Two important factors:

• I was a marketing manager at Costco in 2005-2006.
• I never used Costco Travel.

Here's the deal, Costco Travel deals really aren't that amazing. That's not to say that they are terrible, but the thing about the travel industry is that it's so competitive that most of the hotels and airlines are already cut to the bone. You're simply not going to find some crazier deal on Costco Travel than you would anywhere else, but . . . . maybe you might stumble upon a combo package that would be reasonably priced or something rare enough to warrant your attention.

I have been a Costco Member for years. I believe in the company even though my employment experience there wasn't the best. They are building and doing great things at that company. They treat their employees like gold. They are highly ethical. They're just a great organization and I shop there and buy through them as much as possible.

But if you're going to Costco Travel expecting to consistently find something rare and wonderful, don't. Their deals are good, just like everybody else's. But it's worth checking out because -- like with any website -- you'll eventually find something interesting.

That said, your best bet for finding these rare things is through their vacation package deals. If you're just booking airfare or hotels, then don't bother. There are better sites.