best way to book a trip? Costco or Travel Agent?

[scottmel]

Not sure if prices vary on trips but I noticed Costco offered a rebate card but not sure if a local travel agent has the same price as Costco? Best way to book?

 

[sayhello]

Not sure if prices vary on trips but I noticed Costco offered a rebate card but not sure if a local travel agent has the same price as Costco? Best way to book?

Boy, that's something that is going to be very subjective, based on what you're looking for. I'm not sure how much service you get from Costco. I've seen people say that if you call Costco Travel for ABD, they actually transfer you to ABD. But you still get the discount. Not sure how it works if you're physically at Costco Travel (do they have brick-and-mortar Travel agencies?). A lot of TA's offer rebates. I'd check out several options, and see what they offer you. I think most will give you a no-obligation quote (I know DU does).

Then make the decision that makes the most sense for you.

Sayhello

 

[Mrpill]

Boy, that's something that is going to be very subjective, based on what you're looking for. I'm not sure how much service you get from Costco. I've seen people say that if you call Costco Travel for ABD, they actually transfer you to ABD. But you still get the discount. Not sure how it works if you're physically at Costco Travel (do they have brick-and-mortar Travel agencies?). A lot of TA's offer rebates. I'd check out several options, and see what they offer you. I think most will give you a no-obligation quote (I know DU does).

Then make the decision that makes the most sense for you.

Sayhello

Yup, I called Costco and got transferred to an ABD rep, I thought it was still Costco, but when I asked they reluctantly told me it was really ABD. Top notch service and I get the Costco card after our trip in June...going to see the Materhorn in Switzerland!

 

[scottmel]

great thanks! I will price it out both ways. If I want a trip in Spring of 2015 - can I book early 2014?

 

[abbyjt]

If you open a Costco American Express, the $50 fee for the credit card is also your membership fee at Costco. In addition to the Costco cash card you get, you get a 2% rebate from the credit card. This is how we book our trips. Y
When you call Costco you are transfered directly to ABD and then can call ABD directly after initial booking. Costco is not a percentage rebate. It is a fixed amount based on the amount of the trip. I don't know the numbers, but it's something like if you spend $7500 to $10,000, that is one amount and 10,000 to 15,000, that's another amount. Ask them at Costco. We are 5 people and it is a considerable amount of money.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Dreams Unlimited Travel offers you a booking discount and a bonus rebate in the form of cash or Amex gift card.

And you can spend that anywhere...not just Costco.

Dreams Unlimited Travel is the sponsor of this discussion forum.

If you have any questions...please let me know.

I can be reached at Kevin@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com

 

[markj2911]

I think this Dreams Unlimited Travel seems more cost effective.
I am glad to know that the rebate which they are giving is in the form of cash too.

 

[DisneyKevin]

With the new 2014 dates, we are offering money off your Adventure.

No rebates, no gift cards....just money off right from the start.

Kevin@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com

 

[forrestfamilyoffive]

That's good to know! I will look into booking with Dreams Unlimited next time for sure!

 

[Happy99]

the TA I use takes the discount they offer off your total so you aren't paying it upfront then waiting for a gift card from Costco. I like that better. We use www.smallworldvacations.com and have been very happy with their service