What Is Costco Travel — And How It Works

Costco Travel is a travel booking arm for Costco members, offering bundled vacation packages (flights, hotels, car rentals), cruises, and special hotel deals. Because Costco has strong buying power, they negotiate special rates and include perks like upgrades, resort credits, or digital Costco Shop Cards.

One caveat: you usually cannot book standalone flights through Costco Travel (without a hotel or package). Also, some hotel offers may require a minimum stay (e.g. five nights) to access the discounted rates.

Why Travelers Use Costco Travel — The Upsides

1. Bundled Deals & Simplicity

Booking packages (flight + hotel + car) can save you time and often money. The bundled structure lets Costco negotiate and pass on volume discounts.

2. Perks & Added Value

Many packages come with extras — room upgrades, resort credits, or a Digital Costco Shop Card after booking. This card gives you Costco store credit to spend on groceries, electronics, or even future travel.

3. Trust & Member-Only Exclusives

Since Costco Travel is for members, there’s an aura of reliability. Their curated selection of travel offerings is narrower (but more vetted) than general OTAs.

Common Complaints & Risks in 2025

While many users are pleased, reviews reveal some recurring issues:

• Service & fulfillment failures — some travelers report mishandled logistics, especially for overseas trips (e.g., no airport shuttle despite promises).
• Rigidity & lack of flexibility — package constraints (min nights, locked itineraries) can be frustrating.
• Customer support gaps — in certain cases, travelers said Costco Travel didn’t handle refunds or issues responsively.
• Not always cheapest — occasionally, deals found via Costco are beaten by booking direct or via other travel platforms.

One review bluntly warns:

“Costco travel was nothing short of a nightmare … DO NOT BOOK FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL.”

But elsewhere, satisfied users applaud pricing and service:

“Their pricing is terrific… I have used Costco Travel at least 10 times and I am always amazed at their quality of service.”

So experience is mixed — the right approach is to go in informed and cautious.

How to Get the Most Value from Costco Travel in 2025

Here are actionable tips:

1. Always price-compare
   Even if Costco shows a “deal,” check direct hotel, airline, or OTA rates. Sometimes you'd save more booking separately.
2. Leverage the Digital Costco Shop Card
   This gift card is like a cashback bonus you can use at Costco — effectively reducing your net trip cost.
3. Bundle smartly
   Opt for flights + hotel + car together to unlock deeper discounts.
4. Watch stay requirements & blackout dates
   Some deals only apply if you stay a minimum number of nights. Long weekends may not qualify.
5. Book early or last minute—but stay flexible
   Costco’s deals often have narrow windows. If possible, remain flexible with your travel dates.
6. Use travel insurance & cancellation safeguards
   Given complaints about claims and refunds, travel insurance can save you grief. Some travelers have noted that Costco refunded hotels and cars, but not flights.
7. Check reviews & experiences
   Explore member reviews for specific hotels, cruises, or packages via the Costco Travel site before finalizing.

What 2025 Changes & Trends Could Affect Costco Travel

• Disneyland package discontinuation
  In 2025, Costco quietly removed Disneyland Resort packages from its offerings. While trips to Disney World, Aulani, and cruises remain, the Disneyland bundles were pulled, likely due to shifting partnerships.
• Intensifying competition & consumer savvy
  As more travelers become adept at deal hunting, Costco needs to maintain transparency and flexibility to stay relevant.
• Premium & luxury package demand rising
  High-end cruise packages (e.g. multi-month world cruises) are gaining traction. Costco even sold a $293,000 global cruise in 2024, including huge perks and shop card credits.
• Greater scrutiny on consumer experience
  With social media and review platforms, negative service experiences spread quickly. Costco Travel must balance scale with quality control.

Finding short-term housing can be stressful, especially for traveling professionals like nurses, contractors, or digital nomads. Hotels are often too expensive for long stays, while traditional rentals usually require year-long commitments. That’s where Furnished Finder steps in.

What is Furnished Finder?

Furnished Finder is an online housing platform designed for people seeking mid-term rentals—typically 1 to 6 months. Instead of booking nightly stays like on Airbnb, this service helps tenants find fully furnished apartments, condos, and homes that are move-in ready.

Unlike traditional rental websites, Furnished Finder caters to a very specific audience: traveling healthcare workers (especially travel nurses) and professionals on temporary assignments.

Why Furnished Finder Stands Out

What makes Furnished Finder different from Airbnb or Zillow?

• No service fees for tenants – Travelers pay rent directly to landlords without high booking fees.
• Mid-term rental focus – Perfect for people needing 1-6 month stays.
• Background-verified landlords – Property owners go through a verification process, offering peace of mind.
• Special tools for travel nurses – Since this group is the largest tenant base, listings often include proximity to hospitals.

This makes the platform attractive not only to renters but also to landlords who want reliable, professional tenants.

Who Uses Furnished Finder?

1. Travel Nurses & Healthcare Workers – Looking for furnished homes close to hospitals.
2. Remote Workers & Digital Nomads – Choosing flexible stays while working online.
3. Business Contractors – Professionals relocating for a project or short-term assignment.
4. Property Owners & Landlords – Offering fully furnished spaces for steady rental income.

Tips for Renters on Furnished Finder

If you’re planning to use Furnished Finder in 2025, here are some quick tips:

• Start your search early – Good listings near hospitals or business districts get taken fast.
• Communicate directly – Contact landlords through the platform and ask about utilities, parking, and internet speed.
• Check neighborhood safety – Especially important for night-shift nurses and solo travelers.

Tips for Hosts on Furnished Finder

For landlords, Furnished Finder offers an opportunity to keep properties consistently rented. To stand out:

• Highlight proximity to hospitals or workplaces.
• Offer all-inclusive utilities like Wi-Fi, water, and electricity.
• Use high-quality photos to showcase a clean, move-in-ready space.

When summer heat becomes unbearable, many households turn to cooling devices. In recent years, portable air conditioners have gained popularity as a flexible and efficient alternative to traditional window units and central systems. Their growing demand in 2025 is linked to urban living, rising energy costs, and the need for mobility in home appliances.

Why Portable Air Conditioners Are Trending

Unlike fixed systems, portable units are designed for versatility. They can be moved from room to room, making them ideal for apartments, home offices, and even dorms. Many people are turning to this cooling solution because:

• Energy efficiency: Some models now include smart features that optimize power use, saving money on electricity bills.
• Space-saving design: With compact dimensions, they’re perfect for smaller homes where installing a bulky AC unit isn’t practical.
• No major installation required: Instead of hiring technicians, you can set one up with minimal effort.

Key Features to Look For

If you’re planning to invest in a portable air conditioner in 2025, consider these important factors:

• Cooling Capacity (BTU): Match the unit size to your room’s square footage for optimal performance.
• Smart Controls: Many new models integrate with mobile apps, allowing remote adjustments.
• Air Purification: Some units now combine cooling with HEPA filters for cleaner indoor air.
• Noise Level: Quieter designs are becoming a priority for bedrooms and offices.

Practical Uses Beyond Cooling

Interestingly, portable air conditioners are not just for beating the heat. Some models double as heaters or dehumidifiers, providing year-round utility. This makes them a cost-effective choice for households that want a multi-function appliance.

Should You Get One?

If you live in a rental, a high-rise, or a space without built-in HVAC, a portable air conditioner can be a game-changer. While they might not replace central air for large houses, they’re a smart investment for flexible cooling and improved comfort.