In this mini episode of our Summer Road Trip Series, we’re heading just south of LA to explore a fun pairing: Catalina Island and Long Beach, California. Listener Jen shares how she turned a couple of Hyatt Free Night Awards into a perfect weekend escape—with ocean views, rooftop hangs, and even a bit of underwater adventure. Whether you’re planning a Disneyland trip or just craving a coastal getaway, this itinerary is packed with smart tips, walkable charm, and creative ways to stretch your travel rewards.

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Idea HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Submitted By

@DiveIntoPoints

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode 21 - Channel Islands

Episode 73 - San Diego

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

In this episode of Wonderland On Points, we’re joined AGAIN by our favorite surgeon, Kelly from @pointsandmilesdoc to talk about her recent trip to China—an incredible journey through a country rich in history, culture, and food. Kelly shares how she flew first and business class using points, and how award redemptions helped her save big on domestic flights as she traveled between major cities and scenic regions.

We explore her itinerary across Shanghai, Hangzhou, Lijiang, and Chengdu, from high tea on the Bund to hiking historic trails, biking around ancient lakes, and tasting bold Sichuan flavors on a food tour. She also highlights unique hotel stays, including China’s Aman properties—luxury experiences that, while not bookable with points, can be a smart way to earn them. We also dive into other options on places to stay if you DO want to use points!

Whether you’re planning your first trip to China or looking for new ways to explore it, this episode is full of tips for stretching your points and creating a five-star experience at a fraction of the price.

Submit Your Summer Roadtrip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Kelly

Mentioned in this Episode

@Trippingonpoints

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

The above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)

If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links or the Daily Drop newsletter link that will allow you to access our affiliate links.

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

This week on our Summer Road Trip Series, we’re heading to Tucson, Arizona—and this episode is packed with creative travel tips thanks to a listener-submitted itinerary that blew us away. Cami, a writer over at Secrets of a Travel Journalist, shared a full plan featuring unique, budget-friendly ways to stay—using Capital One Venture X travel credits instead of the usual points and miles.

She split her stay between the 3 Palms and the historic Lodge on the Desert, and we dive into both properties, plus her top picks for what to do in and around Tucson. From Saguaro National Park and Mount Lemmon to Biosphere 2, Sabino Canyon, and the city’s incredible food scene (Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy!), this episode will have you planning a desert getaway in no time. There is so much in here we almost wish we had made it a full episode!

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Idea HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

For the first time EVER, we’re recording an episode of Wonderland on Points from the SAME PLACE — in person, raw, real, and unedited!

In this episode, we're diving into how to explore New York City using points — and trust us, it’s one of the best destinations for a points-and-miles trip. We’ll walk you through some incredible hotel options you can book with points, share our favorite budget-friendly activities that still give you that true NYC experience, and offer up delicious food recommendations along with tips for getting around the city with ease.

If New York City has been on your list, or if you're planning yet another visit, this is definitely the episode for you!

Firefly Recovery - Use code "WONDERLAND" for 15% off your order

Best Christmas Decorated New York Restaurants

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Idea HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

It’s week two of our Summer Mini Series, where we spotlight lesser-known domestic destinations across the U.S.—and the best part is, these spots were submitted by you! We’ve absolutely loved reading your recommendations, and this week’s pick is a gem.

We’re headed to the Pacific Northwest to explore the charming town of Cle Elum, Washington, and the beautiful Suncadia Resort. Whether you're a local looking for a quick escape or planning a road trip or flight into Seattle, this hidden destination is worth your attention—especially if you're booking with points.

Tune in to find out why Suncadia is the perfect blend of nature, luxury, and rewards travel. We can't wait for you to start planning your PNW getaway.

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Idea HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

This week on the Wonderland on Points podcast, we're heading to the beautiful island of Aruba with special guest and Aruba expert @Erin_Loves_Travel. While most people have heard of Aruba, it doesn't get nearly enough attention in the points and miles community—and we think that needs to change. Erin has visited multiple times and brings a wealth of insider knowledge on how to experience Aruba using points.

In this episode, she shares how to get to Aruba on points and miles, plus tips on where to stay using points—we even discuss two different hotel options. Erin also dives into her favorite places to snorkel, hidden gem activities that most tourists miss, and some of the best local food spots on the island.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of visiting Aruba or have never considered it before, this episode is full of tips and inspiration that will make you want to add it to your travel plans.

Submit Your Summer Roadtrip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Erin

Mentioned in this Episode

Erin's Facebook Group

Kelsey Graves

Trip Tales Podcast

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

The above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)

If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links or the Daily Drop newsletter link that will allow you to access our affiliate links.

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

This week kicks off our Summer Road Trip series—and we’re starting strong with one of the dreamiest New England getaways: Newport, Rhode Island! We dive into everything that makes Newport the perfect points-powered summer escape, from a perfect location to stay on Chase points, to stunning Gilded Age mansions and hot dogs with personality. We also cover the latest buzz in the points and miles world, including the return of Instacart credits on several Chase cards (and yes, you can stack those benefits!). Whether you’re walking the halls of The Breakers, catching the historic Bristol 4th of July parade, or grabbing a fun bite at Wally’s Wieners, Newport is a magical destination for families and budget travelers alike. The episode also includes helpful hacks for using grocery delivery to stick to your travel budget and a reminder that domestic adventures can be just as exciting as those overseas—especially when points are involved.

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Idea HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Mentioned in this Episode

Link for Adding Chase Inks to Instacart

Link for Adding Chase Cobranded Cards to Instacart

Newport Mansions

Newport Cliff Walk

FastFerry To Martha's Vineyard

Nantucket Ferry

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

We're thrilled to welcome back a returning guest and friend of the pod, Joy from Savvy Travel Mamas!

When we first floated the idea of a Vegas episode, we were honestly a little skeptical—does Sin City really have anything to offer beyond the party scene? As family-focused travelers, we weren’t sure it would resonate with our audience. But spoiler alert: we were totally wrong.

Joy completely changed our perspective. From free and affordable attractions to stunning hikes and family-friendly experiences, she walks us through her surprisingly refreshing Vegas weekend getaway— which can be done using points ORRRRR a surprising hack that you might not have considered!

Tune in to hear how Vegas can be more than neon lights and slot machines, and how you can plan an unforgettable trip without blowing your budget.

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Joy

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode 55 with Savvy Travel Mamas

Go City Link

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

The above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)

If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links or the Daily Drop newsletter link that will allow you to access our affiliate links.

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

This week on our Midweek Mini episode, we’re going first but we want to hear from you next! We’re diving into the things we wish we had known when we first started our journey into the world of points, miles, and travel rewards. From rookie mistakes to "a-ha!" moments, we’re sharing the insights that could have saved us time, money, and missed opportunities.

Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with reflections, tips, and lessons learned the hard way. Consider it the advice we wish someone had given us before our first credit card sign-up.

But we also want to hear from you! What did we miss? What do you wish you'd known when you started?

Join the conversation and let us know in the Facebook group, in our Instagram DMs, or by sending us a email at [email protected]. Your feedback might even make it into a future episode!

Submit Your Summer Roadtrip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

The above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)

If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links or the Daily Drop newsletter link that will allow you to access our affiliate links.

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

This week on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, Mary Ellen is back from an unforgettable girls’ trip to stunning St. Kitts—and she’s spilling every detail! While Jo sadly couldn’t make it, she’s hearing all about it for the first time, right along with you.

From scoring a steal of a business class flight on points to navigating arrival, transportation, and luxury accommodations (think $7,300 room for zero dollars), Mary Ellen breaks down exactly how this dream trip came together.

Plus, don’t miss the wild story that almost turned this vacation into a Dateline episode—yes, really!

Get ready to be inspired, amazed, and maybe even a little bit jealous—and of course, learn how you can plan your own points-powered island escape.

Submit Your Summer Roadtrip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Affiliate Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Jo's Chase Sapphire Preferred Link

Sign up for the Daily Drop Newsletter

Credit Card Affiliate Links

The above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)

If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links or the Daily Drop newsletter link that will allow you to access our affiliate links.

We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️