Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

In this Midweek Mini, we dive into a listener-submitted road trip itinerary (thank you Lauren!) that kicks off in El Paso, Texas and explores three stunning national parks—Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, and White Sands. We chatted about the best times to visit (hint: avoid the peak summer heat!), where to stay using points with Hilton and Hyatt, and the unique experiences each park offers—from hiking to the highest point in Texas to sledding down sand dunes.

We also shared why a stop in quirky, alien-themed Roswell is worth the detour. If you're planning a Southwest loop, this episode is full of practical tips and fun ideas to help you make the most of your adventure.

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This week, we sat down with travel journalist and itinerary expert Cami from Secrets of Travel Journalist to talk all things Pacific Northwest National Parks. From Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier and the North Cascades, Cami shared how she uses points and miles to make incredible trips happen without blowing the budget, and gave us a peek into how she approaches trip planning with intention and creativity.

We talked about the magic of Forks (yes, the rainiest town in the continental U.S.), how tide charts can completely shape your beach experience, and why fried bread tacos should definitely be on your must-try list. We also dug into the details of booking flights, rental cars (pro tip: check Costco!), and accommodations—like the cozy Dewdrop Inn—while highlighting ways to maximize travel credits and loyalty programs to make every dollar go further.

Cami brought us along on her hikes through stunning landscapes like Doubtful Lake, shared her favorite waterfall moments at Mount Rainier, and gave us tips for navigating the unpredictable weather that comes with outdoor adventure. We loved hearing about her family travels and how she plans around everyone's needs to make trips both fun and accessible.

If you're planning a trip to the PNW—or just dreaming of one—this episode is full of ideas, tips, and inspiration to help you make the most of your next national park adventure.

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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.

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Episode 21 - Channel Islands

Episode 73 - San Diego

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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.

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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!

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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!

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Best Christmas Decorated New York Restaurants

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Link for Adding Chase Inks to Instacart

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Newport Mansions

Newport Cliff Walk

FastFerry To Martha's Vineyard

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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.

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Episode 55 with Savvy Travel Mamas

Go City Link

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