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PODCAST

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Mary Ellen and Jo

A show where two adventurous moms share everything they have learned about traveling on credit card points and how to explore the world on a budget.

society & culture places & travel

All Episodes

17:57

130. Midweek Mini; HOT OFF THE PRESS- US News & World...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/07/23

In this Midweek Mini episode, we react to the brand new US News & World Report 2025-26 rankings of the best travel rewards programs. We share our initial thoughts on the surprising twists and turns in both hotel and airline loyalty programs and how these rankings might change the way you think about earning and redeeming points. We also reveal how we’re preparing to dig even deeper with an upcoming interview featuring a senior travel editor from US News, who will give us insider insights and

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54:23

129. Australian Adventure: Melbourne, Sydney & the...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/07/21

Australia is a bucket list destination for SO many people! In this episode, we’re joined by Senitra, a travel journalist who has been to over 50 countries! She recently went on an epic solo adventure to Australia — all on points. She takes us behind the scenes of her trip to Melbourne and Sydney, from lie-flat seats on the world’s longest flight, to the perfect things to do, see, and eat in the epic "Down Under."We dig into how she booked it all, where she stayed, and what made this trip so

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13:43

128. Summer Road Trip Mini: Black Hills & Badlands on...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/07/16

This week, we’re heading west! Inspired by listener Emily we’re diving into a family-friendly road trip through South Dakota’s most iconic stops — from the Black Hills to the Badlands, with plenty of adventure along the way.You’ll hear about glamping at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore (yes, with Hyatt points!), digging for fossils at an active mammoth site, and the surprisingly adorable experience of feeding prairie dogs. We also chat about scenic drives, budget-friendly hotel options, and the kind of

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68:23

127. Adventures in London PART 1- Budget Hacks, Tips...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/07/14

In this first half of our London two-parter, Joanna went on a whirlwind two-day adventure in the city before heading into the countryside — and she’s sharing EVERY DETAIL.She traveled with her mom and daughter, flew Virgin Atlantic using points, and tried a new system to beat jet lag that changed everything. From a rainy New York layover to a luggage-saving trick that helped them hit the ground running, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of inspiration for your own trip.Whether

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15:58

126. Midweek Mini Road Trip: Hocking Hills-A Secluded...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/07/09

In this episode, we’re spotlighting a hidden gem in the MidEAST—Hocking Hills, Ohio. This is our SECOND submission from listener Katie shares all her top tips for visiting this stunning spot, from the best places to stay to must-do hikes and creative ways to book it all using points and miles.We cover everything from rustic-chic state park lodges (bookable through Chase or Capital One) to romantic cabins with hot tubs and even luxury treehouses. Katie has visited in every season and swears you can’t

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50:18

125. Dreamy California All-Inclusive: How to Book the...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/07/07

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most aspirational redemptions in the world of points and miles—Alila Ventana Big Sur, a luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive Hyatt resort tucked along California’s stunning coastline. We’re joined by social worker and points enthusiast Deb, who shares how she booked this $1700+-per-night property using points, and why she says it was 100% worth it.Deb opens up about how travel has become a vital outlet for avoiding burnout in her emotionally demanding

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20:52

124. Midweek Mini- The NEW CHASE BANK ERA: How to...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/07/02

Today on our Midweek Mini we are taking a small break from summer road trips and we’re diving into the ever-evolving world of points and miles—and how we’re adjusting our strategy to keep up. With recent changes to Chase’s sign-up bonus language, we’re starting to shift our focus away from chasing (pun intended) welcome offers and instead doubling down on everyday spending and earning categories.We talk about how the Chase Freedom Flex has become a staple in our wallets, especially when we can line

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79:00

123. Exploring England’s Beautiful Countryside: Our...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/30

Today on Wonderland on Points, we’re heading out of the city and into the storybook charm of the English countryside! Jo shares all the highlights from her family’s recent road trip through two of England’s most picturesque regions: the Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales (with a fun little national park detour in between). From booking flights with points to tackling the adventure of renting a car and driving on the “wrong” side of the road, she walks through exactly how they made this dream trip

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14:01

122. Summer Roadtrip Mini: The BEST Midwest Hidden...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/25

Today on another Midweek Mini—road trip edition—we’re bringing you a total gem for our Midwest listeners! Bentonville, Arkansas might not have been on your radar before, but it definitely will be after this episode. This small town is packed with surprises: world-class art at Crystal Bridges, a walkable downtown filled with charming shops and restaurants, incredible bike trails, and some seriously impressive food. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, art lover, or just need a peaceful weekend

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61:32

121. BREAKING NEWS! Chase Sapphire Reserve REFRESH-...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/23

Today on Wonderland on Points, we’ve got BIG NEWS!Chase just launched a brand-new welcome bonus for the Sapphire Reserve as well as ENTIRELY refreshing the earning and benefits and we’re breaking it all down in this episode. We’re joined by our go-to credit card correspondent, travel and finance journalist Katherine Fan, who helps us unpack all the details.We’ll walk you through the updated annual fee, the refreshed bonus categories, and the current lineup of card benefits to help you decide whether

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19:05

120. Summer Road Trip Mini: Spanish Moss & Southern...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/18

In this Midweek Mini, we take you to the cobblestone streets and Spanish moss of Savannah, Georgia—submitted by Wendy. It is an amazing spot for a charming, walkable weekend escape. We chat about the best times to visit (spring and fall are ideal!), where to stay for easy access to the city’s highlights, and the can’t-miss food and experiences that make Savannah so memorable.We share our love for the historic district and accommodations like the Andaz, which even includes bike rentals to help you

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68:16

119. Travel Smarter: Credit Card Rewards, Taxes &...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/16

In this episode, we’re joined by financial educator and profit strategist Jamie Trull for a conversation that bridges travel, family, and finance. Jamie shares how her background as a CPA led her to help families and small business owners make smarter financial decisions—and how those choices can open the door to more meaningful (and affordable) travel.We dig into how points and miles fit into a bigger financial strategy, the importance of separating personal and business expenses, and when it might

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16:41

118. Summer Road Trip Mini: Family Fun on Florida’s...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/11

In this Midweek Mini, we’re heading to the sugar-white sands and emerald waters of Destin, Florida thanks to our listener Katie—but it just so happens, this is one of our favorite beach destinations for our families as well. We share our own experiences exploring this stretch of the Emerald Coast and offer tips for making the most of your trip, from the best times to visit to our favorite spots for outdoor adventures.We talk about quieter, family-friendly beach options like Henderson Beach State

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58:42

117. Taiwan Travel Guide: Points Tips, Itinerary...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/09

In this episode, we’re joined by journalist and seasoned traveler Katherine Fan for a heartfelt conversation about visiting Taiwan—one of Asia’s most underrated and welcoming destinations. Katherine shares her personal connection to the island and offers practical tips for planning a meaningful and efficient trip.We talk about why Taiwan is a great choice for families and solo travelers, from its safety and public transit to its rich culture and incredible food scene. Katherine walks us through

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19:04

116. Summer Road Trip Mini: Southwestern US National...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/04

In this Midweek Mini, we dive into a listener-submitted road trip itinerary (thank you Lauren!) that kicks off in El Paso, Texas and explores three stunning national parks—Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, and White Sands. We chatted about the best times to visit (hint: avoid the peak summer heat!), where to stay using points with Hilton and Hyatt, and the unique experiences each park offers—from hiking to the highest point in Texas to sledding down sand dunes.We also shared why a stop in

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63:17

115. Points, Parks & Planning: Exploring 3 Pacific...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/06/02

This week, we sat down with travel journalist and itinerary expert Cami from Secrets of Travel Journalist to talk all things Pacific Northwest National Parks. From Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier and the North Cascades, Cami shared how she uses points and miles to make incredible trips happen without blowing the budget, and gave us a peek into how she approaches trip planning with intention and creativity.We talked about the magic of Forks (yes, the rainiest town in the continental U.S.), how

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15:54

114. Summer Road Trip Mini: Maximizing Free Night...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/05/28

In this mini episode of our Summer Road Trip Series, we’re heading just south of LA to explore a fun pairing: Catalina Island and Long Beach, California. Listener Jen shares how she turned a couple of Hyatt Free Night Awards into a perfect weekend escape—with ocean views, rooftop hangs, and even a bit of underwater adventure. Whether you’re planning a Disneyland trip or just craving a coastal getaway, this itinerary is packed with smart tips, walkable charm, and creative ways to stretch your travel

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65:27

113. Temples, Tea, Trains and More: China Itinerary...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/05/26

In this episode of Wonderland On Points, we’re joined AGAIN by our favorite surgeon, Kelly from @pointsandmilesdoc to talk about her recent trip to China—an incredible journey through a country rich in history, culture, and food. Kelly shares how she flew first and business class using points, and how award redemptions helped her save big on domestic flights as she traveled between major cities and scenic regions.We explore her itinerary across Shanghai, Hangzhou, Lijiang, and Chengdu, from high tea

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22:33

112. Summer Road Trip Mini: Desert Dreams & Travel...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/05/21

This week on our Summer Road Trip Series, we’re heading to Tucson, Arizona—and this episode is packed with creative travel tips thanks to a listener-submitted itinerary that blew us away. Cami, a writer over at Secrets of a Travel Journalist, shared a full plan featuring unique, budget-friendly ways to stay—using Capital One Venture X travel credits instead of the usual points and miles.She split her stay between the 3 Palms and the historic Lodge on the Desert, and we dive into both properties,

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55:09

111. NYC on POINTS AND Our Very First In Person...

Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget... ·

2025/05/19

For the first time EVER, we’re recording an episode of Wonderland on Points from the SAME PLACE — in person, raw, real, and unedited!In this episode, we're diving into how to explore New York City using points — and trust us, it’s one of the best destinations for a points-and-miles trip. We’ll walk you through some incredible hotel options you can book with points, share our favorite budget-friendly activities that still give you that true NYC experience, and offer up delicious food recommendations

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170 results

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