Costco Club Card Reveals a Smart Travel Trick

The Hidden Travel Secret: Costco as a Road Trip Essential

Planning a summer road trip involves more than just choosing the perfect route and packing your favorite playlist. It also means thinking about the less glamorous aspects of travel—finding clean restrooms, avoiding expensive gas, and avoiding greasy fast food. For many savvy travelers, the solution to these challenges might be right in their wallet. A growing number of people are discovering that their Costco membership card is an unexpected but valuable tool for making road trips more enjoyable and stress-free.

The idea gained traction after a Redditor shared a story about a recent trip that almost turned into a disaster. “I went up from New York into Toronto this weekend with my parents for a Blue Jays game,” they wrote. “Nature called so I navigated us to the nearest Starbucks... As we pulled in, we realized it was in a Costco plaza. We got to the door of the Starbucks only to see a sign that they were short-staffed and drive-thru only.” Faced with a potential problem, the user had a quick realization. “My mom looked less than happy at the prospect of finding another stop, so I looked across the plaza and just said, 'Well... I have my membership card in my purse!' We scanned in no problem, and even did a lap after to scope out what was different (not much 😂). Costco coming in clutch yet again!”

This post sparked a wave of responses from other members who had been using the same trick for years. Many pointed out that Costco isn’t just a place for bulk shopping—it’s a reliable haven for travelers. One commenter noted, “I seek out Costcos during road trips for their gas and bathrooms and sometimes the food court for lunch.” Another added, “I’ve definitely noticed people at our gas stations that are on road trips, but I never thought to do it just for the bathrooms. It’s a game changer.”

Convenience and Practicality Make Costco a Top Choice

For those traveling along highways, the convenience of Costco’s locations is a major draw. “Most definitely, especially if it’s close to the highway,” one fan shared. This sentiment was echoed by others who highlighted how easily they could access gas, restrooms, and even meals while on the move.

In places like California, where there are numerous Costco locations, travelers often rely on them for fuel. “We did a California road trip and there are so many Costcos there,” one user said. “I don’t think we got gas anywhere else because there was always a Costco nearby.” Similarly, a traveler in Hawaii shared, “We stopped for a bathroom break at a Costco in Hawaii. I’m going to start targeting them on road trips—clean bathrooms, can fuel up, cheap food? Yes please!”

A Great Place for Meals and Fun Breaks

Beyond gas and restrooms, the food court at Costco has become a popular spot for travelers looking for a quick and affordable meal. One parent described their family’s tradition: “We stop at Costco 45 minutes from the beach, pick up 2 food court pizzas and 1 deli Caesar salad, and thoroughly enjoy our first easy meal right when we arrive at the rental house.” They admitted that this routine wasn’t always smooth, however. “I will admit that this was more of a challenge last year when we brought the dog with us... adding an excited pup who can smell pepperoni into the mix was... a lot.”

Costco stops can also serve as fun diversions during road trips. “When we road trip with the kids, we stop at Costco for gas, bathroom breaks and we get a sundae to share,” one member wrote. “Plus, it's fun to do a quick walk to scout for 97 deals that might not be at our local store.”

The Bottom Line

The consensus among travelers is clear—using Costco as part of a road trip strategy is both simple and effective. “Yep, did the same thing yesterday... Got my business done and fueled up and back on the road. Perfect,” one driver said. Another summed it up perfectly: “Costco for President!!” Whether it’s for gas, restrooms, or a quick bite to eat, Costco has proven to be more than just a warehouse club—it’s a travel essential.