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

Mary Ellen and Jo
  • 4.8 (241)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    195. 48 Hours in Mexico City: A Points & Miles Travel Guide with @ThePointsPrinciple

    In this episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we sit down with mom and points traveler Cam Snyder from @ThePointsPrinciple to talk about planning a memorable 48-hour trip to Mexico City using points and miles. Cam shares why Mexico City is an incredible destination for families, with amazing food, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class museums. We also dive into how she got started in the points and miles world and how she uses those strategies to make international travel more accessible. From booking award flights to choosing the right hotel location, Cam walks us through the key decisions that shaped her family’s short but unforgettable Mexico City adventure. Along the way, we talk about navigating transportation in such a massive city, why location matters when choosing a hotel like the Hilton Mexico City Reforma, and how to balance points versus cash when booking your stay. If you’re thinking about visiting Mexico City, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you plan a smooth and rewarding trip. Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mentioned in this Episode: Cam's Reel Seats.Aero Our FAVORITE Travel Backpack! 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!

    45 min

  2. 6D AGO

    194. Midweek Mini: The REAL Hyatt Devaluation of Our Nightmares

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we dive into the recent changes in Hyatt’s points and miles program. We unpack the confusion caused by early fake reports and break down the actual updates to the award structure, exploring both the positive and negative impacts. We discuss immediate category changes affecting several hotels and share strategies for booking before these changes take effect, so your points go further. We also highlight the value of the travel community, sharing insights and lessons learned to help listeners make smarter travel decisions. Positive updates include digital point sharing among members, and the award structure is expanding from three to five categories which makes planning ahead more important than ever. Booking sooner can help avoid future price hikes, and leaning on the travel community remains a key strategy to stay resilient and informed. This episode is presented by Yahoo! Travel. Don't forget to sign up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter written by yours truly. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero 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!

    18 min

  3. MAR 2

    193. A Cabo All-Inclusive at a Points Price You Will NOT Believe!

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re sharing our honest review of Grand Decameron Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas — an all-inclusive stay booked with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts points. And we literally CANNOT believe how amazing it was for the cost! We break down how to use Wyndham points (transferred from CapitalOne) for an all-inclusive in Cabo, what flying Southwest Airlines was like with the new seating, and whether this resort is truly a budget-friendly option for family travel. From dining reviews and grocery store hacks to snorkeling excursions and spontaneous flight changes, we’re covering what worked, what didn’t, and how to stretch your points and miles further in Mexico. If you’re planning a Cabo family vacation, considering a Wyndham all-inclusive, or looking for smart travel tips to save money, this episode is for you. Episode Sponsors: Y! Wonder Newsletter Comfrt.com 15% OFF Mentioned in this Episode: Alejandro the Cabo Concierge - Whatsapp: +52 867 104 4384 Cabo Escapes Snorkeling Tour Viator Horseback Riding Excursion Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero 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!

    1h 8m

  4. FEB 25

    192. Midweek Mini: News Roundup- The Hyatt Hoax, the Short-Lived TSA Nightmare, and United Airlines Changes

    *** The day that we dropped this episode was the same day Hyatt announced their ACTUAL changes. We will be dropping an entire episode about this next Wednesday** It has been a wild week in the world of points and miles — and we’re breaking it all down for you. In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we talk about the viral Hyatt rumor that sent travelers into a panic (and why it turned out to be completely false), plus what it teaches us about verifying information before hitting “share.” We also cover unexpected shutdowns impacting Transportation Security Administration systems and Global Entry, what that could have meant for travelers if it had actually gone through and why having backup tools and travel apps can save you serious stress at the airport. And if you fly United Airlines, you’ll want to hear our breakdown of their latest loyalty updates — especially how co-branded credit cards are becoming more important than ever (and how that can benefit your whole family). If you care about staying ahead in the ever-changing travel landscape, this is one you won’t want to miss. This episode is presented by Yahoo! Travel. Don't forget to sign up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter written by yours truly. Mentioned in this Episode: Betsey's Instagram Mobile Passport Control My TSA App Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero 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!

    17 min

  5. FEB 23

    191. From Paparazzi to Points Pro with The Points Partner

    **This episode was recorded before the drop of the current transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we chat with Owen Beiny of The Points Partner, about how he went from paparazzi photographer to mastering the world of points and miles. We dive into transfer bonuses, smart redemption strategies, and how families can unlock outsized value from their credit cards without overcomplicating the process. We also talk about stacking opportunities—like monthly promo awards with Air France—when it makes sense to move your points, and why mindset matters just as much as math in the points and miles game. If you want practical travel tips, real redemption inspiration, and a reminder to celebrate your wins, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. This episode is presented by Yahoo! Travel. Don't forget to sign up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter written by yours truly. Mentioned in this Episode: Owen's Fly Free Academy Course Book a FREE Card Consultation with Owen Find Us On Online: Owen on TikTok ThePointsPartner.com Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero 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 FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! 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!

    57 min

  6. FEB 18

    190. Midweek Mini: We Can FINALLY Tell You Our BIG SECRET!

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we take a moment to celebrate a big milestone and reflect on how far this podcast has come. We talk about how we started with a simple dream and a clear vision to represent budget-conscious families in the travel space, and how the support from our community has shaped everything we’ve built. Hearing from listeners along the way has continually reminded us why this work matters and confirmed that there’s a real need for accessible, realistic travel advice. We also share some exciting news about our new partnership and the launch of a newsletter where we’ll be bringing our travel tips and insights to a new platform. We chat about what it means to branch out into writing while staying true to our mission of making travel more attainable for families. Most importantly, we want to reassure everyone that the podcast isn’t going anywhere—this is simply a new chapter built on the same heart, message, and gratitude we have for every listener who has supported us along the way. ✈️If you are interested in signing up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter click HERE and look for the pop up at the bottom of your screen! Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! Flipside Luggage (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) Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! Tripiamo Driving Tutorials 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!

    12 min

  7. FEB 16

    189. Points, Purpose, and the Philippines with @YourPalCharlotte

    In this episode, we chat with Charlotte about how her love of travel began and how that journey led her to the Philippines, where missions work and orphan care have deeply shaped her life. She shares how God’s timing and meaningful community have guided her travels, and how visiting the Philippines can be both impactful and surprisingly affordable. We also talk through practical tips for getting there with points and miles, why the strong U.S. dollar stretches far, how to use Grab for getting around, and why carrying cash still matters. From incredible Filipino hospitality and flavorful local dishes to the fun of plane spotting, this episode is a heartfelt glimpse into travel with purpose in the Philippines and beyond. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Charlotte's TikTok Charlotte's Youtube Mentioned in this episode: Make Friends In Unexpected Places Merch "I'll Never Forget Today" Reel AeroLopa Seat Maps Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! Flipside Luggage (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) 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!

    1h 2m

  8. FEB 11

    188. Midweek Mini: Best Current Offers -Card Round Up

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we dive into some of the best current credit card offers in the points and miles world and break down what they really mean for travelers. We explore standouts like the current Southwest (mini) Companion Pass offer available through their personal credit card. We also discuss the Capital One Venture, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, and Hyatt Personal, sharing how each one fits into a smart travel rewards strategy. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of having a clear credit card application strategy, especially when navigating rules like Chase’s 5/24, and why understanding annual fees versus real-world value matters more than flashy bonuses. We also share our excitement about recent changes in the Sapphire credit card landscape and how these offers can dramatically enhance your travel experiences when used intentionally. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate/Referral Links: Southwest Personal Cards CapitalOne Venture (Use the pre-approval tool on this landing page) Chase Sapphire Seats.Aero BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! Flipside Luggage (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) Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! Tripiamo Driving Tutorials 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
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4.8
out of 5
241 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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