Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel - Podcasts

51:36

256. Do It Scared: Raising Kids Who Aren’t Afraid to...

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

2026/10/05

What happens when the trip you planned suddenly isn’t the trip you need anymore? Today we’re joined by Rachel and Margaux, the dynamic duo behind Raise Her Roaming, to talk about one of our favorite benefits of points and miles: the freedom to change your mind.We’re talking about traveling with kids, last-minute pivots, rebooking flights and hotels, unexpected family emergencies, and why we never stop checking our reservations even after everything is booked. From a child getting sick on a flight to

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31:18

255. Midweek Mini: What Type of Points Traveler Are You?

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

2026/09/30

What kind of points traveler are you? Are you constantly calculating cents per point, saving every point for the “perfect” redemption, hunting for impossible-to-find award space, or just happy your points saved you money?In this episode, we’re breaking down eight types of points travelers: The Maximizer, The Hoarder, The Hunter, The Luxury Convert, The Strategist, The Chaotic Optimist, The Budget Boss, and The Churn & Burner.We’re sharing which types we think we are (spoiler: neither of us fits

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54:13

254. An $11,000 San Diego Hotel for $0?! Holly’s...

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

2026/09/28

Today on the show, we’re joined by our friend and listener Holly to hear all about her incredible points and miles trip to San Diego! From staying at a hotel that would have cost nearly $11,000 for $0 out of pocket to using TWO Companion Passes for flights, this trip is a perfect example of just how far a good points strategy can take a family.Holly breaks down the cards and strategies that made the trip possible, including how she used bank bonuses and Capital One miles to cover excursions and

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27:33

253. Midweek Mini: Chase Q4 Categories, Qatar Gets...

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

2026/09/23

The news just keeps coming! This week, we’re breaking down the new Chase Freedom Flex Q4 bonus categories, including why dining and groceries could make this an especially lucrative quarter. We also talk about Qatar making it easier to book award flights for friends and family, a huge 70% Chase-to-Marriott transfer bonus, reported delays with some Amex transfers, and a pretty painful Wyndham devaluation.Plus, Chase is celebrating the Sapphire Reserve’s 10th anniversary with new limited-time perks

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59:21

252. Grand Teton & Yellowstone: Points, Parks & Plot...

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

2026/09/21

This week, Jamie joins us to recap her family trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks! She shares how they used Southwest points and a Companion Pass to fly into Boise and home from Bozeman, plus how they covered lodging with Wyndham points, Capital One miles, and credit card benefits. We talk about exploring Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls and String Lake in the Tetons before cold and rainy weather completely changed their plans.Then it’s on to Yellowstone for bison, bears, Old Faithful,

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21:04

251. Midweek Mini: Global Entry, Alaska & Capital One...

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

2026/09/16

This week’s Midweek Mini has some important travel updates plus a BIG Wonderland on Points announcement! We’re talking about the new Trusted Traveler app replacing the old Global Entry app, Alaska Airlines making international lap infant award travel much more affordable, and the current Capital One Venture offer. We also cover a major change to Chase-to-Hyatt transfers and what you may want to do before it takes effect. Then, Wonderland Besties is officially HERE! We’re breaking down everything

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41:11

250. The 2026 Best (and Worst) Airline & Hotel...

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

2026/09/14

Elizabeth von Tersch from U.S. News & World Report joins us to break down the latest rankings of the best airline and hotel loyalty programs—and there are definitely some surprises! We talk about why American took the top airline spot, what caused Atmos and United to fall, why JetBlue is gaining ground, and where Delta struggles. On the hotel side, we dig into Wyndham taking #1, why Hyatt remains strong despite its smaller footprint, and how programs like Choice, Hilton, Sonesta, and IHG

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27:18

249. Midweek Mini: Southwest Lounges Are Coming + A...

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

2026/09/09

This week’s Midweek Mini is packed with good news! We’re talking about Southwest’s plans for new airport lounges and how a potential new premium Southwest card could impact Companion Pass strategy. We also break down the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s DoorDash restaurant credit increasing, Rove adding Copa Airlines as a transfer partner with a limited-time bonus, and some great Copa redemption sweet spots. Plus, we’re sharing a BIG Wonderland on Points update that you don't want to miss!Mentioned in this

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80:57

248. Alaska on Points: Glaciers, Whales, Bears & an...

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

2026/09/07

We’re recapping Joanna’s incredible father-daughter trip to Alaska and breaking down how she made such an epic trip surprisingly budget-friendly! We talk about flying from St. Louis to Anchorage for just 17,500 points each way, using Hyatt points for the hotel, renting a car and exploring on our own, and deciding which experiences were actually worth the splurge. From trekking and rappelling on Matanuska Glacier to hiking in Girdwood, exploring Whittier, spotting beluga whales, picking wild

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26:48

247. Midweek Mini: Vikings, Fraud and Companion Passes

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

2026/09/02

This week, we’re catching up on a little bit of everything! We share an incredible VIP Minnesota Vikings experience made possible by one of our listeners, plus how we used points for the trip and checked out some unique Priority Pass options at MSP. We also talk about a recent credit card fraud scare, why we prefer credit over debit cards, and our strategies for earning the Southwest Companion Pass. Plus, we’re covering spring break planning, an important reminder to always register for Hyatt

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53:55

246. Puerto Rico on Points: A $12,000, 6-Night Family...

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

2026/08/31

Kirsten, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor and mom of three, joins us to break down how her family spent six nights in Puerto Rico for just $1,500 out of pocket on a trip that would have cost around $12,000 in cash. We get into exactly how she pulled it off using JetBlue points, Hyatt points, credit card travel credits, rental car status, and a Hyatt Guest of Honor award. Kirsten walks us through their stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, why Guest of Honor benefits saved them hundreds of

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49:46

245. Massive Rove Updates are Here! A SURPRISE Friday...

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

2026/08/28

SURPRISE! For the first time ever, Wonderland on Points is dropping a brand-new episode on a FRIDAY. We just could’t wait on this one because Rove has massive new updates! We’re talking a NEW Rove app, Rove Dining, Instant-Earning Gift Cards and more!We’re joined by Carissa Rawson from Rove to talk about the exciting new developments within the Rove program. If you’re already using Rove—or have been curious about how it could fit into your points-and-miles strategy, you’ll want to hear what’s coming

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35:04

244. The Orlando Resort That’s a Vacation on Its Own:...

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

2026/08/26

We’re taking you inside our hosted trip to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando and sharing why this resort can be a destination all on its own. We talk about the rooms and Disney fireworks views, the incredible pool and family-friendly activities, dining options, and all the included amenities around the property. Plus, we share how close it is to Disney Springs and the theme parks, who we think this hotel is best for, and whether we’d stay again.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction 01:57 First

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74:03

243. Ireland & Northern Ireland on Points: $435...

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

2026/08/24

We’re recapping Joanna’s points-powered mother-daughter road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland! We break down how she snagged an Aer Lingus Business Class mistake fare for just 87,000 Amex points for two, used Hyatt, Hilton, Capital One points, and travel credits for lodging, and put Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits to work on the rental car. Then we hit the road for castles, the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Neolithic sites, horseback riding, and an unforgettable sheepdog

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24:13

242. Midweek Mini: A Redwoods to San Francisco Road Trip

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

2026/08/19

We share listener Lindsay's family road trip through Northern California, highlighting an itinerary that stretches from Redwood National Park to San Francisco almost entirely on points. Using a creative mix of United, Chase, American Express, Hyatt free night awards, Southwest points, and Companion Passes, Lindsay pieced together six nights of lodging while keeping costs remarkably low.Along the way, the family explored iconic stops including Fern Canyon, the towering redwood groves, Trees of

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59:51

241. Under Canvas Acadia on Points: Glamping, Hiking...

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

2026/08/17

We sit down with listener and friend of the pod, Karla, to talk about her points-powered trip to Acadia National Park, where she combined Hyatt points, a Delta companion pass, travel credits, and smart booking strategies to keep costs low.Karla shares how she chose Acadia, what it’s really like staying at Under Canvas using Hyatt points, and why she and her husband embraced different vacation styles—he hiked while she relaxed and recharged. Plus, we talk Bar Harbor, a foggy schooner sail, and a

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13:11

240. Summer Road Trip Mini: Pittsburgh, PA

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

2026/08/12

Pittsburgh may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a family vacation, but this week's Midweek Mini highlights why it deserves a spot on your travel list. Submitted by listener Liz, this road trip stop completely exceeded expectations with its walkable downtown, family-friendly attractions, beautiful riverfront setting, and surprisingly fun atmosphere. Whether you're heading toward Niagara Falls, exploring the Northeast, or simply looking for an affordable long weekend destination,

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64:59

239. Santorini Sky: Is This Greece's Best Points Hotel?

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

2026/08/10

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

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33:55

238. Midweek Mini: My Passport Disappeared 24 Hours...

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

2026/08/05

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

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60:48

237. Unlocking the Power of Avios: Tips, Tricks, and...

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

2026/08/03

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

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