Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel | Presented by Yahoo! Travel

Mary Ellen and Jo
  • 4.8 (279)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 2d ago

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

    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 Mystery, Sonoma, and San Francisco favorites like Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and Lombard Street. The episode also includes practical tips on planning this route, finding great local restaurants, preparing for Northern California's surprisingly cool summer weather, and maximizing points and free night certificates for an unforgettable family road trip. Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off! 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

  2. 4d ago

    241. Under Canvas Acadia on Points: Glamping, Hiking & Bar Harbor

    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 canceled Delta flight that put travel protections to the test. 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

  3. Aug 12

    240. Summer Road Trip Mini: Pittsburgh, PA

    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, Pittsburgh makes an excellent stop along the way. Liz shares why attending a Pittsburgh Pirates game became one of the highlights of the trip, thanks to one of the most scenic ballparks in Major League Baseball and an atmosphere that was enjoyable even for casual baseball fans. Joanna also shares a helpful points tip for sports lovers: Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders can sometimes redeem just 5,000 miles for premium baseball tickets through Capital One Travel Experiences, creating an incredible value for families. The episode also covers where to stay, including the Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore, which can be booked for just 15,000 Hyatt points per night and puts many of the city's top attractions within walking distance. Liz explains why the convenient location, kid-friendly activities, and unexpectedly charming downtown made Pittsburgh one of her family's favorite travel surprises, proving that sometimes the destinations with the lowest expectations create the best memories. 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 Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!) Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN) 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

  4. Aug 10

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

    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! Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: 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

  5. Aug 5

    238. Midweek Mini: My Passport Disappeared 24 Hours Before My Flight + What You Should Do If This Happens To You

    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. Mentioned in this episode: Links to passport holder and tracking cards Comfrt.com 15% OFF 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) 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

  6. Aug 3

    237. Unlocking the Power of Avios: Tips, Tricks, and Deals for Maximizing Your Travel Rewards with @ThePointsFlyGirl

    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) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) 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) Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off! Seats.Aero Comfrt.com 15% OFF 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

  7. Jul 29

    236. Midweek Mini: 100K Chase Offer ENDING, New Hyatt Partnership & Current Transfer Bonuses

    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) 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

  8. Jul 27

    235. Norway Road Trip Guide: The Best Hikes & Views in Norway (Part 2)

    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) 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: 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!

See All (242)

4.8
out of 5
279 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like