Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

By Mary Ellen and JoSociety & Culture Places & Travel

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47 min
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Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel episodes

April 13 205. They Took Their Kids Around the World for 6 Months and Covered $38,000 of Travel with Points!
What does it really take to travel the world as a family for six months? In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we break down how one Wisconsin family used points and miles to plan and fund an unforgettable multi-country adventure—without paying out of pocket for every flight and hotel. From smart credit card strategies to booking international award travel and building a flexible long-term itinerary, Kate joins us with practical tips for family travel, travel hacking, and planning an around-the-world trip. We also explore the lasting impact of extended travel on kids, education, and global perspective, making this a must-listen for anyone dreaming of using travel rewards to create a life-changing family experience.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
ChasingMemories.co
Kate's Group Trips Instagram
Find Us On Online:
Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter
Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
Cardpointers
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)
Tobiq 15%
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
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!
1 hr
April 08 204. Midweek Mini: Hilton Updates, Credit Card Changes & Giveaway Winners You Don’t Want to Miss
Stay up to date with the latest in travel rewards, credit cards, and hotel loyalty programs in this episode of Wonderland on Points. We break down recent updates from Hilton Honors, including new status tiers like Diamond Reserve and what they mean for travelers looking to maximize hotel benefits. We also cover current credit card offers, changes to the American Express Platinum Card (including Saks credits), and smart strategies to keep earning and redeeming points efficiently. Plus, we celebrate giveaway winners and share community updates, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in points and miles, travel hacking, and maximizing rewards in an ever-changing landscape.
Find Us On Online:
Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter
Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
Cardpointers
Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)
Tobiq 15%
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
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!
19 min
April 06 203. Galápagos on Points: How to Book This Bucket-List Trip for Less with @AdventuringPartyof4
Dreaming of the Galápagos Islands? In this episode of Wonderland on Points, Lauren Trimble shares how she used points and miles to book an unforgettable family adventure to Ecuador—including flights, inter-island travel, and eco-friendly accommodations. We break down everything you need to know about planning a Galápagos trip with points, from navigating island hopping logistics to experiencing once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters and supporting local conservation efforts. If you’re looking for practical travel tips, family-friendly strategies, and a realistic guide to turning this bucket-list destination into a points-and-miles redemption, this episode is packed with everything you need to get started.
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
Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
Cardpointers
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)
Tobiq 15%
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
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!
54 min
April 01 202. Midweek Mini: Points Changes, Travel News & Tips
In this episode, we share a quick midweek roundup of what’s new in the points and miles world, including recent devaluations, changing transfer ratios, and upcoming long-haul airline options. We break down what these updates mean for your travel strategy and how to stay flexible as programs evolve.
We also cover practical tips like using Resy dining credits, exploring new hotel and condo-style redemptions, and—most importantly—managing credit card balances responsibly. If you want to maximize your points and stay financially smart, this episode is a must-listen.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the Giveaway HERE (Must enter by MIDNIGHT on Wednesday April 1)
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
Use code "Wonderland" for 10% off at Halara!
15% off of Tobiq
BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!
Find Us On Online:
Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter
Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
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!
30 min
March 30 201. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale for FREE Plus the Grand Canyon and More with Kelsey Graves
In this episode, we’re joined by fellow podcaster, Kelsey Graves as she shares highlights from her family’s Arizona adventure, including the breathtaking Grand Canyon and stunning Antelope Canyon. She breaks down what’s worth planning ahead for, how to navigate these popular spots with kids, and how her family used points and miles to elevate their trip, including a stay at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.
We also cover practical tips like the best times to visit, booking tours in advance, and what it’s like renting a car through Turo. If you’re dreaming of a national parks trip, this episode will help you save money, avoid crowds, and create a smoother, more memorable family experience.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the Giveaway HERE
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
Use code "Wonderland" for 10% off at Halara!
15% off of Tobiq
Mentioned in this Episode:
50% off Cardpointers!!!
Kelsey's Digital Itinerary
Trip Tales Podcast
Find Us On Online:
Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter
Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
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!
1 hr 3 min
March 25 200. Our 200th Episode! Life Updates, Points and Miles News, Plus Giveaway Announced!
We’re celebrating 200 episodes of Wonderland on Points 🎉 and we truly can't believe it! In this special episode we give you a few life updates, a bit of points and miles news and because we couldn’t celebrate 200 episodes without giving back to you, our amazing community, we’re also sharing some exciting giveaways—including travel gear and tools we personally love. This episode is part celebration, part education, and all about helping you travel smarter, better, and more.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the Giveaway HERE
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
Use code "Wonderland" for 10% off at Halara!
15% off of Tobiq
BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!
Find Us On Online:
Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter
Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
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!
27 min
March 23 199. Unlocking Airline Loyalty: What Families Need to Know with Kyle Olsen (You Won't Believe What We Learned About Frontier Airlines!)
Airline loyalty programs can feel confusing, frustrating, or even impossible to crack—but in this episode we’re breaking down how to actually make them work for you. Join us as we dive into airline loyalty, points strategies, and smart family travel with Kyle Olsen, Travel Products Editor at CNN Underscored and a travel expert.
We break down how airline loyalty really works today, how alliances expand your options, and when pursuing status actually makes sense—including updates to programs like United Airlines and American Airlines. But the real surprise? The family travel value hiding inside Frontier Airlines.
Frontier has quietly built some powerful perks for families—especially on a budget—with creative ways to earn status and benefits that can significantly lower the cost of flying with kids. If you’ve written it off before, this episode might change your mind.
Whether you’re chasing status or just trying to travel more as a family without overspending, this episode offers a fresh take on airline loyalty.
Mentioned in this Episode:
BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!
Episode 101 with the founder of CardPointers
Find Us On Online:
Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter
Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
Our Favorite Credit Cards
Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
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!
47 min
March 18 198. Midweek Mini: News Roundup- Amex Credits, Global Entry Delays, Hilton Free Night Strategy & Marriott Updates (Plus We Are On YOUTUBE!)
In this Midweek Mini of Wonderland on Points, we’re catching you up on the latest points and miles news that could impact your travel plans. We break down updates to dining credits from American Express, ongoing interview delays for Global Entry, strategies for maximizing free night certificates with Hilton Honors, and new award booking flexibility from Marriott Bonvoy that lets travelers top off free night awards with additional points. If you love traveling on points and want to stay up to date on the latest changes in credit card rewards, loyalty programs, and travel strategies, this quick episode will help you make smarter decisions with your points.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter
Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel
Travel With Kids Podcast
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
Find Us On Online:
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
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!
19 min
March 16 197. Secrets Maroma Beach: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Experience on Points with @DiveIntoPoints
In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re taking you inside Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, one of the most talked-about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
We share what it’s really like staying at this stunning beachfront resort—from the food and service to the activities and overall atmosphere—and why it consistently ranks among the best all-inclusive resorts in the region. We also walk through smart booking strategies, especially in light of award chart changes across Hyatt properties, and how travelers can still maximize their points for an incredible luxury getaway.
If you’re dreaming about turquoise water, powder-soft beaches, and an adults-only escape near Cancun, this episode is packed with practical tips. We also share advice for traveling in the Riviera Maya, what to expect from resort amenities, and why this area of Mexico continues to be one of the most popular destinations for points and miles travelers.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or simply want to experience a top-tier all-inclusive resort using points, this episode will help you decide if Secrets Maroma Beach deserves a spot on your travel list.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode 131 - Italy on Points
Seats.Aero
@Diveintopoints Instagram
Hyatt Business Card Referral
Rakuten Podcast Episode
Jen's Blog
Jennifer Maren Photography
Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Find Us On Online:
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
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!
1 hr 4 min
March 11 196. Midweek Mini: Our Week in Points & Miles (PLUS Transfer Bonuses and Current Card Offers)
In this episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we share a midweek roundup of what’s happening in our points and miles world—new credit cards we’re opening, trips we’re planning, and a few of the challenges we’re running into along the way.
Along the way, we talk about strategies for finding summer award flights, how transfer bonuses can boost your points balance by up to 30%, and why flexibility with dates and routes can dramatically improve your chances of booking great flights.
If you want practical tips for getting more value from your points and choosing the right travel credit cards, this episode is full of helpful insights.
Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter
Mentioned in this Episode:
Hyatt Business Card
Travel Party of 5 Podcast
Find Us On Online:
Mary Ellen | Jo
Facebook Group
Wonderland On Points Blog
Affiliate Links:
BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!
Comfrt.com 15% OFF
Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)
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!
20 min