Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

This week on Wonderland on Points, we’re heading back to Hawaii with a special twist! Our guest, Jamie, takes us on a journey through not one but TWO islands and incredible hotels—both booked entirely on points! First, Jamie shares how she managed to secure a stay at Disney’s Aulani Resort, a place known for being notoriously difficult to book with points. After soaking up the magic at Aulani, they jumped on an island hopper flight to get over to the Hyatt Regency Maui, where her family of five enjoys an unforgettable vacation—again, without paying a dime out of pocket for their stay! Jamie is packed with insider tips, tricks, and strategies to help you replicate this dream Hawaiian getaway on a budget. Whether you’re a seasoned points traveler or just starting out, you won’t want to miss the amazing advice Jamie has to offer. If you loved our previous Hawaii episode, this one will be a perfect follow-up!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Jamie

Mentioned in this Episode

Previous Hawaii Episode with Mari On the Map

Lynn on Main Street

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 on our Midweek Mini, we're diving into the latest news surrounding Southwest Airlines and their major overhaul. We're heartbroken by the changes and use this episode to break down what they mean for us and, more importantly, for all of you who have long relied on Southwest as a favorite airline. We react to the news and break down the details and how these changes could impact your travel plans. If you're someone who wants to stay on top of the latest in points and miles news, or if you're wondering how this will affect your future flights, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

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 on Wonderland on Points, we dive into the true essence of why we named this podcast what we did. Join us as we explore the stunning "Wonderland" of our own country, guided by the inspiring journey of Jordyn and JT from @themobilehomie.

They share the incredible story of their year-long road trip across all 50 states. What started as an unexpected career setback—when JT was suddenly let go from his job—turned into the adventure of a lifetime. Rather than let the setback define them, they decided to pack up their lives, put everything in storage, and chase their dream.

Through smart budgeting, frugality, and leveraging points and miles, they embarked on epic adventures and discovered the beauty of exploring closer to home. While it's tempting to book international getaways with points, Jordyn and JT remind us that the domestic wonders of our own backyard are just as awe-inspiring.

Tune in for an episode packed with valuable tips and tricks for crafting unforgettable experiences on a budget. Whether you’re planning your own road trip or looking to make the most of your travel rewards, this conversation will inspire you to create your own incredible memories without breaking the bank.

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Jordyn & JT

Mentioned in this Episode

How Much Did It Cost Reel

Packed With Points

The Travel Mentors

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!

Get ready for a super fun Midweek Mini! We've got two exciting elevated offers on Hilton credit cards that come with Hilton's FAMOUS Free Night Certificate – and trust us, you don’t want to miss this! These certificates are incredibly valuable because they're practically unlimited and can be used at almost any Hilton property worldwide.

In this episode, we'll break down the details of these amazing card offers, plus give you some creative ideas for how to use these certificates to their full potential. We'll share one fun and practical domestic option, plus an insane international experience that will have you dreaming big – think $2,000+ a night luxury FOR FREE!

Don't miss out – we’ve included links to both cards below, so you can grab yours today and start planning your next getaway!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

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!

Today on The Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re excited to have Pat, the travel expert behind the popular TikTok and Instagram @PointsPat accounts. He took an incredible backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia, and in this episode, he’s sharing all the details of his journey. From scoring incredible hotel stays to flying in epic business class seats, Pat used points and miles to make his travels unforgettable.

As a valuable resource for the travel community, Pat has been offering expert advice on maximizing points and miles, and now he’s here to share his best tips for exploring Thailand. We’ll dive into the must-see spots in Thailand based on Pat’s personal experience, explore local customs and cultural insights, and discuss the best time of year to visit. On top of that, Pat will share a treasure trove of pro tips to ensure your trip to Thailand is smooth and unforgettable.

If Thailand is already on your travel radar, this episode is a must-listen. And if it wasn’t, it certainly will be after hearing Pat’s tips and insights!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Pat

Mentioned in this Episode

@PointsPat Tik Tok

@RaimeeTravel

@MaxMilesPoints

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

It’s that dreaded time of year again for all points and miles lovers – Hyatt is shaking up its award chart! In this episode, we’re diving into the latest changes, from the exciting updates to the not-so-great ones. Whether you're looking to maximize your points or plan your next getaway, we’re here to break down what’s changing and how it will affect your travel plans. Tune in as we spill the tea on the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of Hyatt’s upcoming adjustments, all starting at the end of March. Don’t miss out on what you need to know to make the most of your points before these changes hit!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Mentioned in this Episode

Points Guy Article

Hyatt Changes Chart

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!

We’re heading to the breathtaking Masai Mara in Kenya for an exclusive look at a luxury safari experience. Our guest, Emily Cooper from Emily Eats and Explore, shares all the details on how you can experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure using your points at the JW Marriott.

While it’s a big redemption, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step formula to make this dream trip a reality with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. You won’t want to miss Emily spilling the tea on this unforgettable experience, where the luxury is unparalleled—from exceptional service and gourmet dining to daily game drives that will leave you in awe.

Tune in for all the insider tips and secrets on making this dream safari experience come true!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo | Emily

Mentioned in this Episode

Trave Chat Podcast

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!

Midweek Mini Alert! Today, we’re doing a card showdown: Venture vs. Venture X—which one is the better fit for you? With the Capital One Venture Rewards card currently offering an elevated welcome offer, we thought it was the perfect time to break down both of these cards for you.

We’ll also dive into why these cards have become our top choice for starter cards. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned points pro who hasn’t yet jumped into the world of Capital One, this episode is a must-listen!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Mentioned in this Episode

What is 5/24?

Card Pairings Episode

Links

Capital One Venture X Referral

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

30% off the CardPointers subscription!

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

Welcome back to Wonderland on Points! Today, we’re revisiting our first love—affordable domestic family travel! In this episode, we’re taking you to a city rich in history and culture: Boston, a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway or a family vacation—all while using points to make it insanely affordable.

We’ll be sharing our top tips and tricks for booking flights, finding the best hotels, discovering family-friendly activities, and so much more. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this episode has something for everyone.

We’re excited to hear which of you create your own Boston itinerary after listening—let us know how it goes!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Mentioned in this Episode

Freeze Your Experian

Freeze Your TransUnion

Freeze Your EquiFax

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!

Today on our Midweek Mini, Mary Ellen is flying solo while Jo is out sick with the flu. In this episode, she dives deep into an essential topic: freezing your credit. With identity theft becoming more and more prevalent, freezing your credit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself—and best of all, it’s completely free!

Mary Ellen takes you step by step through the process of freezing your credit with all three major bureaus, making it easy for anyone to do. She also explains how to temporarily “thaw” your credit when applying for a new card, so you can unlock the benefits without risking your security.

To wrap things up, she shares some insider tips about how keeping certain bureaus frozen can actually improve your chances of qualifying for specific cards, especially if some of your scores are lower than others.

Packed with practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the points and miles community, or really anyone who wants to stay ahead in the fight against identity theft. Don’t miss it!

Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee

Find Us On Instagram

Mary Ellen | Jo

Mentioned in this Episode

Freeze Your Experian

Freeze Your TransUnion

Freeze Your EquiFax

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!