A different path
For every type of vacation, there are great “traditional” destination choices. Beaches: Hawaii and Mexico. Tropical: Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Culture: Rome, Paris and London. What if there’s a destination that offers all the great amenities of the traditional, but with a bit more? With Costco Travel, the possibilities are endless.
The destination of any vacation, traditional or otherwise, is just the beginning with Costco Travel. Whether it’s for a cruise, a vacation package or an all-inclusive resort, buyers are tasked with providing the best value to Costco members, often by offering extra amenities, room upgrades, Costco Shop Cards, meal and drink vouchers, spa visits and more.
On the following pages, we’ve divided vacations into five broad categories—cruises, beaches, tropical, culture and domestic—and found examples that might be considered traditional and others that could be a slightly different path. Travel is a concern now, but when you are ready, Costco Travel is there for you.
Cruises
Princess Cruises Voyage of the Glaciers
“Hubbard Glacier is an unforgettable sight,” Jody Zegers, Costco Travel’s cruise buyer, says about one of the highlights of this cruise, which also includes Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan and other stops.
In contrast with the thinning and retreating of most glaciers, Hubbard, the largest tidewater glacier on the North American continent, has been thickening and advancing toward the Gulf of Alaska, and, thanks to its exceptional movement speed, the glacier calves at an incredible rate. “The sight and sounds of this massive glacier calving into the sea are breathtaking,” says Zegers.
A different path: Galápagos Islands
Celebrity Cruises Galápagos Inner Loop Cruise
A destination on many people’s bucket list (Charles Darwin crossed it off his in 1835), the Galápagos Islands archipelago is one of the world’s foremost sites for unique wild- life, with many species found nowhere else. As you travel on a ship carrying just 100 passengers, where every stateroom is a suite, this immersive, all-inclusive trip offers the opportunity to view and engage with every aspect of several islands— including Baltra, Daphne, North Seymour and Rabida—on an intimate level.
“This is the land that time forgot,” says Zegers. “It’s an amazing combination of wildlife and landscape—truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
A different path: European river cruise
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Brilliant Bordeaux Cruise
River cruises offer another way to see and access special sights. This cruise, for example, limited to just 124 passengers, takes you along three rivers in southwest France, from Bordeaux to Port de Blaye, Pauillac, Cadillac and Libourne, where cruisers take in breathtaking natural, archaeological and architectural backdrops; historic landmarks; and cultural treasures across the region. Wine tastings, plus walking, driving and bicycle tours, put travelers right in the middle of the European experience.
“This ship has the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the river cruise industry,” says Zegers.
Cruise runner-up
Traditional: Caribbean and Bahamas
This sailing takes in the glitzy chic of Miami Beach, the ancient Mayan ruins in Costa Maya, laid-back beach towns and secluded shores in Roatan, and the white sand beaches of Cozumel, with downtime during Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island with the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas.
Beaches
Explore Oahu
Oahu is one of the most popular islands of Hawaii, offering distinctly different vibes from the south shore (Waikiki Beach, chic upscale shopping) to the North Shore (laid-back, botanical gardens, surfer beaches).
Costco Travel’s Explore Oahu package allows members to visit both the North Shore and Waikiki in one package, and members have the ability to pick their property and length of stay.
“These packages give members an opportunity to explore different regions within one island; you’d be amazed with the contrast and diversity found on the same island,” says Jolene Schuerman, Costco Travel buyer for Hawaii. “I recommend finishing your stay on a high note with a ‘splurge’ property. It’s a great way to end your vacation.”
The Westin Reserva Conchal
Known for its beaches, volcanoes and biodiversity, Costa Rica can be as rugged or as luxurious as you want. With gorgeous tropical beaches for surfing, snorkeling, diving or just basking, and with roughly 25% of its inland area made up of protected jungle teeming with wildlife, the country combines all the necessary components of a vacation that’s both traditional and unexpected. “It’s a destination for recreation, sport and relaxation,” says Costco Travel buyer Richard Murphy.
The Westin Reserva is an eco-friendly, all-inclusive resort located between the exotic forests and unspoiled beaches of Playa Conchal, considered by many to be Costa Rica’s North Pacific Riviera.
A different path: Yasawa Island, Fiji
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
Used as a backdrop in movies that want to convey a quintessential island paradise, Yasawa Island is one of the most remote and unspoiled islands of Fiji, blessed with dramatic peaks and sun-drenched white sand beaches. Picnic on a private beach, visit a Fijian village, snorkel, sport fish, windsurf, paddleboard or enjoy a soothing massage and fine dining.
The Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is home to just 18 deluxe bungalows, each one nestled in lush, tropical gardens and just steps away from the beach, with views of the ocean and a private beach cabana with sun loungers on the edge of Yasawa’s pristine white sand beach.
Beaches runner-up
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
Cancún blends modern sophistication with spectacular white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, Mayan culture, water activities and adventure.
Set on the beachfront in the heart of the Cancún hotel zone, the elegant, all-inclusive Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach resort features gourmet dining, an oceanfront pool and a lavish spa.
Tropical
Traditional: Dominican Republic
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Juanillo Beach is one of the most idyllic and beautiful beaches in this region, with calm and shallow waters, sparkling soft white sand that is perfect for long barefoot walks along the Caribbean Sea, and plenty of shaded spots and lounging areas. Relaxing and mellow during the week, the beach vibe picks up on the weekend with live music and events for the entire family.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is an all-inclusive tropical paradise with stunning ocean views throughout the resort, swim-up suites, inspired cuisine and a water park.
Caribe Hilton
“This is an island that I feel not as many of our Costco members have discovered yet, but when they do they will not be disappointed,” says Erin Huffman, Caribbean buyer for Costco Travel. “Getting around was simple and easy, the food and drinks are amazing and there are so many places to explore.”
Situated on a 17-acre, lushly landscaped private peninsula with a secluded beach, the Caribe Hilton—which claims to be the birthplace of the piña colada—is positioned for easy access to both historic Old San Juan and the fashionable Condado district.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Imagine waking in the morning to the gentle lap of a surreal blue lagoon all around you and a view of one of the South Pacific’s most recognizable landmarks, Mount Otemanu, right from your bed. An overwater bungalow is the ultimate vacation if you are looking for relaxation and privacy, all with an amazing view.
“For the height of privacy and luxury, the St. Regis features 90 exquisitely designed overwater and beach villas in Bora Bora, one of the most visually captivating islands in French Polynesia,” says Casey Livingston, Costco Travel buyer.
Tropical runner-up
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Majestic waterfalls, lush jungles, picturesque beaches and an iconic cultural scene make Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae music, a laid-back island getaway. The landscape creates a vibrant setting for eco-exploration, championship golf courses, diving, snorkeling and beach loungers alike.
The all-inclusive beachfront Hilton Rose Hall is nestled between the scenic Jamaican mountains and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Culture
The Best of Italy: Your Way Rome, Florence and Venice
The center of the Roman Empire that ruled the European continent for several centuries, Rome is known for its stunning architecture, including the Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. And the smallest country in the world is in Rome: Vatican City, home to the Pieta and the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo masterworks.
Considered by many to be the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, including Brunelleschi’s Duomo (cathedral), the artwork of Raphael, pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s David.
Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, Venice has streets but no vehicles, relying on canals—including the Grand Canal thoroughfare—lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and St. Mark’s Campanile (bell tower), which offers views of the city’s red roofs.
“I love Italy,” says Leslie Hmila, Costco Travel buyer for this region. “It is a place where traditions you’ve only read about come alive. For me, it is also a place of love: Venice is where I met my husband.”
Athens, Santorini and Mykonos: Your Way
Athens, the capital of Greece, was at the heart of ancient Greek civilization and the Greek empire. The city is still dominated by landmarks built in the fifth century B.C., including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings, such as the colonnaded Parthenon temple.
Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, with stunning black and red sand beaches, archaeological delights and the ruins of three empires.
Mykonos is known for its traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, the beautiful windmills overlooking Little Venice, popular watersports such as windsurfing, and its cosmopolitan atmosphere and vivid nightlife.
“The Athens, Santorini and Mykonos: Your Way package is one of our most popular packages,” says Hmila. “You can adjust your package to decide how many nights you want in each destination and find time to visit the areas that interest you most.”
Culture runner-up
Paris: Your Way
A global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture, Paris’ 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the Seine River. Paris is known for its cafe culture and designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. “Strolling the avenues, sitting in a cafe or just watching the Seine flow by—it can be absolutely magical,” says Costco Travel buyer Leslie Hmila.
Costco Travel’s Paris: Your Way package includes four nights at a choice of four-star hotels, including Castille Paris, located in central Paris; Hotel Molitor, restored to preserve the original 1929 art deco ambience; the centrally located Westin Paris–Vendome; and many others.
Domestic
Traditional: Phoenix–Scottsdale
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
It’s difficult to beat Arizona for a sun-drenched, relaxing vacation, and whether you prefer to golf, swim, laze or play, the Phoenix–Scottsdale area doesn’t disappoint.
Set amidst flowering cactuses and framed against the majestic McDowell Mountains, the Hyatt Regency is a desert oasis, with a 2 1⁄2-acre water playground, the award-winning Spa Avania, a championship golf course, tennis, a rock-climbing wall, gondola rides, the Native American Learning and Environmental Center, a kids’ club and more.
A different path: Tennessee and New Orleans
Tastes and Sounds of the South
Join Trafalgar tours for a little jazz, local cooking, country music and a whole lot of rock-and-roll on this tour of the American South. “The itinerary of this tour, which showcases the rich culture of Memphis, Nashville, Natchez and New Orleans, plus a trip to Elvis Presley’s iconic Graceland estate, just makes me smile,” says Hmila. “To be where some of the greats have performed as well as listen to different styles of music is a powerful experience.”
Domestic runner-up
Traditional: Napa Valley, California
The Meritage Resort and Spa
Surrounded by acres of sun-soaked hillside vineyards, The Meritage Resort and Spa provides elegant accommodations with relaxing experiences. Indulge in a spa treatment in the serenity of an underground estate cave at Spa Terra, explore the resort’s private 9-acre vineyard with walking trails and soak in the California sun on a lounge chair at the pool.
To learn more, visit CostcoTravel.com or call 1-877-849-2730. As COVID continues to affect travel, members can check for updates at CostcoTravel.com/ Info/Travel-Updates.