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

  1. 2d ago

    231. Charming Copenhagen, Denmark with a Side Quest to Malmo, Sweden

    If 🇩🇰Denmark has been on your travel bucket list, this episode is full of inspiration and practical tips to help you plan your own adventure. We take you along as Mary Ellen and her family of 5 explore Copenhagen, sharing how she booked their flights to Europe using points and miles on American Airlines, and how airport lounge access made their long travel day much more enjoyable. Once she arrived, she discovered why Copenhagen is consistently ranked as one of Europe's most livable cities, from biking through charming neighborhoods and strolling colorful streets to spending an unforgettable day at the magical Tivoli Gardens. She also shares her experience staying at the Absalon Hotel, navigating the city with kids, and the little travel lessons learned along the way. Whether Denmark is your dream destination or just the first stop on a larger Scandinavian itinerary (Hello Norway 🤩), this episode is packed with ideas to help you maximize your points, minimize your costs, and make the most of your time in one of Europe's most charming capitals. Also included, a side quest for dinner in Malmo, Sweden at the Malmo Food Hall! 🇸🇪 Links: 💜15% off Comfrt Hoodies (Mary Ellen used the Airplane Mode hoodie on this trip) 💜25% off Relief Band 💜FREE Y!Wonder Newsletter 🎙️Episode 161 also about Denmark and LEGO house 💜Our Favorite Travel Items 💜Ready to sign up for a NEW Travel Credit Card? Here are links to some of our favorites!

  2. Jul 1

    228. How Her Family of 5 Traveled Thailand for Two Weeks Using Points & Miles

    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

  3. Jun 29

    227. Airport Lounge Birthday Trip to Colorado

    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!

  4. Jun 24

    226. Midweek Mini: Chase Sapphire Preferred "Refresh" — Our HONEST 🌶️ Takes

    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!

  5. Jun 22

    225. Dreams Playa Mujeres on Points: A Family All-Inclusive Review

    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!

4.8
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274 Ratings

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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.

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