Is Costco Travel Worth It in 2025? Deals, Perks, and What You Should Know

Introduction

Costco isn’t just for bulk groceries and household goods. Costco Travel has steadily grown as a go-to option for vacationers looking to bundle flights, hotels, cruises, and rental cars at competitive prices. But is it always cheaper? And what perks can you expect in 2025?

What Is Costco Travel?

Costco Travel is a member-exclusive service offering vacation packages, cruises, car rentals, hotel stays, and more. Powered by major travel providers and airlines, Costco Travel simplifies planning while providing extra perks like resort credits, room upgrades, and discounts exclusive to Costco members.

You can book:

• Flight + Hotel bundles
• Cruises
• Rental cars
• Hotel-only stays
• Vacation packages to destinations like Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, and more

Is Costco Travel Cheaper Than Other Sites?

Sometimes. While Costco Travel doesn’t always guarantee the absolute lowest price, many users have saved hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Savings depend on:

• Destination
• Travel dates
• Package type (flight + hotel vs. cruise, etc.)

For example, members have reported that Costco beat Expedia and direct airline bookings for all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean or Europe. Even when the base price is similar, Costco often includes perks that increase the overall value of the package, such as resort credits, waived resort fees, or complimentary breakfast.

What Airlines Does Costco Travel Use?

Costco Travel partners with a wide range of reputable international and domestic airlines, including:

• Air Canada
• Air France
• Aer Lingus
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Aegean Airlines
• Air New Zealand
• Lufthansa
• American Airlines (on some packages)
• Delta Airlines

Note: Seat selection and other services may be limited depending on the airline and fare class. Some tickets are economy basic, while others are more flexible, depending on the package.

Can You Use Costco Travel Without a Membership?

No. Only active Costco members can book travel through Costco Travel. Membership types:

• Gold Star ($60/year)
• Executive ($120/year, includes 2% rewards on travel purchases)

Even if you’re just helping someone else plan a trip, the booking must be made by a member.

Can You Choose Seats When Booking Flights?

Seat selection is available on request during booking, but not always guaranteed. Final seat assignments depend on the airline and may be changed due to aircraft adjustments or airline policies. It’s best to follow up directly with the airline using your reservation number after booking.

Does Costco Travel Include Flights?

Costco offers bundled packages that can include flights, but many packages are land-only. Always check the description to confirm if airfare is included.

If flights are not included, Costco still allows you to add them at checkout or gives you the option to book separately.

What Types of Trips Can You Book With Costco Travel?

1. All-Inclusive Resorts (Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, etc.)
2. Theme Park Packages (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios)
3. Cruises (Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess, etc.)
4. Europe Tour Packages (London, Rome, Paris with hotel, tours, and transfers)
5. Rental Car Bookings
6. Luxury Hotel Stays with member-only perks
7. Honeymoon and Group Travel Packages

Additional Costco Travel Perks

• Executive Member 2% Reward on travel purchases
• Extra perks like resort credits, spa access, or room upgrades
• Competitive car rental rates through major providers (Avis, Enterprise, Alamo)
• Cruise deals with added onboard spending credits
• Flexible cancellation policies (on select packages)
• Costco Concierge Services for cruise and vacation support

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

10 FAQs About Costco Travel

1. Is Costco Travel cheaper than Expedia? It depends, but often Costco provides better total value including perks and upgrades.

2. Can I book Costco Travel for someone else? Yes, but the member must make the booking and be one of the travelers.

3. Can I cancel Costco Travel bookings? Yes, but cancellation policies vary by package. Always read terms before booking.

4. Does Costco Travel price match? No. Costco Travel doesn’t currently offer price matching.

5. Can I use frequent flyer miles when booking? No. Miles cannot be used directly through Costco Travel bookings.

6. Is travel insurance included? No, but optional travel insurance is available for purchase.

7. Can I earn hotel or airline loyalty points? It depends on the vendor, but points often do not apply to package deals.

8. Is Costco Travel available in the UK? Yes, UK residents have access to Costco Travel, including localized deals and support.

9. What kind of cruises does Costco Travel offer? Everything from Disney and Carnival to luxury liners like Celebrity and Princess Cruises.

10. Can I book just a hotel through Costco Travel? Yes, hotel-only bookings are available in many destinations.

Chart: Sample Price Comparison (January 2025)

Tips for Maximizing Your Costco Travel Experience

1. Compare across sites – Always check Expedia, Kayak, and direct vendor sites for price comparisons.
2. Use Executive Membership – Get 2% back annually on travel.
3. Book early – Costco deals sell out fast, especially for cruises and all-inclusive resorts.
4. Look for package perks – Pay attention to add-ons like free meals or excursions.
5. Call for customization – Sometimes Costco Travel agents can help tailor your package.

Final Verdict

Costco Travel in 2025 is a strong contender for travelers seeking convenience, added value, and bundled deals. While it may not always be the cheapest option, its exclusive perks, trustworthy partners, and competitive prices make it well worth a look—especially for Costco Executive members.

With expanding offerings for international travel, cruises, car rentals, and luxury vacations, it offers a smart way to stretch your travel dollars further. Just remember: you’ll need to be a Costco member to access the deals—and that membership often pays for itself with a single trip.