Why Booking with a Travel Advisor (Like Me!) Beats Booking with Costco Travel

Let’s face it—planning a vacation can be exciting… but also overwhelming. Between juggling work, life, and the endless scroll of travel deals online, it’s tempting to go with big-box travel sites like Costco Travel. After all, they’re a household name and offer bundled packages. So, what’s the downside?

As a professional travel advisor with Playcation Travel Ltd., I’ve worked with hundreds of clients who have come to me after feeling underwhelmed—or outright stressed—by their DIY vacation experiences. And here’s the truth: there’s a huge difference between booking your trip through a warehouse membership site and booking with a real, human travel advisor who genuinely cares about your experience.

Here’s why working with an advisor like me offers real value you won’t get from Costco Travel

1. You're Not Just a Number—You're a Priority

When you book with Costco Travel, you're dealing with a call center or an automated booking system. There's no single person accountable for your trip. When you book with me, I’m your go-to contact from beginning to end. I get to know you—your preferences, your travel style, your pet peeves, and your dream destinations—so your vacation is tailored just for you.

2. Customized Experiences, Not Cookie-Cutter Packages

Costco Travel offers pre-built packages that work for the masses. But travel isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you're planning a honeymoon in Santorini, a family adventure to Costa Rica, or need arrangements made for a family member with disability needs, I curate your itinerary based on you. Want a beachfront suite with a private plunge pool and daily yoga? Or maybe amazing excursion suggestions for a cruise? I make it happen.

3. Exclusive Perks and Insider Access

At Playcation Travel Ltd., we have access to a wide network of partners, preferred hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators. This can often translate to exclusive upgrades, resort credits, early check-ins, VIP amenities, and more. These are perks Costco simply can’t offer—because they’re not built for personalization or relationship-based travel planning.

4. Problem? Solved. Fast.

Delays, cancellations, missed connections—it happens. When you book with a big-box agency, you’re often left on hold or bouncing between departments. When you book with me? I’m on your team. I’ll jump on the phone with the airline, contact the resort, or rearrange your transfers—so you can relax while I handle the logistics.

5. We Actually Save You Time (and Sometimes, Money)

Yes, you might think you’re saving money by booking through Costco—but that’s not always true. I often help clients take advantage of value-added offers, seasonal discounts, or free-night promotions that aren’t advertised online. For trips such as those to a Disney resort, if a promotion comes about that could work for your vacation, I can go ahead and apply it for you where Costco cannot as they are a third party seller, so if a better promotion comes about, you're stuck with what you booked.

More importantly, I save you time—and that’s something you can’t put a price on.

6. Support a Real Small Business, Not a Corporation

When you book through Costco Travel, your dollars go to… well, Costco. When you work with a travel advisor like me, you’re supporting a real person, often a small business, and someone who truly appreciates your trust. At Playcation Travel Ltd., we’re passionate about crafting memorable vacations—not meeting sales quotas.

Final Thought: Who Would You Rather Call?

When you’re sipping your morning coffee and wondering if your resort includes airport transfers, do you want to call a 1-800 number and wait on hold? Or would you rather text your travel advisor (hi, it’s me 👋) who already knows all the details and has you covered?

Vacations are more than flights and hotel nights—they’re moments you’ll remember for a lifetime. Shouldn’t the planning process reflect that?

Let’s make your next trip seamless, special, and totally stress-free.

📧 Ready to plan your getaway? Reach out to me at rebecca.c@playcationtravel.com or send a message on Facebook Rebecca Currie - Playcation Travel LTD or Instagram @rebecccaplaycationtravel. Your dream trip starts here.

With love and adventure,

Rebecca Currie

Travel Advisor | Special Needs Advocate | Mom