Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Courtney from @PointsEverywhere joins us to share one of the most incredible points redemptions we've ever featured. After spotting a Hyatt Mr. & Mrs. Smith mistake rate, she booked a luxury stay at Santorini Sky for just 14,250 Hyatt points. She shares how she found the deal, why she expected Hyatt to cancel it, and what happened when the reservation was honored.

We also dive into her Emirates Business Class flights booked with Amex Membership Rewards, what it's really like to stay at Santorini Sky, and why she skipped an expensive upgrade to save points for a future trip. Finally, Courtney shares her best tips for visiting Santorini, including why shoulder season is ideal, whether to rent a car, her favorite island experiences, and practical advice for getting the most out of your points and miles.

Mentioned in this episode:

Points Everywhere Podcast

Pointseverywhere.com

Cruise Mapper Website

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

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

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What would you do if your passport disappeared the day before an international trip? In this episode, Joanna shares the unbelievable true story of how she navigated a last-minute passport crisis, secured an emergency replacement, and still made it to Ireland against all odds.

Along the way, she shares practical tips for getting an urgent passport appointment, what documents you'll need, how airline rebooking policies can help save your trip, and simple ways to protect your passport from getting lost in the future. Whether you're planning your first international vacation or you're a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with real-world advice that could save your next trip.

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Links to passport holder and tracking cards

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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Avios is one of the most valuable—and most overlooked—airline currencies in the points and miles world. In this episode, Deanna from The Points Fly Girl shares how to use Avios to book incredible award flights on airlines like British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and Finnair.

You'll learn how to transfer credit card points to Avios, find award availability, avoid costly taxes and fees, and uncover some of the best sweet spots for flights to Europe and beyond. Whether you're just getting started with points and miles or looking to maximize your next redemption, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you travel farther for fewer points.

Mentioned in this Episode:

ThePointsFlyGirl.com

Follow Deanna on TikTok

Follow Deanna on Youtube

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

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Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

Seats.Aero

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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We're back with another midweek roundup of the biggest points, miles, and travel news you need to know. This week, we cover the brand-new Google Flights Chrome extension from Seats.Aero, a limited-time 100,000-point offer on the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, and why now may be the last chance to grab some of Chase's elevated business card welcome bonuses. We also discuss changes to Singapore KrisFlyer award searches, new transfer bonuses, and why doing the math before transferring your points can save you thousands.

We also break down the new partnership between Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt, including a surprisingly easy path toward Hyatt Globalist status for some travelers. Plus, we share updates to partner award booking fees, discuss several transfer bonuses that are ending soon, and wrap up with a few fun stories from our recent travels. If you want to stay on top of the latest points and miles news and maximize your rewards, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Mary Ellen

Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Joanna

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

Seats.Aero

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)

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

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

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Cardpointers

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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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)

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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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!

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Mary Ellen | Jo

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

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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

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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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

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

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Comfrt.com 15% OFF

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

Our Favorite Credit Cards

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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)

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Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

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Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Affiliate Links:

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

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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!