Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

This week’s Midweek Mini is packed with good news! We’re talking about Southwest’s plans for new airport lounges and how a potential new premium Southwest card could impact Companion Pass strategy. We also break down the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s DoorDash restaurant credit increasing, Rove adding Copa Airlines as a transfer partner with a limited-time bonus, and some great Copa redemption sweet spots. Plus, we’re sharing a BIG Wonderland on Points update that you don't want to miss!

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✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)

Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)

Seats.Aero

BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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We’re recapping Joanna’s incredible father-daughter trip to Alaska and breaking down how she made such an epic trip surprisingly budget-friendly! We talk about flying from St. Louis to Anchorage for just 17,500 points each way, using Hyatt points for the hotel, renting a car and exploring on our own, and deciding which experiences were actually worth the splurge. From trekking and rappelling on Matanuska Glacier to hiking in Girdwood, exploring Whittier, spotting beluga whales, picking wild blueberries in Hatcher Pass, cruising Kenai Fjords National Park, and finally finding a moose at sunset, this trip was packed with bucket-list moments. Joanna also shares why experiencing Alaska with her dad made this one of the most meaningful trips she’s ever taken—and why she came home already wanting to go back.

Mentioned in this episode:

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Nova Alaska Tours

Matanuska Glacier Youtube Review

Whittier Marine Charters

Borealis Custom Fishing Experience

Hatcher Pass ATV

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)

Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)

Seats.Aero

BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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This week, we’re catching up on a little bit of everything! We share an incredible VIP Minnesota Vikings experience made possible by one of our listeners, plus how we used points for the trip and checked out some unique Priority Pass options at MSP. We also talk about a recent credit card fraud scare, why we prefer credit over debit cards, and our strategies for earning the Southwest Companion Pass. Plus, we’re covering spring break planning, an important reminder to always register for Hyatt promos, and some new Rove features we’re excited about.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Old Companion Pass Episode

✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

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Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

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Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

Our Favorite Travel Necessities

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Kirsten, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor and mom of three, joins us to break down how her family spent six nights in Puerto Rico for just $1,500 out of pocket on a trip that would have cost around $12,000 in cash. We get into exactly how she pulled it off using JetBlue points, Hyatt points, credit card travel credits, rental car status, and a Hyatt Guest of Honor award. Kirsten walks us through their stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, why Guest of Honor benefits saved them hundreds of dollars on breakfast and parking, and how Puerto Rico turned out to be an incredibly easy family destination for a February school break. We also talk about their adventures in El Yunque, natural waterslides and cliff jumping in the rainforest, a canceled snorkeling excursion that led to a great backup day at Luquillo Beach, and exploring historic Old San Juan. Plus, we cover the Capital One offer that earned Kirsten an incredible 30X on a Viator excursion, her favorite points and travel tools, and why Puerto Rico deserves a spot on your list if you want beaches, adventure, history, and tropical weather without needing a passport.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

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Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

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Seats.Aero

BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

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!

SURPRISE! For the first time ever, Wonderland on Points is dropping a brand-new episode on a FRIDAY. We just could’t wait on this one because Rove has massive new updates! We’re talking a NEW Rove app, Rove Dining, Instant-Earning Gift Cards and more!

We’re joined by Carissa Rawson from Rove to talk about the exciting new developments within the Rove program. If you’re already using Rove—or have been curious about how it could fit into your points-and-miles strategy, you’ll want to hear what’s coming next.

Carissa gives us an inside look at Rove, explains what makes the program different, and shares several new changes designed to make earning and using rewards even more exciting. We also discuss how travelers can take advantage of the program and why Rove is one to watch in the points-and-miles world.

Tune in for all the details—and enjoy this special Friday surprise!

Justplanepoints.com

Instagram: @JustPlanePoints

Mentioned in this Episode:

✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉

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BLOG post on the NEW Rove Updates

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

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Seats.Aero

BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

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 taking you inside our hosted trip to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando and sharing why this resort can be a destination all on its own. We talk about the rooms and Disney fireworks views, the incredible pool and family-friendly activities, dining options, and all the included amenities around the property. Plus, we share how close it is to Disney Springs and the theme parks, who we think this hotel is best for, and whether we’d stay again.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:57 First impressions and lobby

04:00 Rooms and fireworks views

07:57 Pools and family activities

14:57 Dining and breakfast

20:00 Resort activities and amenities

23:50 Disney Springs and nearby options

27:54 Overall impressions

Mentioned in this Episode:

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

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Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Cardpointers

Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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We’re recapping Joanna’s points-powered mother-daughter road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland! We break down how she snagged an Aer Lingus Business Class mistake fare for just 87,000 Amex points for two, used Hyatt, Hilton, Capital One points, and travel credits for lodging, and put Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits to work on the rental car. Then we hit the road for castles, the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Neolithic sites, horseback riding, and an unforgettable sheepdog experience—plus why the unplanned, crowd-free stops became some of the trip’s biggest highlights.

02:10 Mistake fare and booking process

10:59 Arrival lounge and Dublin airport

17:35 Wilder Townhouse and Dublin

22:16 Weather, crowds, and Dublin impressions

23:10 Driving through the Irish countryside

27:45 Tollymore Forest

29:00 Airbnb and Fetch savings

33:12 Northern Ireland day trip and scenic stops

Mentioned in this Episode:

Passport Episode

Business Class Flight Deals

Chasingmemories.co

Dromara Airbnb

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Glenshane Country Farm

Islandmagee Riding Center

Ireland & Northern Ireland Blog Post

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Comfrt.com 15% OFF

BEST deal on Cardpointers

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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We share listener Lindsay's family road trip through Northern California, highlighting an itinerary that stretches from Redwood National Park to San Francisco almost entirely on points. Using a creative mix of United, Chase, American Express, Hyatt free night awards, Southwest points, and Companion Passes, Lindsay pieced together six nights of lodging while keeping costs remarkably low.

Along the way, the family explored iconic stops including Fern Canyon, the towering redwood groves, Trees of Mystery, Sonoma, and San Francisco favorites like Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and Lombard Street. The episode also includes practical tips on planning this route, finding great local restaurants, preparing for Northern California's surprisingly cool summer weather, and maximizing points and free night certificates for an unforgettable family road trip.

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Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

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Affiliate Links:

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Cardpointers

Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

Our Favorite Credit Cards

We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

We sit down with listener and friend of the pod, Karla, to talk about her points-powered trip to Acadia National Park, where she combined Hyatt points, a Delta companion pass, travel credits, and smart booking strategies to keep costs low.

Karla shares how she chose Acadia, what it’s really like staying at Under Canvas using Hyatt points, and why she and her husband embraced different vacation styles—he hiked while she relaxed and recharged. Plus, we talk Bar Harbor, a foggy schooner sail, and a canceled Delta flight that put travel protections to the test.

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Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Cardpointers

Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

Our Favorite Credit Cards

We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

Pittsburgh may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a family vacation, but this week's Midweek Mini highlights why it deserves a spot on your travel list. Submitted by listener Liz, this road trip stop completely exceeded expectations with its walkable downtown, family-friendly attractions, beautiful riverfront setting, and surprisingly fun atmosphere. Whether you're heading toward Niagara Falls, exploring the Northeast, or simply looking for an affordable long weekend destination, Pittsburgh makes an excellent stop along the way.

Liz shares why attending a Pittsburgh Pirates game became one of the highlights of the trip, thanks to one of the most scenic ballparks in Major League Baseball and an atmosphere that was enjoyable even for casual baseball fans. Joanna also shares a helpful points tip for sports lovers: Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders can sometimes redeem just 5,000 miles for premium baseball tickets through Capital One Travel Experiences, creating an incredible value for families.

The episode also covers where to stay, including the Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore, which can be booked for just 15,000 Hyatt points per night and puts many of the city's top attractions within walking distance. Liz explains why the convenient location, kid-friendly activities, and unexpectedly charming downtown made Pittsburgh one of her family's favorite travel surprises, proving that sometimes the destinations with the lowest expectations create the best memories.

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Find Us On Online:

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)

Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)

Cardpointers

Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)

Our Favorite Credit Cards

We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards