Most people think warehouse clubs are just for buying toilet paper in bulk, but smart travelers know these memberships unlock some of the best vacation deals around. Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club don’t just save you money on groceries—they’re sitting on travel benefits that can slash hundreds off your next getaway.

According to recent Consumer Reports data, 35% of people buying travel through wholesale clubs rated their purchase as “excellent” value, versus only 15% giving that rating for online travel agencies. Even better, 85% of warehouse club travel customers said they’d definitely use the service again. Here’s why these membership benefits deserve a spot in your travel planning toolkit.

Sam’s Club: The Travel Platform You Didn’t Know Existed

Sam’s Club operates its own travel app and website offering member-only pricing on over 40,000 hotels across 4,500 cities, plus vacation activities, rental cars, and theme park tickets. The savings can be substantial—up to 60% off hotels and 25% on rental cars.

Recent deals showcase the potential: A four-day, four-park Disney World ticket bundle costs $71/day through Sam’s Club versus $99/day directly from Disney—that’s $28 savings per person. For families, the math gets impressive quickly. Disneyland Park Hopper tickets run $137/day through Sam’s Club compared to Disney’s $153/day, saving $47.51 per adult on three-day passes.

Theme Park Goldmine

The Sam’s Club Travel & Entertainment portal regularly features deals like Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets for $61 versus the regular $143.49—that’s 57% off. Universal Studios packages can save families up to $200 when bundling hotel stays with park tickets.

San Diego Zoo tickets drop to $56.34 through Sam’s Club instead of $72 direct, while children’s tickets fall to $48.60 from $62. These aren’t occasional flash sales—they’re consistent member benefits available year-round.

BJ’s Travel: The Cash-Back Champion

BJ’s takes a different approach with their travel booking platform, focusing heavily on cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and vacation packages. The standout feature? Members earn 5% back in BJ’s gift cards on qualifying cruise, vacation package, or villa bookings—up to $500 per booking.

The 110% Best Price Guarantee sets BJ’s apart from competitors. Find a lower price within 48 hours of booking, and they’ll refund 110% of the difference. That means you actually make money if you find a better deal elsewhere.

Recent examples demonstrate the value: A four-night all-inclusive stay at SeaGarden Beach Resort in Jamaica costs under $800 per person through BJ’s Travel, including flights. The resort alone charges $632 for the same room, making the flight essentially $138—hard to beat for roundtrip Jamaica flights.

Cruise Specialists

BJ’s partners with 21 cruise lines, from major operators like Royal Caribbean and Carnival to boutique river cruise lines and luxury options like Crystal and Ponant. Members consistently report savings of hundreds per person compared to booking direct.

The gift card benefit arrives 6-10 weeks after your trip, providing cash for future BJ’s shopping. For frequent warehouse club shoppers, this essentially makes vacations partially self-funding.

Membership Math That Works

Sam’s Club membership starts at $50 annually (currently $25 for new members through January 2026), while the Plus membership costs $110 but includes 2% cash back on purchases and additional travel savings. BJ’s Inner Circle membership runs $55 yearly, with the Club+ Card at $110 offering 2% rewards and enhanced travel benefits.

Both clubs offer military discounts, student rates, and other reduced-price memberships for eligible groups. Given that a single vacation can save more than the membership fee, the math works for most travelers.

For frequent vacationers, the savings multiply quickly. Sam’s Club data shows members can save up to $500 per person by bundling flights and hotels, while BJ’s 5% cash back can return $50-100+ per booking. Compare that to booking fees and markup on other travel sites, and warehouse clubs often come out ahead.

What Locals Know About Hidden Perks

Beyond basic bookings, both clubs offer lesser-known travel benefits. Sam’s Club members get discounted Southwest Airlines gift cards during Black Friday sales—$500 cards for $399.98. BJ’s provides rental car upgrades, free additional drivers, and category improvements when available.

Sam’s Club’s mobile app includes last-minute deals up to 60% off, while BJ’s specializes in 55-and-older cruise discounts. Both offer 24/7 travel support, something many online booking sites lack.

The AARP warehouse club travel comparison found warehouse clubs excel in customer service, with 31% rating it “excellent” versus just 15% for online agencies.

Smart Booking Strategies

Always compare package deals versus booking components separately. Sam’s Club often shines on theme park tickets and hotel bundles, while BJ’s excels with cruise and all-inclusive packages. Both clubs’ apps send notifications for flash sales and limited-time offers.

Book early for maximum selection, but watch for last-minute deals if you’re flexible. Sam’s Club’s “Deals” tab features time-sensitive offers, while BJ’s Travel sends email alerts to members about special promotions.

Don’t forget to factor in gas discounts at club stations, prescription savings, and other membership benefits when calculating total value. For many families, these additional perks make the membership pay for itself before any travel bookings.

The warehouse club travel secret isn’t really secret anymore—it’s just overlooked. With legitimate savings, strong customer service, and unique benefits like cash back and price guarantees, Sam’s Club and BJ’s have quietly become serious players in the travel booking space. Your bulk-buying membership just became your vacation planning advantage.