Budget travelers value 'hard-to-beat' Costco vacations, but service may not be for everyone

Costco may be best known for its bulk groceries and its $1.50 hot-dog combo — but the warehouse retailer also sells vacation experiences through Costco Travel.

The service allows members to book cruises, vacation packages and rental cars through a curated selection of partners, according to Costco Travel’s website. Standalone airfare is not sold, and hotel stays are typically bundled with flights or rental cars rather than booked separately.

As travelers look for more and more ways to stretch their vacation budgets...