Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Mary Ellen and Jo
  • 4.8 (235)
  • 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

    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

  2. 6D AGO

    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

  3. FEB 9

    187. Breaking Down Wells Fargo with Points Millionaire @KaungFi

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we sit down with Kaung, a nurse and finance expert who has turned points and miles into a powerful tool for traveling smarter. We talk about how his journey into the points world started while planning his wedding and how he used credit card rewards to fund an unforgettable honeymoon in Europe. Kong shares some of his more creative strategies, including earning points in unexpected ways, and walks us through how he thinks about risk when trying new approaches. We also dig into Wells Fargo and their often overlooked presence in the points space, breaking down the Autograph card and the Autograph Journey card, including who they’re best for and how their transfer partners can unlock real value. On top of that, we cover recent updates to Chase Sapphire rules, current transfer bonuses worth paying attention to, and what all of this means for everyday travelers. We wrap up by chatting about Kong’s upcoming travel plans, including theme parks and future trips to Europe, as he transitions into full-time content creation in the points and miles world. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in this episode: Choice Hotel episode Granada Episode Kaung's TikTok Kaung's Youtube 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! 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!

    38 min

  4. FEB 4

    186. Midweek Mini: Mary Ellen is A GLOBALIST!

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we catch up and share personal updates from our own points and miles journeys. We talk about how we’re currently thinking about credit card strategy, including Joanna’s extensive experience managing multiple cards and why loyalty still plays an important role when it comes to long-term value. We also dig into American Express business cards, what makes them so compelling, and how we decide whether to keep, downgrade, or close a card. We also share the story of Mary Ellen’s unexpected path to earning Hyatt Globalist status and why it ended up being one of the most rewarding travel surprises. We talk through how loyalty programs and strategic stays can add real value to your trips when you understand how they work. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of community in the points and miles world. We encourage listeners to ask questions, share what they’re learning, and stay connected, because this space is better when it’s supportive and collaborative. We wrap up by sharing our excitement about upcoming travel and what we’re looking forward to next. 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!

    19 min

  5. FEB 2

    185. A Family Getaway at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we dive into a domestic stay that genuinely surprised Mary Ellen and her family: the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. We talk about why this resort feels like a hidden gem and why trips closer to home can be just as exciting and meaningful as international travel, especially when you’re using points and miles strategically. We walk through the location, the overall feel of the property, and why it works so well for families looking for an easy, relaxing getaway. We also cover the nuts and bolts of booking, including how to use points, what cash rates looked like, and how much value we were able to get from a card credit. We share our honest experience with the rooms and dining options, including how breakfast offerings can change depending on occupancy and timing, which is helpful to know before you arrive. We spend time highlighting all the activities that make this stay such a win for families, from the beautiful indoor pool and hot tub to outdoor options like kayaking and putt-putt golf. We also talk about the game room that was a huge hit with the kids and the cozy communal spaces throughout the resort, including multiple fireplaces that made the property feel warm and inviting. This property reminds us just how powerful points and miles can be when it comes to making domestic travel feel special. 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!

    36 min

  6. JAN 28

    184. Midweek Mini: KLM Business Class vs Economy - Our Honest Flight Review

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we share our recent experience flying KLM and compare what it was really like traveling in business class versus economy. For one of us, it was the first time choosing business class and we break down whether the splurge on points was truly worth it. We walk through how we booked using points and miles, why the deal was such a win, and how lounge hopping added an extra layer of fun before the flight. From in-flight dining and comfort to service differences and even the butter (yes, the butter), we highlight just how dramatically different the business class experience felt compared to economy. We also share the challenges we faced in economy on the way home, our overall impressions of KLM, and whether we’d fly the airline again. If you’re deciding between splurging on business class or saving your points in economy, this episode offers honest comparisons, practical travel tips, and real-world insight to help you make the best choice for your next international flight. 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!

    31 min

  7. JAN 26

    183. Can You Really Do Europe in a Weekend? Our Vienna Trip, Park Hyatt Stay & Hallstatt Day Trip

    Can you really experience Europe in just a weekend? We put it to the test with a whirlwind trip to Vienna, Austria — sharing how we maximized our time, navigated travel logistics, and made the most of a short international getaway. In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we talk through flying direct, using Vienna’s easy public transportation system, and what it was like staying at the Park Hyatt Vienna. We also share honest insights on dining in Vienna, from affordable local eats to memorable splurges, along with cultural tips like cash-friendly businesses and Sunday closures. We dive into why walking tours are one of our favorite ways to quickly learn a city and share what you need to know to plan a smart day trip to Hallstatt, including how to manage crowds and timing. If you’ve been dreaming of squeezing a European adventure into a long weekend, this episode offers practical travel tips, smart planning strategies, and plenty of inspiration to make it happen. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in this episode: Tour Guide- Dr. Ingrid Zebinger-Jacobi - Email: I.zebingerjacobi@gmail.com Rent clothes on Nuuly: $30 off your first month! (Skip or cancel any time) White Alligator Tours Glacis Beisl (traditional Austrian restaurant) Alles Wurscht (sausage stand) Vienna City Card City Airport Train Affiliate Links: Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!) Comfrt.com 15% OFF 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!

    1h 6m

  8. JAN 21

    182. Midweek Mini January 21- Mastering Points and Miles: Shopping Portals and Cashback Apps

    In this episode, we explore the world of shopping portals and how everyday spending can earn you big points and miles. We break down favorites like Rakuten, Simply Miles, Capital One Offers, and apps like Fetch and Upside, showing how to use them effectively without needing specific credit cards. We also share strategies for linking accounts, checking for promotions, and maximizing rewards from purchases you’re already making. If you want to earn more points without relying solely on credit card sign-ups, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you do just that. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in this episode: BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Fetch- For Mary Ellen use code: MARYELLEN Fetch- Jo: Code JOANNALYNN Upside- Mary Ellen: KV4QC Upside- Jo: Code JOANNA32944 Affiliate Links: Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!) Comfrt.com 15% OFF 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!

    27 min
See All (189)

4.8
out of 5
235 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