customer Support

And if you were to have a question or hit a bump in the road, well, the customer support with Costco Travel is like your very own team of travel cheerleaders to get you to score that touchdown vacation. You'll be able to reach them 24/7, so no matter what time zone the wanderlust hits, you'll be able to still reach one.

One time, I had a slight hiccup with a flight change; they swooped in like travel superheroes to resolve the matter in a heartbeat. Their customer service really is second to none.

Customer Testimonials:

I'm not the only one who's a fan of Costco Travel. Check out what other happy campers have to say:

"Booking our Alaskan cruise through Costco Travel was easier than making toast. And the customer service was out of this world!" – Mary S.

"We saved a bundle on our trip to Italy thanks to Costco Travel. Plus, the extra perks like free breakfast and room upgrades made our vacation feel extra special." – Carlos R.

"I've been using Costco Travel for years, and I've never had a bad experience. They make planning a vacation stress-free and fun." – Lisa T.

All in all, Costco Travel has a very straightforward website, excellent customer service, and glowing reviews from other travelers.

Quality and Reliability

Can You Trust Costco Travel?

You want to ensure that you're really getting a quality experience when you're investing hard-earned money and precious vacation time. After all, a dream vacation can quickly turn nightmarish if the hotel is less than satisfactory, flights are delayed, or service sucks. So, is Costco Travel a brand you can trust in delivering on their promise?

Quality Standards

For all its years in business, Costco has managed to take a leading stance in the quality delivery of products and services, and this stretches into their travel division. This simply means that they do not associate themselves with just any type of accommodation or cruise ship company; they go for reputable brands setting standards.

I've always been impressed by Costco's discerning taste in travel partners. From high-end Hyatt resorts to family-oriented Disney cruises, they do know how to choose brands that really can deliver a quality experience most of the time.

Hotel and Resort Partners: You won't find any dodgy motels or rundown resorts in Costco's portfolio. Its list of partners includes renowned brands like Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and Disney—brands synonymous with great service, luxurious amenities, and excellent locations.
Cruise Line Partners: Partner with some of the biggest, from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises to Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. From these companies, guests will find a wide range of itineraries, activities on board, and dining options to suit every kind of traveler.
Car Rental Partners: At Costco Travel, it's got you covered on the road, too, by pairing up with some of the most trusted car rental companies in the industry, including Alamo, Enterprise, and National. Look out for well-maintained vehicles at competitive rates and hassle-free pickup/drop-off.

Customer Reviews

Let's be candid: in some ways, online reviews can be a roll of the dice. But Costco Travel really does find ways to ensure it always scores fantastic feedback from consumers.

One reviewer on Trustpilot recently posted, "Costco Travel's customer service is just unbelievable. They really outdid themselves in helping to schedule a surprise trip for my parents' anniversary. It all went very smoothly and without stress."

Another reviewer shared, "I was a little leery about booking a cruise with Costco, but now I'm so glad that I did. It was an unbeatable price, and really a fantastic onboard experience; I definitely am going to be booking my next vacation with them."

Service Quality Comparison

The Costco Difference

While other travel agencies might offer similar deals, Costco Travel rises above the competition with personal service and attention to detail. Their holiday experts are not only there to book your trip but take time to understand your unique needs and preferences to ensure you get exactly what is perfect for you in terms of traveling style and budget.

I can personally attest to this. When I booked a European vacation using Costco Travel, the travel expert really helped me tailor the itinerary into things that would be of interest specifically for me, suggesting hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that had I not been for.

In a nut-shell, Costco Travel is all about great value deals, and much more—making memories. Emphasis on quality over quantity, associations with esteemed brands, and custom service all make it one of the iconic brands among travelers with a taste for affordability as much as excellence.

Flexibility and Customization: Your Trip, Your Way

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to travel.

Some of us are spontaneous adventurers who just love last-minute deals, while many others would prefer an itinerary planned out meticulously. So how does Costco Travel cater to these different styles of traveling and preference?

Costco Travel combines the best of both worlds regarding vacation deals. While they hold a large inventory of pre-packaged trips with pre-purchased, predetermined itineraries, experience has shown their flexibility in adjusting and personalizing your trip within reasonable bounds.

Customizable Packages: Many Costco Travel packages allow you to choose your flights, room type, and in some cases, activities. Additional nights at most of the destinations can be available, and an upgrade to another hotel category, as well as in some cases, the choice of certain excursions, may be possible.
Create Your Own Package: Mix and match to create your own vision of a vacation with this "Build Your Own Package" tool. You can opt for flights, a hotel, and car rental of your choice with this option.
Last-Minute Deals: Costco Travel has last-minute deals that can benefit any impulsive traveler. Such deals may save money and prove to be the best way for getting great value on an impromptu getaway.

Examples of Customization:

Honeymoon in Hawaii: Book a Costco Travel package to the islands, then add extras like a couples massage or a private sunset cruise; even a helicopter tour of the islands.
Family Adventure in Orlando: You can customize a Costco Travel package to Orlando by adding on theme park tickets, character dining, or a day trip to the beach.
European Exploration: With handpicked, exclusive hotels that best fit your individual style and budget, optional excursions such as wine tastings or cooking classes, and an extended stay in cities you love.

While Costco Travel won't quite match traditional travel agencies in the ability to fully customize an itinerary, many of their prepackaged deals can be so complete and well-curated that they fit the bill for many travelers.

If you want complete control over just about everything to do with your trip, you may need a more traditional travel agency. However, if you are open to some pre-set options and value the convenience—not to mention savings—that can come with a package, Costco Travel might turn out to be an excellent choice.

I was very, very surprised, actually, that Costco Travel—as much as it's a package company—really can be quite flexible. For my last trip to Hawaii, I needed to add some days so that I could explore Maui a little by myself before upgrading to a beachfront bungalow with a private plunge pool. I mean, that is the perfect way to combine structure and liberty in a single trip, which allows one to live both worlds at best.

Travel Insurance and Protection

Safeguarding Your Investment

Nobody likes to think that something may go wrong on holiday, but it can. There is where travel insurance can help: giving peace of mind and protecting the wallet. How does Costco Travel stack up in terms of travel insurance?

Travel Insurance Options

Costco Travel offers two travel insurance plans:

Protection Plan: It is designed to provide protection against trip cancellations, trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and death; it also ensures emergency medical transportation, loss/delay of checked baggage/belongings, and a travel assistance helpline that is open 24/7.
CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason). It offers the same coverage as the other travel protection plan, but you have added flexibility because this policy allows you to cancel your trip for any reason up to 48 hours prior to departure and receive a partial refund.

Both plans can be purchased during the booking process or up to 24 hours after your initial deposit.

Coverage and Benefits

Costco Travel's insurance plans offer a range of valuable benefits:

Trip Cancellation/Interruption: This benefit covers you if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip because of sickness, accidental injury, or family member death, where the circumstances are covered.
Medical Emergencies: Covers, upon your travels, the required expenses for medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.
Baggage Loss/Delay: This will cover you for lost or delayed baggage and some of the essential items you may need to purchase while waiting for your bags to arrive.
24/7 Travel Assistance: A hand-picked team of experts is just a click away to assist with everything from a lost passport to a medical emergency.

Case Study:

I always purchase travel insurance for my trips, and the insurance Costco Travel offers is pretty impressive and affordable. It gives satisfaction to know that one is protected from many unexpected events that might cause one to lose the money invested in one's vacation.

One time, bad weather came in the way, and my flight got canceled, firstly; secondly, I had to rebook with another airline but at a higher price. My Costco Travel insurance covered it, and I saved hundreds of dollars.

Pros and Cons

Of course, with everything that Costco Travel has to offer, it does not come without some drawbacks, which extend to any travel booking platform. Let's take a balanced look at pros versus cons so you know if it's the right fit for your travel style and needs.

Pros

Cost Savings: This is the most obvious advantage. Many a time, Costco Travel comes up with very competitive pricing and exclusive deals that can save you a huge amount compared to other platforms.
Value-Added Perks: Upgrades in rooms and resorts, credits welcome at affiliated property, free breakfast, transfers to and from the airport—there are so many perks with Costco Travel that will make for an unforgettable holiday experience.
2% Reward with Executive Membership: Executive members get a 2% reward on Costco Travel purchases, which increases their savings potential.
Quality and Reliability: Costco Travel aligns itself only with those reputable brands that have a tradition of high service and quality expectations for you to experience and enjoy.
Excellent customer service: A well-trained, amicable staff of travel experts is on call 24 hours a day to help with any query or problem that may arise during your trip.

Cons

Limited Customization: While Costco Travel does offer some flexibility, several of its pre-packaged deals may not quite suit all travelers' needs. If you want to have full control over your itinerary, then a travel agent would again be the better choice.
Membership Requirement: You will need to have a membership with Costco beforehand to reserve through Costco Travel; if you don't already have one, this may incur some additional cost.
Limited Inventory: Costco Travel's inventory may not be as large as its competitors among the big-box online travel agencies, mainly in some destinations or types of travel.

Is Costco Travel Your Ticket to Vacation Bliss?

The Verdict is In!

So, after our whirlwind tour of Costco Travel, what is the final verdict? Is this the Holy Grail in planning your vacation, or just another fish in an ocean of travel agencies?

Well, much like a good vacation cocktail, the answer is a bit of a mix. Some seriously tempting ingredients Costco Travel has:

Savings: Who doesn't love a good deal on that perfect vacation? In this regard, Costco Travel is tough to beat, leaving you with extra cash for souvenirs (or more cocktails!).
Value-Added Benefits: Think of these as the little umbrellas and cherries on top of your sundae of travel. Upgrades, resort credits, and free breakfasts!
Quality and Reliability: You don't have to sacrifice anything with Costco Travel. They partner with quality brands to make the smoothness of your holiday experience be like a piña colada going down on a hot day.
Customer Service: Their travel experts are literally like your personal vacation concierges who will tackle any hiccups or help you plan the perfect itinerary.

But, as with any cocktail, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Limited Customization: If you are someone who goes by the ear, the prebundled deals Costco Travel might offer would seem a bit confining.
Membership Requirement: You will be required to have a Costco card to the party, so think of tacking that cost on if you're not already a member.

I have great personal experience with Costco Travel. From a dreamy Hawaiian getaway whereby we got bumped up to an oceanfront room to the whirlwind European adventure that was packed with exclusive extras, Costco Travel has turned up time and again to deliver on its promises of quality.

So, Is Costco Travel Worth It? It's Up to You!

If you're a savvy traveler in love with great deals, values quality, and enjoys a little extra massaging—to the very rim, raise your glass to Costco Travel; it just may be your ticket to vacation nirvana.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

Here's your action plan:

Dream Big: Where do you want to go next? Let your imagination run wild.
Do your homework: Compare Costco Travel offerings to others in order to determine who can give you the best bang for your buck.
Get Expert Advice: See if a Costco Travel expert—very friendly, by the way—can help you create that dream vacation.

Remember, the best vacation is the one that makes you happy. So as you decide whether to go with Costco Travel, or any other website out there, may your days be filled with sunshine, bursts of laughter, and unforgettable moments!

Additional Resources: Your Costco Travel Toolkit

Here are some resources to help you get started:

Costco Travel Websites

Costco Travel USA: https://www.costcotravel.com/
Costco Travel Canada: https://www.costcotravel.ca/

Specific Sections on the Costco Travel Website

Current Deals: Find the latest travel offers and promotions.
Vacation Packages: Explore all-inclusive resorts, cruises, guided tours, and more here.
Hotel Only: Book individual hotel stays at exclusive member prices.
Rental Cars: Reserve a rental car from top brands at competitive rates.

Costco Travel Customer Service

Phone: 1-877-849-2730 (USA) or 1-855-760-5815 (Canada)
Live Chat: Available on the Costco Travel website

FAQs and Further Reading

Costco Travel FAQs:https://www.costcotravel.com/Info/Helpful-Tips
More Ways to Save:https://www.costcotravel.com/blog/your-trip-your-choice

Remember, the best way to determine if Costco Travel is right for you is to explore their offerings and compare them with other options. Happy travels!