If you’re a Costco member, you already know you can get a deal on a tank of gas and stock up on several months’ worth of paper towels with your Costco card. But those aren’t the only benefits of your membership. It can also help you save money on your next trip by providing valuable travel benefits that you may not know about. Here are five lesser-known travel perks that come with your Costco membership.

Extras When Booking Select Vacation Packages

Select vacation packages booked through Costco Travel qualify for free extras. Some examples of freebies include Digital Costco Shop Cards, daily breakfast for two, waived resort fees, spa credits, and daily resort credits. Free perks like this can add more value to your trip and help you extend your vacation budget. If you’re looking for last-minute trip inspiration, check out the limited-time deals section at Costco Travel — many of these vacation packages include extra perks.

An Extra Night Free With Some Vacation Packages

You can also book discounted “stay more, pay less” deals on participating vacation packages through Costco Travel. It’s common to see “Stay 5, Pay 4” and “Stay 4, Pay 3” deals, in which a free night’s stay is included in the total price you pay — a potentially valuable perk. And if you hate sneaky resort fees, you’ll appreciate this: If a hotel charges resort fees, those fees are included in the price shown on Costco Travel (excluding Las Vegas properties). 

Free Additional Driver on Car Rental Bookings 

When you book a rental car through Costco Travel, one additional driver fee is waived at participating locations. While additional driver fees vary by rental company, many charge around $15 per day per additional driver. If you’re planning to add another driver to your reservation, this membership perk can provide significant savings. Another perk worth mentioning: There are no cancellation fees when canceling a stand-alone Costco rental car reservation, so you won’t lose money if your plans change. (Fees may still apply if your car rental is part of a larger vacation package.)

Savings on Groceries and Other Essentials When Traveling

Your Costco membership travels with you. That means you can use your membership card to shop at more than 800 Costco warehouse clubs worldwide. If you’re taking a road trip and picking up a rental car at your destination, your Costco membership can make it easier to stock up on groceries and household goods for your trip without draining your vacation budget.

When traveling internationally, a visit to the local Costco warehouse club is a great way to sample local foods and drinks, too. Make sure you stop for a snack at the food court — international Costco locations often feature menu items you can’t find back home. Plus, membership can help you get a deal on all the essentials you may need during your trip, such as new luggage, travel gear, or camera equipment. 

Deals on Entertainment and Dining 

While not technically a travel benefit, your Costco membership can also help you save money on dining and entertainment costs on your next trip. You can purchase discounted entertainment and dining gift cards at your local warehouse or at Costco.com before leaving for your trip.

Costco sells discounted tickets for amusement parks, sporting events, and other venues and attractions. You can also buy discounted gift cards for brands like Topgolf and Dave & Buster’s, or for movie theaters and other activities. Before your next adventure, review restaurants and attractions at your destination and check whether you can use Costco to reduce your vacation costs.

Is Costco Travel Worth It? 

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Costco member, check out Costco Travel when planning your next trip — the deals can be well worth it. While you can’t purchase stand-alone flights, you can book hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages that include flights. If you’re unsure whether you’re getting a great deal, compare the prices shown on Costco Travel to the price listed when booking directly with the company.

Featured image credit: © Kirk Fisher/stock.adobe.com