How to use your Costco membership to save money on travel
Our home for six whole nights in March for Megan’s 40th birthday. The views of the mountains from the resort and beach are simply breathtaking. This was a our first time in Puerto Vallarta and my fifth time in Mexico.
Our family just got back from an amazing trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and it was the first time we used our Costco membership to book our trip. Even if you are a Costco member, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that your membership can do more than just save you money on groceries and other household items (a four-pack of Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa, anyone?). Costco offers a range of benefits and services that can help you save significantly on your travel expenses. In this blog post, we'll explore how you can use your Costco membership to unlock travel savings and make your next adventure more affordable.
1. Discounted Travel Packages
Costco Travel is a hidden gem for members looking to book vacation packages. From all-inclusive resorts to cruises and guided tours, Costco Travel offers competitive prices and often includes additional perks like resort credits or onboard credits for cruises. While some packages include flights, accommodations, rental cars, and more, we opted for just the hotel and ground transportation since I had compared the flight cost booking directly through Google Flights versus bundling everything in Costco Travel. What I’ve heard from most people (and strangers on the internet) is that the majority of the time, Costco had very competitive flights costs when compared to booking everything piecemeal on your own.
2. Car Rentals and Transportation
Need a rental car for your trip? Costco members can access exclusive discounts and benefits with major car rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. You can also find deals on airport transfers and other transportation services through Costco Travel. Like I mentioned before, we added ground transportation (private van) from the Puerto Vallarta airport to our hotel. This gave us some peace of mind since trying to book a Mexican cab can be a little overwhelming. With the private van, we had plenty of time for all of our gear and were less rushed getting our 7-month old son buckled safely into his car-seat for the short ride to the resort.
3. Hotel Stays
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Costco offers discounted rates at a wide range of hotels and resorts worldwide. Plus, some packages include extras like complimentary breakfast or room upgrades, adding even more value to your stay. Costco Travel’s website and booking portal also provides member reviews so you can compare different lodging options.
4. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for protecting your trip investment. Costco members can take advantage of discounted rates on travel insurance policies, providing peace of mind in case of unexpected events or cancellations. This is actually a good reminder to write a blog post about travel insurance. More on that soon ;)
5. Theme Park Tickets and Attractions
Planning a family vacation to a theme park or popular attraction? Costco often sells discounted tickets and packages for attractions like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and more, helping you save on entertainment costs during your trip.
6. Cruise Deals
Cruising is a fantastic way to explore multiple destinations in one trip. Costco Travel offers exclusive cruise deals with major cruise lines, complete with added benefits like onboard credits, specialty dining packages, and shore excursion discounts.
7. Vacation Packages
For those seeking a hassle-free vacation experience, Costco offers vacation packages that bundle flights, accommodations, and activities into one convenient booking. These packages can be customized to suit your preferences and budget, saving you time and money on planning.
8. Travel Accessories
Don't forget about travel essentials! Costco warehouses and online stores carry a range of travel accessories, luggage sets, electronics, and more at competitive prices, making it easy to gear up for your trip without breaking the bank.
9. Travel Rewards Credit Card
We already have a travel-rewards based credit card, but you might want to consider upgrading to Costco's co-branded travel rewards credit card. With this card, you can earn cash back or travel rewards on your everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for future travel bookings or other Costco purchases.
10. Exclusive Member Benefits
Lastly, keep an eye out for exclusive member-only deals and promotions. Costco regularly offers limited-time discounts, early booking bonuses, and special packages for members, helping you maximize your travel savings throughout the year. Our vacation package included a $150.00 Costco gift card. We go to Costco every other month or so; this was a really nice perk of booking with them over another travel service.
In conclusion, your Costco membership is a valuable tool for unlocking savings on all aspects of travel, from accommodations and transportation to entertainment and accessories. Be sure to explore Costco Travel and take advantage of member benefits to make your next trip more affordable and enjoyable. Happy travels!