When most people think of Costco, bulk groceries and jumbo-sized everything come to mind. But here's a travel hack many miss: Costco Travel consistently delivers some of the best vacation deals available, often beating traditional booking sites by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In 2025, these member-exclusive packages are more compelling than ever, combining competitive pricing with valuable perks that you simply can't get elsewhere.

Whether you're planning a Hawaiian getaway, Mediterranean cruise, or family Disney adventure, Costco Travel deserves a spot on your comparison list. Here's everything you need to know about maximizing these deals in 2025.

What Makes Costco Travel Different

Costco Travel operates as an exclusive online travel agency for Costco members, leveraging the retailer's massive buying power to negotiate better rates and unique perks. Unlike traditional booking sites, every Costco Travel package includes added value—think resort credits, room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, and Digital Costco Shop Cards worth $50 to $400 or more.

The key difference? These aren't just discounted prices; they're enhanced packages that often include amenities worth more than the savings alone. For a detailed breakdown of how Costco Travel works, check out our comprehensive Costco Travel guide.

Top Costco Travel Deals for 2025

Hawaii Vacation Packages

Hawaii remains Costco Travel's crown jewel, with multi-island packages that include flights, hotels, car rentals, and inter-island transportation. Current 2025 standouts include:

Maui and Oahu Combination Packages: Seven-night packages starting around $2,200 per person (based on double occupancy) that include Digital Costco Shop Cards up to $240, complimentary breakfast at select resorts, and waived resort fees—savings that easily add up to $500+ per couple.

Big Island Luxury Stays: Packages to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and similar properties include resort credits up to $300, free Wi-Fi, and preferred room locations. These deals typically save 15-20% compared to booking directly with the resort.

Cruise Packages with Exceptional Value

Costco Travel's cruise deals often provide the best overall value in the market, combining competitive cruise fares with substantial onboard credits.

Caribbean Cruises: Royal Caribbean and Norwegian packages include onboard credits ranging from $100 to $235 per stateroom, specialty dining packages, and beverage credits. Popular itineraries like the Western Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas offer seven nights with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and the cruise line's private island.

Mediterranean and Northern Europe: Princess and Celebrity cruise packages include gratuities, beverage packages, and shore excursion credits—perks that typically cost $200-400 per person when purchased separately.

Disney Cruises: Limited-time packages include Digital Costco Shop Cards up to $165, onboard credits, and character dining reservations that are notoriously difficult to secure independently.

All-Inclusive Resort Packages

Mexican Riviera: Packages to luxury resorts in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo include airport transfers, resort credits, and room upgrades when available. Current deals feature resorts like the Grand Velas and Rosewood properties with added value exceeding $400 per couple.

Caribbean All-Inclusives: Sandals and Beaches resort packages include complimentary airport transfers, resort credits, and guaranteed ocean-view rooms when booked through Costco Travel.

European River Cruises

Viking River Cruises packages through Costco Travel include shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities—amenities that add significant value to these already premium experiences.

Rental Car Advantages

Costco's rental car program partners with major providers including Enterprise, Alamo, Avis, and Budget. The benefits extend beyond just pricing:

• Free second driver (saves $10-15 per day)
• No booking or cancellation fees
• Earn 2% back with Executive Membership
• Price matching through Costco's Low Price Finder

For frequent travelers, these perks alone can justify the membership cost.

Maximizing Your Costco Travel Savings

Choose Executive Membership Strategically

The $120 Executive Membership pays for itself if you spend $3,000 annually on combined Costco purchases and travel. Executive members earn 2% back on travel bookings, plus additional rewards on in-store purchases.

Book Early for Best Selection

Costco Travel deals operate on limited inventory. Popular destinations like Hawaii and Alaska cruises sell out months in advance, particularly during peak season. The best packages typically appear 6-12 months before travel dates.

Be Flexible with Dates

Shoulder season travel through Costco Travel often provides the best value. Consider traveling to Hawaii in late April or early May, or Europe in late September for optimal pricing and smaller crowds.

Compare Total Value, Not Just Price

When comparing Costco Travel to other options, factor in the included perks. A package that costs $200 more but includes $400 in resort credits and room upgrades provides better overall value.

How Costco Travel Compares to Other Booking Methods

Versus Booking Direct

Resort and cruise line direct bookings rarely match Costco Travel's included perks. While loyalty program members might earn points booking direct, Costco's added value often exceeds potential point earnings.

Versus Online Travel Agencies

Sites like Expedia and Booking.com offer flexibility and sometimes lower base prices, but rarely include the substantial perks that Costco provides. For complex itineraries or when you want maximum booking control, traditional OTAs might be preferable.

Versus Travel Advisors

Professional travel advisors can provide personalized service and access to exclusive rates, but Costco Travel bridges the gap by offering advisor-level perks with online convenience.

Smart Booking Strategies

Use Multiple Comparison Points

Always compare Costco Travel packages against:

• Direct booking with hotels/cruise lines
• Traditional online travel agencies
• Travel advisor quotes
• Travel deal services for flight-only options

Consider Your Travel Style

Costco Travel works best for travelers who:

• Value convenience and one-stop booking
• Appreciate included perks over maximum flexibility
• Travel to popular destinations during standard seasons
• Don't have strong hotel or airline loyalty program preferences

Time Your Purchase

Costco Travel occasionally runs additional promotions on top of their standard packages. Sign up for their email alerts to catch these limited-time offers.

When Costco Travel Might Not Be Your Best Option

Costco Travel isn't always the winner. Consider alternatives if you:

• Have significant hotel or airline elite status that provides comparable perks
• Prefer boutique or off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Need complex multi-city itineraries
• Want to maximize credit card rewards on travel bookings

For travelers focused on maximizing credit card points, booking components separately might provide better rewards earning potential.

Bottom Line: Is Costco Travel Worth It in 2025?

For most leisure travelers, Costco Travel delivers exceptional value that's difficult to replicate elsewhere. The combination of competitive pricing, substantial included perks, and simplified booking makes it particularly attractive for popular destinations and traditional vacation styles.

The key is approaching Costco Travel as one option in your comparison process, not your only option. When the total value proposition aligns with your travel plans, few booking methods can match what Costco Travel provides.

Before booking your next vacation anywhere else, spend a few minutes checking Costco Travel's offerings. You might be surprised by how much value you can unlock with a simple membership upgrade and a different approach to travel planning. For more money-saving travel strategies, explore our guide on how to save big and book your dream vacation.

Ready to explore Costco Travel deals? Compare current packages against other booking methods to ensure you're getting the best overall value for your next adventure.