It’s a new year, which makes it the perfect time to reset how we think about points and miles. In this episode, we’re diving into why earning and burning points is so important if you actually want to get value from your travel rewards.

We talk about the risks of hoarding points, including devaluations that can happen without warning, as well as account closures and expiration policies that can wipe out rewards entirely. Points are depreciating assets, and waiting for the “perfect” redemption often leads to analysis paralysis and missed trips.

We also share why using points can free up cash for other priorities, and how it’s okay to save strategically for a specific trip—as long as you have a plan and don’t wait forever. Most importantly, we remind you to trust that you can earn more points in the future.

We wrap up by encouraging you to lean into community for support, ideas, and confidence as you navigate the points and miles world this year.

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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In this episode, we chat with travel insurance advisor Lisa Jarvis about knowing your rights when you travel. She shares the details on lost baggage, delayed flights and how to navigate these challenging situations. We also talk about why medical travel insurance is essential, especially when traveling with kids. We share real stories of emergencies abroad—like a broken arm in London and worrying moments in the Bahamas—and explore how to get affordable coverage, including tips on credit card perks and “$0 trip cost” policies. Lisa also shares practical strategies for teaching kids situational awareness and independence while traveling, from navigating airports to using public transit safely.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first family trip, this episode is full of actionable advice to travel smarter, safer, and with peace of mind.

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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Chasing Memories Website

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In this Midweek Mini, Mary Ellen wraps up her incredible European adventure with a family of five, taking us through Belgium, including Antwerp, Bruges, and Brussels. From navigating train travel with kids to indulging in Belgian chocolate, waffles, and exploring Mini Europe and the Atomium, she shares the highs, the chaos, and the lessons learned along the way.

Mary Ellen highlights how points and miles made this trip possible, from booking flights on points with Capital One to scoring nearly free hotels, all while keeping the family’s out-of-pocket costs remarkably low. She also shares real-life travel hacks, like pre-ordering allergy-friendly airline meals, finding the best playgrounds, and creative ways to make a European vacation work for families on a budget.

Whether you’re planning your first family trip abroad or looking to stretch your travel budget further, this episode is packed with practical tips, inspiration, and a few wild stories that every parent can relate to.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Europe Trip Part 1 (England)

Part 2 (France)

Part 3 (the Netherlands)

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In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re joined by @SuzyMay.Wander, financial coach, worldschooling mom, and host of the Wander Worldschool podcast, for an inspiring and practical conversation about designing a life that makes meaningful travel possible. Suzy shares how her family transitioned from dreaming about extended travel to living it out, and she walks us through her approachable six-step framework for planning long-term or slow travel with intention. We talk about clarifying your “why,” building a realistic financial plan, understanding what monthly costs might look like in different destinations, and using tools like points, budgeting strategies, and creative income to close financial gaps. We also dive into the mindset side of money, why so many families underestimate what’s possible, and how getting honest with your numbers can open the door to travel that truly aligns with your values. If you’ve ever wondered whether extended travel or a slower, more intentional travel lifestyle could work for your family, this episode offers guidance, encouragement, and a practical starting point.

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Grenada Episode

Seville Episode

Suzy's blog-home swap

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Celebrate the magic of Christmas travel done smartly in this festive midweek mini episode of Wonderland on Points. Mary Ellen shares how she pulled off a dreamy, budget-friendly Christmas Eve getaway to New York City with her preschooler using points and miles, from scoring affordable Amtrak tickets to booking a Times Square hotel that would have cost over $1,000 per night for just 29,000 Hyatt points. You’ll hear practical tips for Amtrak booking and upgrades, smart seat selection for kid-friendly Broadway-style shows like the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, and how Hyatt’s Brand Explorer “Hyatt Bingo” can unlock valuable free night certificates. Along the way, the episode highlights simple joys like New York pizza in bed, a magical Disney Store moment, and the power of solo parent-child trips made possible through points and miles. Perfect for families looking to travel more, spend less, and create meaningful holiday memories, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and Christmas cheer.

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Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers

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Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

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FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

Tripiamo Driving Tutorials

Our Favorite Travel Necessities

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Join us as we chat with travel expert Jen Logan from @JenzJourneys about exploring the Canadian Rockies—Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Kananaskis, and beyond! Jen shares insider tips on the best hikes, hidden gems, and must-see sights, from the iconic red canoes at Lake Louise and the Beehive and Lake Agnes Tea House hikes, to glacier climbs in Jasper and serene stays at Emerald Lake Lodge. She also highlights charming mountain towns like Canmore and Kananaskis, tips for using travel portals to book national park lodging and shuttles, and ideas for experiencing less-crowded turquoise lakes and scenic viewpoints. Whether you’re planning your first Rockies adventure or returning to discover new spots, this episode is packed with practical advice, breathtaking destinations, and inspiration to plan a start-to-finish trip you won’t forget.

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Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting the Canadian Rockies

Jen's Tiktok

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers

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FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

Tripiamo Driving Tutorials

Our Favorite Travel Necessities

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In this Midweek Mini episode of Wonderland on Points, we break down the most important year-end points and miles news you need to know before key deadlines hit, with practical advice you can act on right away. Sponsored by CardPointers, this episode covers how to stay organized with your credit card offers and credits while diving deep into the highly talked-about Citi Strata Elite “triple dip,” including how to stack calendar-year credits, evaluate a high annual fee card, and potentially extract thousands of dollars in value from points and benefits. We also highlight an elevated Chase Freedom Unlimited offer that’s ideal for beginners, college students, or anyone building toward Chase’s transferable points ecosystem, along with a candid discussion of the sudden shutdown of the Mesa card and what it means for earning rewards on mortgage payments. To wrap things up, we share a clever, fast way to earn Alaska and Hawaiian “Atmos” rewards points with no out-of-pocket spend, perfect for topping off an account or booking last-minute travel. If you want to maximize points, avoid costly mistakes, and finish the year strong in the points and miles world, this episode is a must-listen.

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers

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Reel with Atmos instructions

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Mary Ellen's Chase Unlimited Referral

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FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

Tripiamo Driving Tutorials

Our Favorite Travel Necessities

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In this episode, we dive deep into family-friendly travel in southern Spain with Addie from @InPursuitofPoints who is sharing exactly what it’s like to visit magical and idyllic Granada with kids while maximizing points and minimizing stress. We cover everything from navigating the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens with young children, including stroller logistics and timed entry tips, to getting around town affordably by taxi, bus, or on foot. You’ll hear what to expect from Granada’s food scene, including tapas culture, budget-friendly dining, and how an unforgettable Airbnb with a private terrace and Alhambra views became a highlight of the trip. We also talk weather considerations, siesta culture, walkability, must-see sights like the Granada Cathedral, and how much time you really need to experience the city. To wrap things up, we dig into Addie’s recent credit card strategy. If you’re considering Spain with kids or want inspiration for building incredible trips around points and miles, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience.

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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Alhambra Official Website for booking tickets

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Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

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FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

Tripiamo Driving Tutorials

Our Favorite Travel Necessities

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Welcome back to another Midweek Mini News Roundup! We’re bringing you the latest buzz in the points and miles world, from major airline updates to can’t-miss transfer bonuses.

We’ll guide you through all the news, the deals, and what to watch out for so you can travel smarter in the coming year. Plus, a big thanks to Card Pointers for sponsoring this episode and keeping us all on top of our credit card offers!

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Find Us On Online:

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers

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Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

Tripiamo Driving Tutorials

Our Favorite Travel Necessities

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In this episode, we chat with author, graphic designer and avid savvy traveler Katie Wilson about her incredible 16th-anniversary trip to St. Martin, planned entirely using points and miles—but with a twist! Katie shares how they booked flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and excursions with points, keeping their out-of-pocket costs under $600. She takes us through her adventures, including where they stayed and the amazing excursions they experienced. Katie explains her points and miles strategies, including how they are working towards a Southwest Companion Pass, and she shares how she maximizes rewards for airfare, hotels, and excursions. She also gives us a sneak peek at upcoming family trips, including a points-and-miles-funded adventure to Panama City. This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring ideas, and real-life examples of how to travel more while spending less.

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Grand Casa Beach Club

SeaTrek Helmet Diving

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FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

Tripiamo Driving Tutorials

Our Favorite Travel Necessities

We receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!