When planning a trip, booking flights and hotels often steal the spotlight. But one TikToker just learned a pricey lesson the hard way: don’t overlook the car rental. Alex Petrakieva, known on TikTok as @alexonabudget, recently shared how she and her husband paid over $677 for a weeklong rental in Colorado—only to know later that the same car through Costco Travel would’ve cost less than half. Yikes.
Let’s break down her mistake, what Costco offers, and why it might just be your travel game-changer.
Table of Contents
Mistake
Alex and her husband did what most travelers do: they compared prices online and booked a car with Alamo. The rental cost was $430.88, and after taxes and fees, the total jumped to $677.72.
She thought she got a decent deal… until her followers started asking why she didn’t book through Costco. Turns out, she didn’t even know Costco had a car rental service. And she’s not alone—many travelers are missing out on this money-saving hack.
Discovery
Curious (and a bit regretful), Alex went to Costco Travel’s website to see what she had missed. She plugged in the same details—same car, same company, same timing. The result? Just $290.98. That’s more than $380 in savings for the same rental. No hoops, no gimmicks—just a better deal for Costco members.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost comparison:
| Provider | Cost Before Taxes | Total Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo (Direct) | $430.88 | $677.72 | — |
| Costco Travel | $290.98 | $290.98 | $386.74 |
Reactions
The comments on her TikTok blew up with people sharing their own Costco Travel wins. From honeymooners to national park explorers, the verdict was the same: Costco is the real MVP for rentals.
One commenter said, “Between me, Costco, and ChatGPT, I planned the PERFECT Disney vacation.” Another added, “Costco is a lifestyle.” People aren’t just saving a few bucks—they’re slashing their rental bills in half or more.
Others shared similar stories of high rental quotes being beaten by Costco’s prices, often by hundreds. One Glacier National Park traveler said their Costco rental was $600, while the next best price was over $1,800. That’s not a discount—that’s a different tax bracket.
Perks
So what makes Costco Travel so special for car rentals?
- Low Prices: Often the cheapest rates you’ll find.
- Free Additional Driver: Huge if you’re sharing the driving.
- No Cancellation Fees: You can cancel or rebook if prices drop.
- Trusted Brands: Rentals come from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and more.
Plus, you don’t pay upfront in most cases, so there’s no pressure if plans change.
Mindset
As Alex said, someone once told her, “Costco is a mindset.” And honestly? They’re right. Whether you’re buying snacks in bulk or booking a trip, thinking Costco-first can save serious money. The car rental savings alone are worth the annual membership fee.
Travelers who regularly use Costco say the real benefit is flexibility. You can keep checking prices even after you book. If the cost drops, just cancel and rebook—no penalty, no phone call, no stress.
If you’re planning a trip, make Costco Travel your first stop. Because as Alex learned, checking after the fact is too late.
FAQs
Does Costco offer car rentals?
Yes, through Costco Travel, members can rent cars at discounted rates.
Is Costco car rental cheaper?
In most cases, yes—members often save hundreds vs booking direct.
Do I need a Costco card to rent cars?
Yes, a Costco membership is required to access travel deals.
Can I cancel a Costco car rental?
Yes, most Costco rentals offer free cancellation anytime.
What car companies partner with Costco?
Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, and Avis are major partners.
