Scenic view of Lake Como, Italy, with boats on the water, colorful houses along the shoreline, and bright pink and white flowers in the foreground—featured image for a blog comparing Costco Travel vs. Travel Advisors for booking cruises, hotels, or vacation packages.

Costco Travel vs. Travel Advisor: Should You Book Your Cruise, Hotel, or Vacation Package Through Costco?

August 09, 20255 min read

By Michelle Marks - Dragon Wolf Travel

A side-by-side perspective from Dragon Wolf Travel

Costco is known for bulk savings and convenience—and yes, they sell travel, too. But if you’ve ever wondered how booking through Costco Travel compares to working with a dedicated travel advisor, this guide is for you.

This isn’t about one being “better” than the other. It’s about clarity—how things work, what to expect, and why some travelers prefer a more personal approach.


🛒 Booking Through Costco Travel:

What You’ll Typically Get

Costco Travel offers pre-set vacation packages—mostly cruises, hotel bundles, and car rentals. If you’re a member, you might find:

  • Fixed-date packages with major suppliers

  • Executive Member perks like Costco Shop Cards

  • Familiar hotel brands and cruise lines

  • An online booking experience, similar to other large platforms

For travelers who know exactly what they want and enjoy DIY planning, it can be a solid option.


🤔 What Most People Don’t Realize

Costco Travel is a travel agency that offers vacation packages and specials, including cruises and hotel deals. Like all agencies, they earn commission from the vendors—the cruise line, resort, or tour company you book with.

That commission is already built into most packages. Whether you book through Costco, a travel advisor, or an online site, the vendor sets the price and pays the commission out. You don’t avoid it by booking on your own—you just choose where it goes.

Costco benefits from scale—handling high volume with less personalization.

A travel advisor brings something else to the table.


🤝 Working with a Travel Advisor:

What You Might Be Missing with a Bulk Booking Site

When you work with a travel advisor, you're not just booking a trip—you’re building a relationship with someone who knows your preferences and helps you get more from your time and budget.

Because with bulk sites, you often get the main booking… and then you’re left to figure out the rest.

Some benefits of working with an advisor include:
✔️ Personalized recommendations (not just what’s popular)
✔️ Real human support before, during, and after your trip
✔️ Insider access to exclusive offers, perks, and upgrades
✔️ Planning for special touches—like celebrations, mobility needs, or multi-generational travel
✔️ Vendor relationships that often translate to priority service
✔️ Help understanding and booking things like travel insurance, excursions, and transfers

(One of our new clients booked her European cruise through Costco, but still turned to us for insights about booking — flights, hotel stay, excursions, insurance, port transfers, and more. She stayed in control, and booked her excursions through our vetted and preferred vendors, and didn’t have to spend hours researching. Plus, she had more than one way to reach us when questions came up.)

Many travelers express their gratitude in reviews, saying they felt more cared for and supported with a travel advisor involved. It’s not just about booking—it’s about peace of mind, knowing someone is in your corner from start to finish.


💬 With a Travel Advisor, It’s Personal

You’re not just booking through a company name—you’re connecting with someone who knows your travel style.

There’s communication: phone calls, texts, emails, virtual. Sometimes even in-person planning—or traveling together on the same trip.

And when that happens, vendors notice.

Having a travel advisor present can mean faster response times and extra flexibility. Vendors know the advisor is looking out for the client—and they tend to be more accommodating because of it.

It’s not just about the trip. It’s about the relationship.

✔️ Time savings—especially for busy professionals, parents, and caregivers who simply don’t have hours to spare combing through options
✔️ A collaborative approach: Some clients love doing their own research, and that’s welcome! We gather options into a curated “menu,” so they can explore and decide—without starting from scratch.


🧾 But Don’t Advisors Charge Fees?

Sometimes, yes. Travel advisors may charge a planning fee—especially when designing highly personalized or complex trips.

But here’s why:

Planning takes time. And like any professional service—think tax prep, interior design, or coaching—that time has value.

Fees help advisors protect their energy and expertise, especially from those who gather ideas or detailed itineraries, but then book elsewhere.

We focus on working with people who value the process as much as the outcome—and want a true travel partner, not just a search bar.

And remember: the vendor pays a commission for your booking—no matter how you book it.

Costco keeps it if you book with them. The vendor keeps it if you book directly. If you work with a travel advisor, that commission helps support a small business that’s guiding you through the process.

The price is typically the same. What changes is where that built-in commission goes—and what kind of service you get in return.


🧳 What About Loyalty Points?

Many travelers don’t realize that third-party bookings—like through Costco or online travel agencies—often don’t qualify for hotel rewards.

When you book a cruise or hotel through a travel advisor, we can apply your loyalty number to the reservation—so you still earn points, perks, and status.

Already booked direct? In many cases, you can transfer the booking to a travel advisor within a specified timeframe and still keep your rewards—plus gain the support and service of a professional.

It’s your loyalty. You shouldn’t have to give it up just to get expert help planning your trip.


🧭 Which One’s Right for You?

It depends on your needs.

If you love the ease of a package and don’t need much guidance, Costco might be a good fit.

But if you value personal attention, want help comparing options, or are planning a special or complex trip—we’re here to help.

At Dragon Wolf Travel, we collaborate with you to make sure your travel aligns with your goals. We don’t sell—we suggest. We listen. We refine. And we advocate for your experience from start to finish.


📲 Contact Dragon Wolf Travel

We’re here to help.

Ways to reach us:

🌐 Website: dragonwolftravel.com
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Facebook Message: Send us a message
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: 888-561-6115


Michelle Marks is the co-owner of Dragon Wolf Travel with her husband, Christopher. Michelle loves crafting seamless and memorable journeys for clients. Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578, California Seller of Travel No. 2090937-50, Washington UBID No. 603189022, Iowa Registered Agency No. 1202

Michelle Marks

Michelle Marks is the co-owner of Dragon Wolf Travel with her husband, Christopher. Michelle loves crafting seamless and memorable journeys for clients. Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578, California Seller of Travel No. 2090937-50, Washington UBID No. 603189022, Iowa Registered Agency No. 1202

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