Costco vacations are becoming one of the best travel packages today. You can save hundreds of dollars by simply signing up for their annual memberships. Free dinners, discount on hotels, and waiving driver fees on rental cars are just some of the perks of a Costco membership. Here’s how you can get and use them all.
Why Costco Vacations are the Way to Go
Just when you thought your love for the wholesaler was contained to its incredible pizza, choice alcohol selection and conveniently-located gas stations, we’re here to tell you that Costco has yet another membership perk that we’re not talking about enough.
To start off, let’s look at the two annual memberships that Costco vacations offers. Costco offers the $60 Gold Star membership and the $120 Executive membership. While both of these allow you to use Costco’s travel services, it’s recommended you purchase the latter.
Why? Because the executive members receive a 2% bonus for every Costco and non-Costco vacation purchase. This includes cash-backs on cruises, hotels, rental cars, vacation packages, theme parks and specialty vacations. You can book with companies like Disney Cruise Lines, Viking River Cruises, and more.
Once you’ve finished your trip, you will then receive the 2% reward. This reward becomes available when your annual membership notification renewal arrives.
Costco Vacations to Save Your Wallet During Travel
However, how does this perk break down in numbers? Let’s say your next destination is Maui. Expedia can set you up for a cost of $4,322 without added facilities or travel rewards. Costco vacations, on the other hand, include air travel, hotel, and a rental car for two adults for only $3,759. Plus a $25 Costco cash card.
That’s a $563 difference by choosing Costco Travel. In addition, remember that 2% membership reward for executive members? Apply that here, and you get a bonus of $75.18.
Some packages even provide complimentary dinners and resort credit available only to executive members. When browsing for vacation deals on the Costco Travel site, keep an eye out for their Kirkland Vacation deals. These deals are extremely limited, so you’ll want to take advantage of them as soon as possible.
Get the Lowest Rental Cars with Costco Vacations
Another great perk the Costco Travel site offers is their rental cars. Agencies included in their site are Alamo, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. Costco Travel will compare prices of these agencies to let you know which one offers the lowest cost.
Moreover, if the cost does go up, you can simply cancel your reservation. No fees will be charged and Costco Travel will even waive a driver fee. This driver fee can cost up to $10 a day, making its status as a freebie all the more significant. Further, if you choose Enterprise, you will receive the no-driver fee reward plus a 10% discount. You’ll also be able to upgrade based on your vehicle of choice. This option is perfect if you want a bit of luxury during your travels.
Costco Travel Membership Will Pay for Itself
With all this in mind, the next time you’re planning a break from life, just visit Costco Travel. With all the discounts and rewards they’re offering, it doesn’t hurt to check them out, especially as an executive member. While it is $120, the savings you’ll get will no doubt return that membership fee and more.
Here’s a great short overview video of the Costco vacation packages from GBR. It highlights the benefits which Executive Members are entitled to during travels.
Have you tried Costco Travel packages before? Tell us about your experience below! We would love to hear about your adventures.
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