When it comes to travel deals, Costco is a bit of a hidden gem. You might know them for bulk groceries and household items, but their travel department can offer you some surprisingly great deals on vacations, hotels, and even cruises. So, when does Costco have the best travel deals, and how can you time it right?
Best Costco Travel Deals Time
1. Seasonal Sales and Holiday Promotions
Costco Travel has some of its best deals around major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and just after New Year’s. Many people start planning their vacations during these times, so Costco offers discounts on popular destinations. Keep an eye out during these holidays for packages that are priced lower than usual, especially for resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.
2. Off-Peak Seasons
Timing your travel to off-peak times can be one of the best ways to save. This usually means avoiding big holiday seasons or peak summer travel. For destinations like Hawaii or tropical beach spots, aim for early spring or late fall when fewer people are traveling. The crowds are smaller, and the prices tend to drop – including Costco’s.
3. End-of-Year Clearance and Early-Bird Deals
At the end of the year, especially as it rolls into January, many companies start clearing out last year’s inventory, and Costco Travel is no exception. You’ll often find deals that allow you to book trips well in advance for a discount. For example, booking a summer or fall trip early in the year can help you get a better price and a wider range of choices.
4. Cruises: Wave Season (January to March)
If cruises are your thing, “Wave Season” is the prime time to get deals on cruise bookings. This season generally runs from January to March, and it’s when cruise lines offer the most deals and perks, like onboard credits, free drinks, or cabin upgrades. Costco Travel jumps in on this too, so if you’re eyeing a cruise, check during this window.
5. Last-Minute Deals
Costco Travel sometimes offers last-minute packages at a discount, though it depends on availability. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, this can be a great way to find a bargain. Just check their site frequently, as these deals can pop up unexpectedly.
6. Bonus Perks with Costco Membership
If you’re already a Costco member, you might know that they offer exclusive perks for their members, like Costco Cash Cards or free breakfast and Wi-Fi in some hotels. Keep an eye out for these extra benefits; they can make a good deal even better.
FAQs
Do Costco members get a discount on travel?
Yes, Costco members get access to special travel deals that aren’t available to the general public. These deals can include discounts on vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and more. Plus, depending on your membership level, you might get additional perks, like Costco Shop Cards to spend at Costco.
Does Costco do flight deals?
Costco Travel doesn’t typically offer flights on their own, but flights are often included in their vacation packages. This means if you’re booking a full vacation package (like a resort stay in Hawaii or a European tour), your flights will likely be included as part of the package.
Does Costco have a travel service?
Yes, Costco has a full travel service that provides vacation packages, cruises, rental car bookings, and hotel reservations. It’s like a one-stop shop for travel, and it’s designed to offer good deals to Costco members on a variety of destinations.
Does Costco Travel negotiate?
Costco Travel works directly with hotels, resorts, and cruise lines to negotiate lower prices for their members. They’re not necessarily negotiating on a one-off basis, but they leverage their buying power to get better rates, which then gets passed along to you as a member.
Do you get money back on Costco Travel?
Yes, you can get money back on Costco Travel if you’re an Executive Member. Executive Members earn 2% cash back on Costco purchases, which includes most travel bookings. So, if you book a big trip, that cash back can add up to some real savings.
Final Tip
To make the most of Costco’s travel deals, try setting reminders for seasonal sales, checking the travel section regularly, and staying open to travel dates that might not fall within peak times. When you time it right, Costco Travel can help you save big on your next adventure.