Unlock Summer Savings: Travel Deals from Wholesale Clubs and Beyond

Summer vacation planning is in full swing, and the quest for affordable travel options is heating up. Forget endlessly scouring travel websites – your ticket to budget-friendly adventures might be closer than you think. Wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club are offering substantial discounts on vacation packages, flights, hotels, cruises, and more, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further. And right now, StackSocial offers compelling incentives to join these clubs, providing bonus rewards or discounted membership prices.

Joining a wholesale club can be a smart financial move for savvy travelers. The initial membership fee can quickly be offset by the savings you unlock on travel and everyday expenses. But beyond the wholesale clubs themselves, some lesser-known travel subscription services can deliver tremendous value, offering exclusive deals and personalized support.

Let’s dive into the specifics of how you can leverage these options to plan an unforgettable summer getaway without breaking the bank.

Wholesale Club Travel Benefits: A Deep Dive

Costco: Known for its bulk groceries and discounted merchandise, Costco also boasts a robust travel program. Membership gives you access to exclusive and extensive travel packages that can be easily customized into your dream vacation at the best price. Costco often offers bundled deals that include flights, accommodations, and activities, simplifying the planning process and ensuring you secure a competitive price.

Currently, Costco is featuring a "European City Adventure" package encompassing London, Rome, and Paris. This package includes private ground transportation from the airport to the hotel and return, rail tickets connecting the three cities, and hotel accommodations in each destination. Adding even more value, the package includes perks like a $400 London tour credit. For Costco Executive Members, the benefits are amplified with an annual 2% reward (up to $1,250) on qualified Costco Travel purchases. This reward can be used for future Costco purchases, further enhancing the long-term value of your membership.

Beyond European adventures, Costco also offers family-friendly options like a summer package to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This package bundles flights, a stay at an official Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, and five-day Disney Theme Park Tickets with the Park Hopper Option, giving you the freedom to experience multiple parks each day.

For those seeking a nautical escape, Costco offers cruises, including a six-night Carnival Firenze cruise starting from $455 per person.

BJ’s Wholesale Club: BJ’s Travel features vacation packages, hotels, cruises, car rentals, and activities, offering members exclusive benefits and potential discounts on cruises and all-inclusive vacations. A standout feature is the potential to receive BJ’s gift cards of up to $500 value on qualifying cruises, providing even more savings and rewards for your travel plans.

BJ’s also promotes last-minute cruise deals. One current offer highlights a three-night Bahamas cruise on the MSC Seashore, departing from Florida, starting from $353 per person. The package includes a $500 gift card, 35% savings, free and reduced fares for kids, and discounts on food and drinks, making it an attractive option for families seeking a quick and affordable getaway.

Other highlighted packages include a four-night hotel stay and airfare package for Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, starting at $853 per person, and an adults-only package to Jamaica at the Ocean Eden Bay for four nights with flight included, starting from $982.

Sam’s Club: Sam’s Club Travel and Entertainment provides members-only pricing on hotels, rental cars, and tickets to theme parks, sports events, concerts, and more. Members can explore and save on more than 8,000 travel and entertainment experiences. StackSocial offers a discounted Sam’s Club membership for only $25 when you purchase your one-year membership, which is a 60% savings from the regular price.

Sam’s Club is currently featuring a deal for Universal Orlando Resort: buy two days and get two days free. If you’re planning a trip to Dallas, you can save up to 30% on tickets to Legoland Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills.

Beyond Wholesale Clubs: Exploring Alternative Savings

While wholesale clubs provide a valuable starting point, several other travel subscription services can offer unique and substantial savings.

OneAir Lifetime Elite Plan: Available at StackSocial for a one-time payment of $99.99, this Elite plan provides a lifetime subscription that allows you to earn up to 10% in cash rewards on most bookings. This members-only travel app scans and tracks millions of hotel and airfare data for top destinations globally. When prices drop, members receive an email and mobile alert. OneAir boasts direct contracts with multiple airline consolidators, wholesalers, and virtually every major hotel supplier, allowing them to secure wholesale prices.

Matt’s Flights: For a one-time payment of $89.99, you can get a lifetime subscription to Matt’s Flights at StackSocial. This flight alert service provides access to a curated list of flight deals and personalized flight planning support, allowing you to search for and book affordable flights for life.

Essential Travel Accessories for a Smoother Trip

Regardless of your chosen destination or travel style, having the right accessories can significantly enhance your travel experience.

For European Adventures:

• European Plug Adapter: This adapter from Amazon has two USB ports and is designed to work in most European countries, allowing you to charge your devices without relying on expensive airport options.
• 42L Backpack: Consider a durable and spacious backpack like the 42L backpack from Cotopaxi for multi-city trips. This bag is designed to hold everything you need for a multi-day tour of Europe.
• Flat Water Bottle: Save money and stay hydrated with a flat water bottle that easily slips into your backpack. It’s also a great accessory for making baby formula on the go.

For Cruises:

• Toiletry Bag: Maximize space with a roomy toiletry bag from Amazon that has four separate compartments with zip and back open pocket for great organization. It folds up nicely and has a hook to hang it when in use.
• Cruise Ship Essentials Kit: This kit has everything you need to keep track of your cruise ship credentials, including cruise lanyards with waterproof badge holders, luggage tags, magnetic hooks, phone pouch, towel bands, and transparent storage bags.
• Wide-Brimmed Hat: Protect yourself from the sun with a fashionable hat like the Terra Hat by Nikki Beach at Revolve, which has a wide brim for good sun protection.

For Theme Park Adventures with Kids:

• Skip Hop Backpack: This character backpack is both fun for kids and practical for parents, with bright colors for easy spotting.
• Compact Stroller: Consider bringing your compact stroller from home, like the Summer Infant 3D Lite Stroller, which has a lightweight aluminum frame, a large seat area, a five-point safety harness, an extra-large storage basket, and multi-position recline.
• Stroller Fan: Keep your little one cool and comfortable with a stroller fan from Munchkin, which has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to eight hours.

Conclusion

Planning a summer vacation doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By leveraging the travel benefits offered by wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club, along with exploring alternative subscription services like OneAir and Matt’s Flights, you can unlock significant savings and create an unforgettable travel experience. Remember to pack strategically with essential travel accessories to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. With careful planning and a focus on value, you can make your summer vacation dreams a reality without exceeding your budget.