Key Highlights
- Costco Travel offers members deals on vacation packages, cruises, and rental cars.
- The service is limited to specific car rental companies and hotel brands.
- Members can book trips through the service online or by phone.
- Booking through Costco Travel may not always be personalized as compared to working with a travel agent.
- Avis, Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise are among the car rental companies offered by Costco Travel.
A One-Stop Store for Everything
Nathan Diller from USA TODAY sheds light on how Costco has expanded its membership benefits to include travel services. This feature allows members to explore vacation options, making the shopping experience at one of America’s largest warehouse clubs even more appealing.
Costco Travel and Its Offerings
According to Assistant Vice President and General Merchandise Manager Chris Hendrix, Costco Travel provides a range of travel options for members. These include curated vacation packages that can be purchased online or by phone. The service also allows travelers to book cruises, rental cars, and build their own trips, combining hotel stays with flights and car rentals.
Behind the Scenes: Negotiating Value
“We use our buying authority to negotiate the best value in the marketplace, and then pass on the savings to Costco members,” Hendrix explains. This approach ensures that when members choose a vacation package or book a cruise through Costco Travel, they benefit from discounted prices.
Selection Limitations and Expertise
Hendrix notes that while the service offers various travel options, it has limitations in terms of partners. For example, car rentals are only available with Avis, Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise. Additionally, hotel choices are limited to certain brands.
Comparing Costco Travel to Traditional Agents
Kerry Mooneyham from Midwest Travel Solutions highlights that booking through Costco Travel is not as personalized as working directly with a travel agent. “You’re going to have the same cruise whether you book it directly with Carnival, you book it with Costco, or you book it with me,” she states. While the experience may be similar, members might find more tailored advice from an experienced travel agent.
Cost of Membership and Additional Benefits
The cost of a Costco membership varies depending on the tier: between $65 and $130 per year (before sales tax). Members in the Executive tier also receive an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases made through Costco Travel. Upon completing their travel, members can use these rewards at any location with a Costco Shop Card.
Conclusion
In summary, while Costco Travel offers great deals and convenience for its members, it is essential to consider the limitations in partners and selection when planning your trip. For those seeking personalized travel advice, traditional travel agents might still be the better choice. Nonetheless, Costco continues to expand its offerings to meet the diverse needs of its membership.
For more information on how to book a trip through Costco Travel or any other services offered by the company, visit Costco.com.
