Costco vacations offer hard-to-beat value but may not suit every traveler

Costco Travel sells bundled vacations such as cruises, packages and rental cars and often includes added incentives. The service requires a Costco membership and typically offers a narrower selection than major online travel sites.

Costco's travel service is getting attention as budget-minded travelers look for ways to stretch vacation dollars. The retailer sells trips through Costco Travel that bundle hotels, cruises and rental cars, and it often adds incentives that can increase the overall value of a booking. Reports and user posts have highlighted both cost savings and helpful customer service experiences. At the same time, the service requires a Costco membership and offers fewer standalone or boutique options than some large online travel agencies. What was reported: - Costco Travel offers cruises, vacation packages and rental cars; standalone airfare is not sold and hotel stays are typically bundled with other bookings. - The company often includes added incentives such as onboard credits or Costco Shop Cards, using a portion of commission revenue to provide those benefits. - Some travelers and online forum posts report positive experiences with customer service and savings on rental cars and hotel rates after changes or issues. - Costco Travel requires an active Costco membership to make bookings. - The selection of hotels, resorts and airlines available through Costco Travel is generally narrower than that on major online travel agencies. Summary: For many budget-conscious travelers, Costco Travel's bundled deals and added incentives can deliver noticeable savings and convenience. For travelers seeking full customization or a wider set of boutique options, the service's limited selection and membership requirement may be less suitable. Undetermined at this time.