Why Book with a Travel Advisor Instead of Costco (Even If the Price Looks the Same)

Let’s just say it: Costco Travel looks tempting. You see the price, you see the gift card, and you think, “Well dang, that looks easy.” And listen—I love Costco. I buy my paper towels in bulk like the rest of America. But when it comes to planning a real-deal family vacation, especially one during spring break or with multiple families traveling together... Costco’s not gonna cut it.

Here’s why booking with a travel advisor (hi, it’s me 👋) isn’t just smarter—it’s smoother, safer, and way more personal.

1. You’re Not Just a Booking—You’re a Family With Real Needs

Costco doesn’t ask if your group wants rooms next to each other. Or if you need two double beds because your kids sleep like caffeinated octopuses. Or if Grandma needs a ground-floor room because stairs are a no-go.

I do. I ask. I confirm. I follow up. I make sure the resort actually sees the note and doesn’t just bury it in the system like a forgotten sock in a suitcase.

2. I Troubleshoot Before You Even Know There’s a Problem

Inventory shifts. Room types vanish. Booking systems glitch. And guess what? Costco’s not calling you to say, “Hey, just noticed your room type changed—let me fix that.”

I do that. I catch it, I fix it, and I keep you in the loop. Because nothing ruins a vacation faster than showing up and realizing your “ocean view” is actually a view of the parking lot and a palm tree.

3. You Get Custom Guides, Not Generic Confirmations

I don’t just send you a booking receipt. I send you branded guides, Canva-ready cheat sheets, vacation calendars, and tips tailored to your family. I help you pack smarter, prep better, and arrive feeling like a pro.

Costco? You get a PDF and a prayer.

4. I Know the Fine Print (and the Workarounds)

Cruise placeholders. TA transfers. Resort credits. Cancellation windows. I know the stuff that makes people’s heads spin—and I translate it into plain English. I also know when to push back, when to escalate, and when to say “nope, that’s not good enough.”

Costco’s not explaining why your transfer didn’t show up or how to get your refund. I will.

5. You Get Me—Not a Call Center

When things go sideways (and let’s be real, sometimes they do), you don’t wait on hold. You text me. And I already know your trip, your family, your room requests, and your kid’s obsession with pirate water parks.

I’m not just your travel advisor—I’m your vacation bodyguard.

So... Is Costco Cheaper?

Sometimes. But not always. And even when it is, you have to ask: what’s the real cost of not having someone in your corner?

Because when you book with me, you’re not just getting a trip—you’re getting peace of mind, personalized care, and a whole lot of “I’ve got you.”

Ready to plan something magical?
Let’s make it stress-free, well-organized, and actually fun.
Because your vacation should feel like a vacation—not a gamble.