7 Things You Didn’t Know About Costco Travel

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Costco Travel website
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Longing to get away? You might not think about it, but Costco, the same warehouse store that sells rotisserie chickens and softball-sized blueberry muffins, can also help you plan your next vacation.

Even long-term members may not realize that Costco has an entire travel department, Costco Travel, offering deals on hotels, rental cars, cruises, theme-park packages and more.

Here’s a look at some of the perks of Costco Travel.

1. Kirkland Signature packages

Cruise ship in Alaska
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Costco’s house brand name, Kirkland Signature, appears on everything from bathroom tissue to dog food to dress shirts. And Costco Travel also offers Kirkland Signature travel packages, vacation deals from the company that include special savings or other extras. Some include dining and spa credits and even Costco gift cards. Kirkland Signature packages include cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Alaska.

2. Cash back for Executive members

Costco Executive membership card
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Costco’s Executive membership costs more than the standard membership, but depending on how much you spend at Costco, it could be worth it. Executive members receive an annual 2% cash back reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco purchases. And that includes Costco Travel purchases, where you can get up to $1,000 quickly.

3. Specialty vacations

Edinburgh, Scotland
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Getting tired of the same old hotel-with-a-pool-vacation? Costco Travel offers creative specialty vacations that are sure to be memorable. Options include African safari experiences, vacations specifically for travelers ages 18-35, trips from a company that specializes in Ireland and Scotland, and more.

4. Time-sensitive offers with extras

Woman eating breakfast in bed in a hotel
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Are you ready to buy quickly? Costco Travel offers time-sensitive offers, vacation deals that include such benefits as reduced or waived resort fees, free food, travel credits and room upgrades. But the catch is that you have to commit soon because they’re only offered for a very limited time.

5. Rental cars include a secondary driver

Senior couple in convertible
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Rental car prices seem to be going up and up, so why not rent through Costco? The primary driver must be a current Costco member, but in many cases, an additional driver can be added for free. That person does not need to be a member, though additional fees apply for drivers younger than 25 years old.

6. Theme park deals

The entrance to Walt Disney World in Florida
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Many families dream of a vacation where they visit a Disney or Universal theme park. But park admission and lodging can be pricey. Costco Travel offers packages to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and Disneyland. Some packages even include Disney gift cards.

7. Special luxury vacations

Young woman having her head massaged
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If you’ve been saving up for that bucket-list splurge, check out Costco Travel’s Vacations of a Lifetime packages. These are fancy-schmancy getaways, which may include your own chauffeur, special private tours of attractions, spa treatments and other lavish add-ons. After all, you only live once.

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