Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Big news for points collectors! Citi ThankYou Points are now a permanent transfer partner of American Airlines — opening up new ways to earn and use those elusive AA miles. We break down what this means for your travel game, the best Citi cards to maximize your earnings, and why the new Citi Strata Elite card is shaking up the premium travel card space.

If you’ve been waiting for more flexible access to AA points — this is the episode for you. Learn about smart card pairings, welcome offers, and key perks to watch for before applying. Plus, get the scoop on Citi’s unique points sharing feature and whether this new high-fee card is worth it for your wallet.

Don’t miss this quick update that could change how you plan your next trip!

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

Mary Ellen’s back from London with three kids, a stack of memories, and a jaw-dropping redemption: five tickets to London for just 43,000 points and $0 OUT OF POCKET. In this episode, she shares exactly how she did it — plus the seat map trick that scored her extra legroom for free.

We swap stories from our very different London adventures, from royal parks to hidden foodie gems, and even the small missteps that turned into unexpected wins. You’ll hear why economy might be the smartest play (even for long-haul), how to keep kids engaged without blowing the budget, and what not to miss if you’re planning your own UK trip.

Whether you’re plotting your first trip to London or looking for fresh ways to stretch your points, this episode is packed with strategies, laughs, and plenty of inspiration.

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Episode Sponsor

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

Mentioned in this Episode

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

Aero Lopa Seat Maps

London PART 1 Episode

Mary Ellen's London Airbnb

Other Links

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

***A quick note before we begin:This episode was recorded a few weeks ago, before the full extent of the devastating wildfires in Arizona became clear. At the time, we briefly referenced the situation, but we want to acknowledge that the destruction has since grown far more severe. Our hearts are with all those affected — the communities, first responders, and everyone impacted by these tragic events. We’re keeping Arizona in our thoughts and encouraging listeners to support relief efforts however they can.***

We’re winding down our summer road trip series with an epic listener-submitted adventure through Arizona’s most stunning spots (thank you Maria!)—from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Sedona, and Page.

Join us as we share highlights from this five-day, 800-mile trip filled with gorgeous landscapes, fun hotels (think Wyndham and Hilton), delicious local eats, and unforgettable hikes. Whether you’re planning a getaway or just love travel inspiration, this episode has plenty of tips for points, driving, and exploring the Southwest.

If you’re dreaming of desert views and red rocks, this one’s for you!

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Visit Sedona Facebook Group

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

Ready to level up your credit cards and travel rewards in 2025? In this episode we have two time guest Alli back to participate in a round table episode about our most recent cards. Alli shares her firsthand experience going after the huge 200,000-point welcome bonus on the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, weighing the steep $795 annual fee against valuable benefits like lounge access and travel credits. We unpack the challenges of Chase business card approvals, compare perks of popular cards like Amex Blue Business Plus and Chase Ink Business Unlimited, and share practical tips on maximizing points for everyday and big-ticket spending. Whether you’re new to business cards or a seasoned points collector, this conversation will help you plan smarter and travel further with points and miles.

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Alli

Episode Sponsor

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

Mentioned in this episode

Favorite Baby/Toddler Travel Items

Episode 13- Paris on Points with Alli

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

In this heartfelt midweek mini, Joanna and Mary Ellen open up about the deeper meaning behind points and miles — how these travel tools can bring joy and relief during challenging times. They share moving listener stories about caretakers and families who used points to create precious travel memories amid hardship, reminding us all why this podcast exists: to empower people to travel smarter and live fuller.

Their guest Lindsay, a longtime friend and foster mom, joins the conversation to talk about how points helped her family carve out a much-needed mini escape during a difficult season of caregiving. From canceled trips to spontaneous getaways, Lindsay’s story highlights the true power of points beyond the glam.

Then the duo dives into a practical, insider tip for Broadway lovers: the Broadway Direct app. Mary Ellen discovered this lottery-based ticket app that scores you deeply discounted tickets for top New York shows like Stranger Things and Death Becomes Her — often at a fraction of the regular price. They break down how the app works, how to navigate its quirks, and share their own winning experiences (including front-row seats and first-class flights!).

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

This week we sat down with the amazing Jen from @DiveIntoPoints to hear all about her incredible points-powered trip to Italy. She and a friend flew in style, stayed in dreamy locations across the country, and packed a lot into just nine days—without spending a fortune. In this episode, we talk through what it’s like to fly Emirates business class there and Emirates FIRST CLASS home (hello, shower in the sky!), how Jen planned the trip after a sudden change in plans, and what destinations made the biggest impact.

We also get into which tourist spots felt worth the hype, which ones she might skip next time, and how she made the most of her time across Rome, Florence, Amalfi, and Milan. If you’re dreaming of Italy—or trying to decide where to go—this conversation is full of insight, inspiration and tips that’ll have you pulling up your points balances and looking at flights.

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Mentioned in this Episode

Florence Market

San Marco Restaurant

Fetch App

Katie'a Travel Tricks Video (Free eSIM)

TripIt

Jen's Photography Instagram

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

In this Midweek Mini episode, we react to the brand new US News & World Report 2025-26 rankings of the best travel rewards programs. We share our initial thoughts on the surprising twists and turns in both hotel and airline loyalty programs and how these rankings might change the way you think about earning and redeeming points. We also reveal how we’re preparing to dig even deeper with an upcoming interview featuring a senior travel editor from US News, who will give us insider insights and answer your burning questions. If you want to stay ahead of the game and discover potential opportunities in the evolving points and miles landscape, this episode is for you!

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

Australia is a bucket list destination for SO many people! In this episode, we’re joined by Senitra, a travel journalist who has been to over 50 countries! She recently went on an epic solo adventure to Australia — all on points. She takes us behind the scenes of her trip to Melbourne and Sydney, from lie-flat seats on the world’s longest flight, to the perfect things to do, see, and eat in the epic "Down Under."

We dig into how she booked it all, where she stayed, and what made this trip so meaningful. Whether Australia’s on your bucket list or you’re just curious what solo international travel on points really looks like, this episode will leave you inspired to start planning.

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Senitra

Mentioned in this Episode

Senitra's writing:

Daily Drop articles

The Points Guy articles

Award Wallet articles

Sponsors

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

This week, we’re heading west! Inspired by listener Emily we’re diving into a family-friendly road trip through South Dakota’s most iconic stops — from the Black Hills to the Badlands, with plenty of adventure along the way.

You’ll hear about glamping at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore (yes, with Hyatt points!), digging for fossils at an active mammoth site, and the surprisingly adorable experience of feeding prairie dogs. We also chat about scenic drives, budget-friendly hotel options, and the kind of hikes that even little legs can handle.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Mount Rushmore up close, or if you’re planning a National Parks trip with your family, this episode is packed with inspiration — and the full itinerary (with drive-time stops!) is linked HERE

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!

In this first half of our London two-parter, Joanna went on a whirlwind two-day adventure in the city before heading into the countryside — and she’s sharing EVERY DETAIL.

She traveled with her mom and daughter, flew Virgin Atlantic using points, and tried a new system to beat jet lag that changed everything. From a rainy New York layover to a luggage-saving trick that helped them hit the ground running, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of inspiration for your own trip.

Whether you’re heading to London soon or just dreaming about it, tune in for the tips — and stay for the real talk about navigating public transit, spending points wisely, and falling head over heels for a city you didn’t expect to love this much.

Part two is coming soon with Mary Ellen’s London itinerary — totally different pace, totally different vibe.

Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HERE

Facebook Group

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Links

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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!