Many shoppers invest in a Costco membership to get discounts on everyday household essentials and groceries. But did you know that a Costco membership can also unlock travel discounts? If you enjoy traveling and love getting a good deal, you can save on your next vacation with Costco Travel. I’m going to outline some little-known benefits you can enjoy when using Costco Travel to help you get the most out of your warehouse club membership.
1. Score last minute travel deals
Generally, travelers are encouraged to book their travel plans in advance for the best price, but if you are a member of Costco, you can save money on last minute travel plans. Costco advertises limited-time travel deals to its members through Costco Travel. Don’t miss these discount opportunities if you want a last minute vacation and have a flexible schedule.
2. Some car rentals waive the fee for the second driver
Some travel destinations have few public transportation options, so having a car is ideal. If you need to reserve a rental car for your next trip, you can book through Costco Travel. One benefit you may not be aware of is adding a second driver to your range for free.
When booking cars through Alamo or Enterprise, the second driver fee is waived for rentals in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. When booking a rental through Avis or Budget, the second driver fee is waived for car rentals in the United States.
The second driver must meet all renter requirements, be at the rental counter with the first renter, show a valid driver’s license, and show a major credit card in their name at the time of rental. This little-known Costco Travel benefit can help you keep more money in your checking account while helping protect the second driver on your trip.
3. Some Costco travel packages include freebies
Costco Travel lets you easily book hotels, rental cars, and tours. But you can also purchase vacation packages (which may include flights) for a simple, stress-free booking experience. When comparing travel package options, be sure to check all the details carefully.
Many Costco Travel packages come with additional freebies such as dining credits, resort credits, or room upgrades. These extra freebies make your Costco membership even more valuable and free up money in your vacation budget for other travel expenses like food and activities.
4. Payment plans are available
When booking through Costco Travel, you can pay for your trip over time. At checkout, you can pay the full amount due or, if available, make a deposit and pay the remaining balance before the last payment date listed. You can pay the remaining balance online or over the phone.
If you would like to set up scheduled recurring monthly payments, you can contact Costco Travel to do so. Another option is to make a one-time payment at your convenience through your online account. However, you must pay in full at checkout if booking a trip that starts soon. Don’t forget to use a cash back credit card for payments so you can earn rewards.
5. Travel purchases count towards 2% earning rewards
Costco offers two memberships: The basic membership, called Gold Star, costs $60 per year. The more expensive membership, Executive, costs $120 per year. Executive members earn 2% back on their spending at Costco and can earn up to $1,000 per year. As an Executive member, your pre-tax spending on Costco Travel counts towards your annual 2% earnings, so now you have more incentive to book that trip you’ve been wanting to take.
Put your Costco membership benefits to work
The next time you plan a vacation, remember to consider using Costco Travel. Of course, comparing prices to see if you can find a better deal elsewhere isn’t a bad idea. But you can save money on travel costs by booking vacations through Costco Travel. The more Costco membership perks you use, the more value you’ll get from your membership and the more money you’ll save.
For more ways to save money, check out our free personal finance resources.
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