10 Costco Vacations That Aren’t Worth the Cost

Everyone knows Costco is the spot for giant boxes of snacks and free samples, but did you know they also sell vacations? Costco Travel is famous for putting together package deals that can save you a ton of money.

Imagine getting your flights, a cool hotel, and maybe even some spending money all bundled together for one price. It sounds like a sweet deal, and a lot of times, it is. People often find amazing trips and save a lot of cash.

But here’s the thing: not every deal is as good as it looks. Just because it’s a Costco package doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best option. Some of these highly advertised trips have surprisingly low ratings from people who’ve actually been on them.

When you start to look closer, you might find that the “deal” isn’t really a deal at all. We did the digging for you to find out which vacations might be better to skip.

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa — All-Inclusive

The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa often pops up on Costco’s list because it looks huge and has everything included for a decent price. You get your flight, room, and all the food and drinks you want for around $1,300, which sounds like a total steal.

The photos show awesome pools and beaches, making it seem like the perfect place to chill with your friends or family without worrying about extra costs.

But honestly, the reviews say otherwise. A lot of travelers complain about super long lines just to check in, and once they get to their rooms, things are often broken or worn out. The food isn’t always great, and the service can be pretty slow because they don’t seem to have enough staff.

While you might save some cash upfront, dealing with these headaches might ruin the fun vibe you were hoping for.

Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa in Punta Cana looks awesome on the surface, especially with that sweet lazy river and modern rooms. Costco usually sells this package for around $1,200 to $1,500, which includes your flights, food, and drinks.

It seems like a solid way to spend spring break or a family trip without stressing about the budget, given all the cool stuff they promise like fancy pools and tons of restaurants.

However, the reality can be a bit of a letdown. Many guests say the place feels way too crowded, making it hard to grab food or find a spot by the pool. People also complain that the food isn’t as tasty as they expected for a “luxury” place, and the service is super slow.

You might find better vibes at other resorts nearby that actually deliver on their promises, instead of dealing with chaos just to get dinner.

Ocean El Faro — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Ocean El Faro in Punta Cana gets attention with its cool colonial style, a lighthouse you can check out, and tons of pools, including a lazy river and a water park. The resort even has a separate area just for adults.

The Costco package includes all this, which on the surface seems like an amazing setup for a vacation where you won’t get bored.

But even with all those cool features, a lot of people who stay there are let down. The main problem is that what you see online isn’t always what you get. Guests often report being disappointed with their rooms and the food.

With so many other all-inclusive places in Punta Cana that get much better reviews, you’re taking a big chance that this trip won’t live up to your expectations.

Planet Hollywood Cancun — Cancun, Mexico

Planet Hollywood Cancun gets a lot of hype on Costco Travel, mostly because of its cool movie theme and the extras they throw into the package, like resort credits. The whole vibe seems exciting, promising a fun, celebrity-style vacation with everything included.

For a trip to Cancun, it looks like a competitive option that’s supposed to feel a bit fancy.

However, the reality for many guests doesn’t match the flashy ads. People frequently complain that the resort is packed, leading to long lines for restaurants. Another common issue is that the staff can be pushy about trying to sell you more expensive rooms or other add-ons.

For a place that claims to be high-end, the food often disappoints, making you wonder if the price is really worth it.