Have you ever booked a vacation only to find out your friend got the same hotel room for half the price? Or realize too late that those ‘free’ amenities weren’t actually included?
We’ve all been there. Finding the best travel deal can feel like solving a mystery without that handy detective’s magnifying glass.
Well, mystery lovers, prepare to be let in on a secret. The key to travel savings has been hiding in plain sight. Cue dramatic music. It’s…Costco Travel!
Now you’re probably thinking, wait Costco…like the place I buy giant boxes of dishwasher tablets? The land of free sample bites and $6 rotisserie chickens?
The very same. Back in 2000, Costco decided to try its hand at the online travel agency game. And turns out bulk buying applies just as well to vacations as it does to, well, bulk buys.
Flash forward to today, and Costco Travel offers members exclusive pricing on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages no travel agent could dream of matching. We’re talking savings of 10-20% or more!
So whether you’re looking for family-friendly getaways or solo adventures, read on for the inside scoop on booking with Costco Travel. We’ll uncover:
- Perks and savings of Costco Travel
- Tips for booking vacation packages, cruises, and more
- Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s dive in with a margarita in hand to unravel the mysteries of Costco Travel!
Perks of Booking Through Costco Travel
Think Costco is just about the savings? Well yes, but also no. Booking travel with them has a whole host of advantages beyond discount pricing.
Exclusive Member Pricing
It pays to be a Costco member…literally. Costco Travel offers exclusive discounted rates not available to the general public. Packages are often 10-20% cheaper than the same items booked elsewhere.
Hotels, cruises, rental cars – you name it – are all offered at member-only rates. Even flights booked through Costco Travel come with extra savings and perks.
So if you’re not already a card-carrying Costco member, now you have one more tempting reason to join. That $60 Gold Star membership essentially pays for itself with the travel discounts alone!
Earn 2% Cash Back on Costco Travel Bookings
More savings? Yes, please! All Costco Travel purchases earn 2% cash back, doubling the standard 1% reward.
This cashback applies to vacation packages, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Even flights booked through Costco Travel earn a 2% reward.
The cashback arrives in the form of an annual Costco Shop Card. New members also qualify for the 2% first-year reward match.
Free money towards your next Costco shopping spree? That’s a vacation win-win!
One-Stop Shop for All Your Booking Needs
Who doesn’t love a good one-stop shop? Costco takes care of the whole booking process in one place.
Search for flights, hotels, rental cars, and local activities all on CostcoTravel.com or through their call center. For vacation packages, bundle it all together into one seamless trip.
No clicking between endless tabs and websites or losing track of reservation details. And there’s one place to call with any booking questions or issues.
Talk about stress-free travel planning.
Refundable Deposits on Vacation Packages
Nothing ruins vacation zen-like worrying about non-refundable bookings. With Costco, you can reserve vacation packages with 100% refundable deposits.
As long as you cancel by the refund deadline (usually 48 hours before departure), you get all your money back – no questions asked. No haggling with different suppliers or convoluted cancellation policies.
Travel with the peace of mind of a safety net. And who knows, those refundable deposits may come in handy if say, a global pineapple shortage forces you to cancel your Hawaiian vacation. Hey, it could happen!
24/7 Customer Service
Booking travel is complicated. Questions and issues pop up. Delays happen. Costco Travel has a 24/7 customer service department ready to save the day…or the vacation.
Reach them any time of day or night for assistance with bookings or travel mishaps. Their agents have insider access to discounts and perks to rescue even the trickiest situations.
No waiting on hold for hours only to be told to call back during East Coast business hours! Costco Travel’s customer service aims to deliver as smoothly as their free samples.
Booking Tips and Tricks
Alright, time to dig into how to book like a Costco Travel pro! Follow these tips and tricks to save big on your next adventure.
Compare Prices
Costco promises the lowest prices, but it never hurts to check yourself. Compare rates with online travel sites like Expedia or Priceline.
For vacation packages, price compare each element – flights, hotel, rental car, etc. Costco combines them into one low rate, but occasionally you may find a better deal by piecing them together separately.
And don’t forget to factor in Costco’s 2% cash back! That extra savings often tip the scales in their favor.
Know Cancellation Policies
Ah, the dreaded cancellation policy. The crusher of travel dreams! Each supplier on Costco Travel has their own rules around deposits, refunds, and cancellations.
Savvy travelers read the fine print before booking. Packages are generally refundable, but other items like cruises may have stricter policies. Know before you owe!
Watch for Deals
Like any good deal hunter, keep an eye out for specials on Costco Travel. Flash sales often pop up with short-term discounts.
Subscribe to Costco emails and check their deals page regularly. Limited-time offers to get snapped up quickly!
Use Costco Shop Cards
Stack up rewards by purchasing Costco Shop Cards to book travel. The Shop Cards work like cash at Costco, including on Costco Travel purchases.
Buy the Shop Cards with your Costco Citi Visa card to earn 2% back. Then use the Shop Cards towards your vacation and get another 2% back!
It’s the buy more, save more strategy at its finest.
Book Early
Procrastinators, listen up! Booking early means first dibs on availability and lower prices with Costco Travel.
Hotels and vacation rentals book up quickly, especially at popular destinations. You’ll score the widest selection of flight routes and times as well.
So ditch the last-minute scramble. Plan ahead and reap the early bird savings!
Cruise Savings Ahoy!
Cruises are one of the top ways to save with Costco Travel. From group discounts to bonus amenities, you’ll sail away with the best rate around.
Score Onboard Credits
Free onboard credit is the cherry on top of cruise deals through Costco. Ranging $25-$200 per cabin, this credit lets you splurge on fancy dinners or fruity drinks without dipping into your wallet.
Credits vary by sailing, but even $25 extra goes a long way. You can’t say no to basically free money!
Group Discounts
Calling all extended families and friend groups – it pays to cruise together with Costco! For groups booking multiple cabins, Costco offers rate discounts and reduced deposits.
Get group status starting at just 5 cabins. The more people you have, the bigger the discount you can score.
Insider Tips
Costco Travel agents live and breathe cruising. Lean on their expertise for the inside scoop on everything from the best cabins to dining reservations.
Not sure which onboard restaurants are worth trying? Need advice on room locations? Costco Travel has your back at no added cost.
Rental Car Rewards
From exotic sports cars to rugged SUVs, Costco makes rental cars extra rewarding. Check out these sweet rental perks.
Additional Drivers at No Charge
Road trips are always better together. With Costco Travel, add a second driver free of charge, no questions asked!
Spouses, friends, even your mom who promises she still drives great – all can take turns behind the wheel.
Unlimited Mileage
Go ahead, take the scenic route! Costco rental cars come with unlimited miles, so no worrying about going over strict limits.
Drive as far and wide as your road trip dreams demand. The airport dropoff mileage won’t make your jaw drop.
Young Renter Discounts
Calling all hip young road trippers! Costco offers rental cars to members as young as 18 years old, with no extra fee required.
Other companies slap on underage driver surcharges of $20 or more per day. Avoid those fees
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!