Is Costco Travel Worth It for Families in 2026? The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Vacations

Vacations are more than just a break—they’re an investment in family memories. But in 2026, with inflation still squeezing household budgets (travel prices are up another 3–5% compared to 2025 📈), many parents wonder if a family trip is even realistic.

Enter Costco Travel, the warehouse giant’s not-so-secret travel service. By bundling flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and theme park tickets, Costco aims to give families maximum value without sacrificing quality. But is it really worth it this year—or are there cheaper, smarter alternatives?

This Family Finance Warriors guide breaks it down: how Costco Travel works in 2026, the real pros and cons, updated price comparisons, and when families should (and shouldn’t) book through Costco.

🛒 What Is Costco Travel in 2026?

Costco Travel is an exclusive booking platform for Costco members, designed to leverage bulk-buying power for vacation savings. Think of it as the “family-size” version of booking trips—bundles, perks, and exclusive add-ons.

• Membership Requirement:

  • Gold Star: $65/year (price increased slightly in 2026)

  • Executive: $130/year (includes 2% back on travel purchases + new 2026 perk: select hotel/resort upgrades)

• What You Can Book in 2026:

  • Vacation bundles (flight + hotel)

  • Cruises 🚢 (Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess, etc.)

  • Car rentals (with waived young driver fees 🚗)

  • Theme park packages 🎢 (Disney, Universal, LEGOLAND)

  • Resorts with kid-focused activities and dining credits

• Family Perks: New 2026 family promos often include free kids’ meals, extra resort credits, or guaranteed adjoining rooms—perfect for parents traveling with little ones.

✅ Pros of Costco Travel for Families in 2026

💵 Bigger Bundled Savings

• Still among the best for 20–25% off vs. booking separately.

• Cruises remain a major highlight, with onboard credits of $200–$600 per cabin.

• Example: A family booking a 7-night Alaska cruise in 2026 could save nearly $800 in extras compared to direct booking.

📉 Price Drop Guarantee

• Costco’s 30-day price adjustment is a safety net as airfare and hotel rates keep shifting in 2026.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Focused Packages

• Waived young driver fees ($25–$40/day savings).

• All-inclusive options help parents control food budgets.

• Costco continues offering family-friendly perks like early check-in, late check-out, and included airport transfers.

💳 Rewards + Cash Back

• Executive members earn 2% back, plus new stacking opportunities with Costco Visa cards in 2026.

• Example: A $4,000 family trip = $80 back from Costco + 2–3% back from a rewards card.

❌ Cons of Costco Travel in 2026

🚫 Membership Still Required

• With annual fees up to $130, occasional travelers may not get enough value.

✈️ Limited Flight Options

• Costco’s curated system continues to exclude budget airlines like Southwest and Frontier, making it less flexible for bargain hunters.

💵 Upfront Payment Policy

• Families must pay in full at booking—no financing or “buy now, pay later” options.

🧐 Value Depends on Destination

• Cruises and family packages = big savings.

• Hotels in Europe and luxury resorts? Costco isn’t always the cheapest (Booking.com and Google Hotels may beat them).

📊 2026 Price Comparisons for Families

Here’s how Costco Travel stacks up against Expedia, Booking.com, and Kayak for family scenarios in 2026:

Trip Type	Costco Travel (Per Person)	Competitors	2026 Takeaway
7-Day Alaska Cruise	$1,350 + $250 onboard credit	$1,600 (no credit)	Still a Costco win 🚢
Hawaii (Flights + Hotel)	$2,200 (includes transfers + $150 resort credit)	$2,000 (basic)	Slightly higher, but perks help 🌺
Orlando Disney Package	$1,550 (tickets included)	$1,650	Comparable—Costco perks like skip-the-line passes add value 🎢
Weekly Minivan Rental	$320 (no young driver fee)	$380	Costco saves families $60+
Europe Hotel (Paris, 6 Nights)	$1,600/room	$1,300–$2,100	Costco isn’t always the cheapest 🇫🇷

💡 Takeaway: Costco Travel remains strongest for cruises, U.S. family vacations (Disney, Hawaii), and car rentals. Always price-check hotels and European trips elsewhere.

🤔 Should Families Use Costco Travel in 2026?

Yes, if…

• You’re already a Costco member.

• You want bundles with perks (credits, transfers, upgrades).

• You prefer less stress and more predictability.

No, if…

• You travel light or solo.

• You want ultra-flexible flight options.

• You rely on loyalty points for future travel upgrades.

🌍 Alternatives to Compare in 2026

• Expedia/Kayak – More flexible flights and flash sales.

• Booking.com – Wide hotel choices, discounts for frequent users.

• Direct Airline/Hotel Sites – Better for loyalty points + upgrades.

• Credit Card Travel Portals – Ideal for redeeming points with Chase, Amex, or Capital One.

🎯 Final Verdict: Costco Travel for Families in 2026

In 2026, Costco Travel continues to deliver real savings and stress-free planning for families, especially for cruises, Disney packages, and Hawaii bundles. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The smart move? Compare at least three sites, weigh Costco’s perks against other deals, and decide based on your family’s budget and travel style.

At Family Finance Warriors, we recommend using a vacation sinking fund to avoid debt, then exploring Costco Travel to see if the perks line up with your family’s needs. Done right, you could save $300–$800 on your next trip—and still have cash left for souvenirs. 🎁

👉 Start planning at CostcoTravel.com and don’t forget to compare before booking!