Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

We are back with Part 2 of Mary Ellen's unforgettable family adventure through Norway! In this episode, she takes us through some of the most breathtaking and adrenaline-filled moments of the trip, including the Loen Skylift, Via Ferrata, kayaking, Trollstigen, and the challenging Seven Sisters waterfall hike. She also shares the honest realities of traveling Norway with kids, from choosing the right hikes and accommodations to navigating unpredictable weather and knowing when an activity may be too much.

We also talk about scenic viewpoints like Stegastein and Mount Aksla, why Ålesund made such a great home base, and what Mary Ellen would keep, skip, or change when planning the trip again. From dramatic fjords and waterfalls to family travel logistics, budgeting tips, and the journey home, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone dreaming of a Norwegian road trip.

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:

Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Seats.Aero

Cardpointers

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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!

After years of hard work, Joanna is officially debt-free! In this episode, she shares the journey of paying off more than $40,000 in debt while still traveling the world using points and miles. We discuss the strategies that kept her motivated, how she balanced debt repayment with enjoying life, and why responsible credit card use can be a powerful financial tool when done correctly.

We also dive into practical advice for tackling different types of debt, earning points while making loan payments, and the budgeting mindset that helped Joanna stay the course. Whether you're just starting your debt payoff journey or looking for motivation to reach the finish line, this episode is packed with honest conversations, practical tips, and encouragement to help you build financial freedom—without putting your travel dreams on hold.

Find Us On Online:

Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Seats.Aero

Cardpointers

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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!

Norway has been at the top of Mary Ellen's bucket list since our last Norway episode, and in Part 1 of this two-part series, she takes us along on the first half of her incredible family road trip through one of the most breathtaking countries in the world. We talk about renting a car to explore at your own pace, navigating Norway's famous roads, tunnels, and ferries, and experiencing unforgettable adventures like the Loen Skylift, Via Ferrata, and some of the country's most iconic viewpoints. Along the way, Mary Ellen shares honest tips on accommodations, budgeting, and what surprised her most about traveling through Norway. If you're dreaming of dramatic fjords, epic scenery, and planning your own Norwegian adventure, this episode is the perfect place to start.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pota Madre

Episode 149- Scandinavia

Find Us On Online:

Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Seats.Aero

Cardpointers

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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 back with another midweek points and miles news roundup! This week, we cover the latest changes to Paze, which deals are still working, and how to maximize your travel credits before they expire. We also share tips for using restaurant, hotel, and shopping credits, discuss the latest ETIAS update for Europe, and help you make sure you don't miss out on valuable savings before your next trip.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Hilton Credit Doc

Find Us On Online:

Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Seats.Aero

Cardpointers

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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!

If 🇩🇰Denmark has been on your travel bucket list, this episode is full of inspiration and practical tips to help you plan your own adventure. We take you along as Mary Ellen and her family of 5 explore Copenhagen, sharing how she booked their flights to Europe using points and miles on American Airlines, and how airport lounge access made their long travel day much more enjoyable. Once she arrived, she discovered why Copenhagen is consistently ranked as one of Europe's most livable cities, from biking through charming neighborhoods and strolling colorful streets to spending an unforgettable day at the magical Tivoli Gardens. She also shares her experience staying at the Absalon Hotel, navigating the city with kids, and the little travel lessons learned along the way. Whether Denmark is your dream destination or just the first stop on a larger Scandinavian itinerary (Hello Norway 🤩), this episode is packed with ideas to help you maximize your points, minimize your costs, and make the most of your time in one of Europe's most charming capitals.

Also included, a side quest for dinner in Malmo, Sweden at the Malmo Food Hall! 🇸🇪

Links:

💜15% off Comfrt Hoodies (Mary Ellen used the Airplane Mode hoodie on this trip)

💜25% off Relief Band

💜FREE Y!Wonder Newsletter

🎙️Episode 161 also about Denmark and LEGO house

💜Our Favorite Travel Items

💜Ready to sign up for a NEW Travel Credit Card? Here are links to some of our favorites!

In this listener-inspired mini episode of Wonderland on Points, we're heading to Dayton, Ohio, to uncover one of the Midwest's most underrated destinations. From its rich aviation history and connections to the Wright brothers to fascinating museums, beautiful parks, and family-friendly attractions, Dayton has far more to offer than many travelers realize. We also share recommendations for where to stay, local restaurants worth seeking out, and hidden gems submitted by one of our listeners. If you're looking for an easy road trip destination filled with history, great food, and unique experiences, this episode will give you plenty of inspiration for your next adventure.

Find Us On Online:

Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Seats.Aero

Cardpointers

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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!

Join us this week as Joanna shares everything you need to know about planning an unforgettable trip to Prince Edward Island using points and miles. From booking affordable flights and finding unique accommodations to sailing along PEI's coastline, enjoying incredible food, exploring charming lighthouses, and stepping into the world of Anne of Green Gables, this episode is packed with practical travel tips and firsthand recommendations. Joanna also shares her favorite hidden gems, memorable meals, scenic drives, and the experiences that made this mother-daughter trip so special. If you've been considering a visit to Canada's smallest province, this episode will inspire you to start planning your own adventure.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

Hunter River Airbnb

Atlantic Sailing PEI

Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)

Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)

Find Us On Online:

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

You may have noticed this is NOT a Midweek Mini. We loved this episode and wanted to put it out sooner rather than later. So here is a full length episode on a Wednesday....Thailand has been climbing higher and higher on our travel bucket lists, and after hearing Raya's experience, we think it's going to move up yours too. Raya joins us to share how her family of five spent 12 incredible nights exploring Thailand using points, miles, hotel credits, and a little bit of flexibility. We talk through everything from flying long-haul with kids in economy and booking luxury Hyatt hotels to finding ethical elephant experiences and navigating domestic flights around the country. Raya also opens up about the travel mishaps they faced—including fake sunscreen, lost luggage, a stomach bug, and a medical emergency abroad—and how travel insurance and incredible hotel service helped turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. If Thailand is on your wish list or you're simply looking for practical family travel tips, this episode is packed with advice that will help you travel smarter and with more confidence.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Travel Party of 5 Podcast

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

Elephant Excursion

Boat Tour

ChasingMemories.co (travel insurance)

Find Us On Online:

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

What if you could take a memorable family vacation without spending a fortune? In this episode, we take you along on Mary Ellen's Colorado birthday adventure with her son and show you exactly how she used points, miles, and credit card benefits to make it happen. From relaxing in airport lounges and staying at a boutique luxury hotel to riding the breathtaking Pikes Peak Cog Railway and exploring Garden of the Gods, we're sharing the strategies that helped her maximize her travel budget without sacrificing incredible experiences. If you're looking for practical ways to travel more while spending less, this episode is packed with tips you can use on your next adventure.

Mentioned in this Episode:

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

Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Mary Ellen

Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Joanna

Find Us On Online:

Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen

Chase Ink Referral -Jo

Cardpointers

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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!

The Chase Sapphire Preferred just got one of its biggest updates in years, and we're breaking down everything you need to know. In this episode, we take an honest look at the latest changes covering the wins, the losses, and the changes that have sparked strong reactions throughout the points and miles community. We discuss the new travel benefits, updated credits, and enhanced travel protections, while also tackling the biggest headline: the devaluation of Hyatt transfers from a 1:1 ratio to 4:3. We share our personal thoughts on what these changes mean for everyday travelers, whether the cards still deserve a place in your wallet, and the strategies we're using to maximize value going forward. If you're a Chase cardholder—or considering becoming one—this episode will help you understand what's changed and how to adapt your points strategy moving forward

Mentioned in this Episode:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Mary Ellen

Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Joanna

Bilt Palladium Referral

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Find Us On Online:

Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen

Chase Ink Referral -Jo

Cardpointers

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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!