Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

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!

This week, we sit down with travel creator and points enthusiast Maggie Tinsley to talk about how she uses points, strategic planning, and smart budgeting to make incredible family vacations a reality. We dive into her recent stay at Dreams Playa Mujeres, one of Hyatt's most popular family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, discussing what it cost, how she booked it, and whether it's still worth the points. Along the way, we explore everything from gift card strategies and travel budgeting to kid-friendly resort amenities, restaurant reservations, and upcoming bucket-list adventures to Bora Bora, Alaska, and Japan. If you've ever wondered how to make luxury family travel more affordable, this episode is full of practical tips, inspiration, and real-world strategies you can use on your own travels.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Mary Ellen

Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Joanna

Southwest Elevated Referrals

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:

Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen (100,000 points for $8000 spend)

Chase Ink Referral -Jo (100,000 points for $8000 spend)

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!

A quick note before you listen: We recorded this episode before Chase increased the welcome offers on the Chase Ink Business cards. The offers discussed in the episode are now even better, with eligible applicants currently able to earn 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after $8,000 in spending on select Chase Ink cards.

In this episode, we share why the Chase Ink Business cards are some of our favorite tools for earning travel rewards. We discuss who may qualify for a business card, the differences between the Chase Ink Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited, and how we use everyday business expenses to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. We also cover application rules, bonus eligibility, and simple strategies for maximizing points without paying an annual fee. If you've been curious about adding business cards to your points and miles strategy, this episode is a great place to start.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen (100,000 points for $8000 spend)

Chase Ink Referral -Jo (100,000 points for $8000 spend)

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:

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 20% 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!

What if you never had to manually check whether the price of your flight or hotel dropped after booking? In this episode, we sit down with Sam Hollander, founder of Autopilot, to discuss how his platform is helping travelers save money by automatically monitoring reservations and identifying opportunities for refunds, travel credits, and lower prices. For anyone who loves points, miles, and maximizing travel value, this technology could be a game changer.

Sam walks us through how Autopilot works, which airlines and hotel programs are currently supported, and what's coming next—including Southwest integration, international bookings, upgrade tracking, and more. We also discuss security, award travel support, and how automation can help busy travelers avoid leaving money on the table. Whether you're booking with cash, points, or a mix of both, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get more value from every trip.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Try out Autopilot here

Cardpointers

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!

In this week's Midweek Mini, we cover several important developments in the points and miles world, including American Airlines' quiet change to partner award bookings, Alaska Airlines' increased partner booking fees, and what these updates mean for travelers. We also discuss the Bilt Palladium card, strategies for maximizing transfer bonuses and monthly credits, recent news involving Qantas and American Express Membership Rewards, and why we're keeping a close eye on Rove Miles. Plus, we share tips for budgeting with gift cards, stacking grocery rewards, and using tools like Instacart to stretch your spending even further.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Comfrt.com 15% OFF

Bilt Credit Card Referrals

Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen

Chase Ink Referral -Jo

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:

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 20% 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!

This week, we sit down with returning guest Jen to talk about her incredible trip to Roatán and why it may be one of the best values in the Caribbean. She also tells us about her bonus day in Miami using a bunch of card credits to make it a free date day. We break down how she booked flights and hotels using points and miles, her experience staying at the beautiful Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa, and what travelers should know before planning their own island getaway.

From snorkeling and scuba diving to local restaurants, island transportation, and hidden resort perks, Jen shares her favorite experiences and practical tips for making the most of a trip to Roatán. If you're looking for a tropical destination that combines luxury, adventure, and excellent value, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you plan your own points-powered Caribbean escape. 🏝️✈️🐠

Mentioned in this Episode:

Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!

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

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter

Find Us On Online:

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!

In this episode, we share some of our favorite easy ways to earn more points and miles without spending extra money. We walk through account linkings that many travelers overlook, including ways to earn rewards on things you're already doing like booking Airbnb stays, grabbing Starbucks, using Lyft, and more. We also compare Joanna's recent cash stay in Mexico to previous points stays and discuss when it makes sense to splurge and when it doesn't. Along the way, we chat about airport lounge access, Priority Pass perks, and practical strategies for stretching your points further while still creating incredible travel experiences.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Aero Movil Transport

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

Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!

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

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!