Review of Costco Travel

Costco Travel is a complimentary benefit for all Costco benefits that offer travel discounts. While many travelers prefer to book directly from the travel provider to get the best deals, Costco Travel can save you money. In this review of Costco Travel, you’ll find out how you can get more from your Costco membership when you travel.

Costco Executive Members Get a 2% Bonus

Costco offers two different membership plans, Gold Star for $60 a year and Gold Star Executive for $120 annually.

Either plan gives you access to Costco Travel, but you’ll enjoy a 2% cash back bonus as an Executive member on your first $50,000 in annual Costco and Costco Travel purchases. If you max out the bonus, you get a $1,000 certificate to spend on any Costco or Costco Travel purchase in the following membership year.

If you’re currently a basic Costco member, upgrading to the Executive plan can be worth it if you spend at least $3,000 in combined purchases to earn a $60 credit. This can easily be done by booking your next vacation package with Costco Travel.

The rewards are even better if you pay for all of your purchases with the Costco credit card. But, you might miss out on some valuable travel protection benefits that other travel rewards credit cards offer.

Two of the Best Reasons to Use Costco Travel

If you’re planning to rent a car or take a cruise, head to Costco Travel first. It’s hard for other booking sites to compete with Costco’s prices and amenities.

Costco Travel Cruises

Book cruises with Costco Travel.

You can book a cruise with any of the major liners through Costco Travel. Their prices are competitive as if you were to book directly through the cruise line or from a third-party booking site like Expedia or Priceline.

It’s possible to find some routes to be cheaper by about $300 compared to the other third-party travel agencies. However, the real “secret sauce” for Costco Travel cruises is their offers to earn:

• Onboard food and drink credits
• Costco cash cards

In some instances, Costco Travel’s onboard credits are higher than those offered directly through the cruise line. Costco might offer $75 in food credits instead of the standard $50 from the cruise line.

The dollar value of the cash card depends on which stateroom you reserve and other travel agencies rarely offer equivalent credits. These cash cards are “free money” and indirectly reduce the total cost of the cruise once you redeem them on future Costco purchases.

The easiest way to spot Costco cruise credits and cash card opportunities is clicking on the Kirkland Signature category.

Rental Cars

Booking a rental car is rather hum-drum because most sites offer the same daily rate. Usually, you book a car through the site that offers the most purchase rewards or offers the best rental car protection benefits.