Sureyou can get stacks of toilet paper and massive bags of dried mango at Costco. But your vacations? That’s not something you usually pick up in an oversizeshopping cart.Still, hear us out: of the giant retailer has been around since 2000, and unlike other travel agencies, it can get trips to coveted destinations at even lower costs due to itsmassive customer base.And thanks to an increase in off-the-beaten-path destinations and luxury packages, you might want to consider the wholesalerfor your next getaway. For instance, deluxeseven-day safaris in South Africa can start at around $5,500, but Costco’sexcursion, below, runs just $4,000and, better yet,covers your international airfare as well.
You’ll need a Costco membership ($60 a year)to be eligible, and then you can startscoring deals on rental cars, hotels, cruises, and all-inclusive tripswhere expert travel agents handcraft the itineraries and perks include massage and excursion credits. After doing a deep dive through itsofferings, we’ve rounded up six of the most epictrips the company hason deck.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Spend six days in a private villain the Cook Islands, a nation of 15 isles in the South Pacific, where you’ll scuba-dive coral reefs, kitesurf calm waters, paddleboard secluded lagoons, and hike volcanic peaks that tower above white-sand beaches. The includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, a rental car, daily breakfast, a bottle of wine as a welcome gift, and five nights at (from $1,749). There’s also an extended 12-night deal where you get the 12th night free.
Punta Mita, Mexico
You’ll stay at the swanky in the laid-back surf town of Punta Mita, 30 minutes south of bustlingSayulita. With cabanas on the beach, well-appointed private rooms set into the jungle, and a surf shop with free daily clinics, you might never want to leave the hotel grounds. Prices vary depending on length of stay and departure city, but if you book through Costco, your includes the hotel, airfare, ground transportation to and from the airport, breakfast, and kids’ club access, plus a $100 resort credit.
Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Explore the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica during this (from $1,285), which includes lodging at the boutique, oceanside and a private bungalow neighboring thermal hot springs at the. Spend your time hikingto waterfalls, stargazing in telescopes, mountain biking rainforest singletrack, kayaking through mangrove forests, or floating in an inner tube down Rio Blanco Canyon below the Miravalles stratovolcano. Guided outings,indulgences like a volcanic-mud skin cleanser, and a $25 massage credit are included in the trip.
Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, Greece
You’ll start in the heart of Athens with a stay at the ultramodern before heading to the stunning island of Santorini. The picturesquehas 40 vaulted rooms overlooking the Aegean Sea, each with its own private pool. Finish your with three nights on the island of Mykonos, staying at the 17-room, where you’ll drink cocktails while watching the sun set over the water. The package includes airfare, ground transportation, hotels, a ferry between the islands, and food and drink specials. (Prices vary based on dates andairfare.)
Cape Town, South Africa
Stay four nights at Cape Town’s five-star, right on the edge of Table Mountain National Park, where you’ll tour the Cape Peninsula and its local wine scene. Nextit’s off to three nights in a luxe safari tent within the 61,779-acre Shamwari Private Game Reserve at the,where rangers lead daily outings in search of the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Cape buffalo—as well as bird watching and guided nature walks. This includes airfare from New York’s JFK Airport, lodging, guiding, ground transportation, and many of your meals. (From $3,999)
Kapalua, Maui
Enjoy for the price of four at Maui’s beachfront, located in Kapalua in one of the island state’s largest nature preserves. The trip includes airfare, a rental car, daily breakfast for two, and $500 in resort credit for indulging yourself with spa treatmentsand sushi dinners. You’ll find miles of hiking trails through the rainforest, paddleboards and snorkeling gear for rent, and a guided 28-mile bike ride down the 10,023-footHaleakala volcano. (Prices vary based on dates and airfare.)