Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Mary Ellen and Jo
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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.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    167. Midweek Mini: The 2026 Cruise Rankings with U.S. News Senior Travel Editor Nicola Wood

    In this Midweek Mini, we sit down with U.S. News Senior Travel Editor Nicola Wood to unpack the brand-new 2026 Best Cruise Lines rankings and what they mean for families, value-seekers, and anyone curious about cruising. We talk through how the rankings are actually created, the surprising ways scores and traveler reviews factor in, and why Virgin Voyages continues to dominate the “Best for the Money” category. We share why Virgin’s inclusions make it such a standout for points users, how transfer partners can make a cruise nearly free, and the real math behind when it does or doesn’t make sense to book a cruise on points. Nicola walks us through the biggest surprises of the year, including a luxury newcomer that suddenly appeared in the top three for the Caribbean, and why Viking took the number-one spot for the Mediterranean thanks to small ships, deep cultural programming, and crowd-free Quiet Season itineraries. We take a closer look at the family rankings too, with Disney once again claiming the top position for its unmatched entertainment and private-island experiences. Whether you’re a long-time cruiser or planning your very first sailing, this episode breaks down what really matters when choosing a ship, when deals are best, and how to stretch your travel budget further while actually enjoying the process. US News Instagram US News and World Report - Cruises 30% off the CardPointers subscription! Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! 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!

    21 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    166. Europe on a Budget: The BEST City for Major European Charm Without the Major Price Tag with @German.Samvel

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we sit down with German Samvel to talk about his recent trip to Prague and why it’s quickly becoming one of the best budget-friendly destinations in Europe. German shares what surprised him most about the city, especially the incredible food scene, from traditional Czech dishes to one of the best tapas meals he’s ever had. We chat about what dinners actually cost, why two people can eat a full meal with drinks for under $35, and how Prague delivers major European charm without the major European prices. We also dive into German’s favorite experiences, including paddle boating on the river, exploring Prague Castle, wandering through historic neighborhoods, and checking out the famous “mini Eiffel Tower” viewpoint. He talks through what it’s really like to get around the city, why it’s so easy for first-time visitors, what weather to expect in the summer, and how surprisingly comfortable the city is for English speakers. Of course, we couldn’t resist talking points and miles. German shares his favorite welcome offer right now, why Prague is such a beginner-friendly city for award travelers, and the realities of flying intra-Europe “business class.” If you’re dreaming of a European weekend getaway that’s beautiful, affordable, and easy to book with points, this episode will put Prague firmly on your list. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Find German Online Instagram TikTok Youtube Affiliate Links Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! 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!

    48 min

  3. 26 NOV

    165. 10 Strategies Every Travel Sports Family NEEDS to Know to Help Mitigate Travel Expenses

    In this Midweek Mini episode, we share ten strategies every travel sports family needs to know to save on tournament travel. From using travel credit cards and transferable points to apps like Rakuten, BILT, Upside, and Fetch, we show how everyday expenses—hotels, gas, dining, and gear—can turn into free nights, points, and cash back. Whether your kids are chasing their sports dreams or you just love to travel, these tips will help you keep costs down while making the most of points and miles. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers Mentioned in this episode: Fetch-Mary Ellen’s Code: 43M2YE Fetch- Joanna Upside- Mary Ellen’s Code: KV4QC Upside- Joanna Affiliate Links: 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 30% off the CardPointers subscription! 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!

    25 min

  4. 24 NOV

    164. Overwater Bungalow at the Westin Bora Bora on Points with @EmilyEatsandExplores

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we chat with Emily Cooper of @EmilyEatsandExplores about her unforgettable honeymoon in Bora Bora. Emily takes us beyond the postcard-perfect overwater bungalows to explore what it’s really like to experience this bucket-list destination. She shares insights on connecting with local culture, from art galleries to turtle sanctuaries, and how visitors can support the island community while traveling responsibly. We dive into active vacation options, including snorkeling, yoga, and excursions, as well as the realities of resort life, from bungalow distances to practical planning tips. Emily also offers advice on dining, budgeting, and maximizing points with Marriott and Amex for a more accessible luxury experience. Families and couples alike will find valuable guidance, including what to expect when bringing kids and how to make the most of a romantic getaway. With a focus on sustainability, practical travel hacks, and insider tips, this episode is full of inspiration and advice for making a dream trip to Bora Bora a reality. Episode Sponsor Comfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices! Youtube Review of Comfrt Hoodies Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in the Episode JW Masai Mara Episode with Emily Tahiti Episode with @LetsTravelTalk Travel Chat with Ashley and Emily Podcast Affiliate Links Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! 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!

    1h 22m

  5. 19 NOV

    163. Midweek Mini: The Venture X 100K Comeback + The Hyatt Points Hack You Need to Know

    In this week’s midweek mini episode of Wonderland on Points, we break down the newly settled lawsuit between merchants and Mastercard/Visa over interchange fees and what the changes could mean for premium credit-card rewards going forward, before diving into Capital One’s stunningly rare 100K Venture X offer, why it’s one of the most elevated bonuses we’ve seen in years, and how to decide if the high spend requirement is worth the massive mileage haul. We also touch on the boosted Venture X Business offer and who it makes the most sense for, then wrap with one of the best hidden gems in points and miles: the little-known fact that you can actually combine Hyatt points with other people, unlocking bigger redemptions, longer stays, and more flexibility than most travelers realize. Tune in for a fast, focused episode packed with news, strategy, and insider rewards tips to help you maximize every point. Mary Ellen- Venture X Referral Joanna- Venture X Referral Hyatt Combine Points Form Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Episode Sponsor Comfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices! Youtube Review of Comfrt Hoodies Affiliate Links Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! 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!

    21 min

  6. 17 NOV

    162. Secrets Moxché: A Luxurious $0 All-Inclusive Escape with Parks on Rec

    This week on Wonderland on Points, we’re joined by Victoria and Brad from @ParksonRec for the MOST FUN episode talking all things Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, how they flew to Mexico using Southwest’s Companion Pass, and the moves that helped them stretch their points for an adults-only getaway. We chat about their room upgrade strategy, what surprised them most about the resort, and why this all-inclusive stay worked so well for a quick, luxurious escape. If you love Hyatt all-inclusive redemptions, want a smarter Companion Pass plan for 2025, or just want to hear what makes Secrets Moxché so fun, this episode is packed with ideas you can use on your next trip. Find Us On Online Parks on Rec Website Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in this Episode Southwest Companion Pass Guide Hotel Upgrade Guide USA Transfers Episode 137 - Cancun/Hyatt Vivid Affiliate Links Comfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices! Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! 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!

    1h 10m

  7. 12 NOV

    161. Midweek Mini- Bilt and Rakuten Break the Internet: The Biggest News in Points and Miles This Year

    This week on Wonderland on Points, we’re unpacking one of the biggest shakeups in travel rewards — the new Bilt and Rakuten partnership. You can now link your Rakuten and Bilt accounts to turn cashback into Bilt Rewards points, even without the Bilt card. We explain how it works, why it matters, and what this means for anyone earning through shopping portals. We also share updates on Bilt Card 2.0, new Hyatt rumors, and how Chase Sapphire Reserve may soon unlock elite status. If you want to make your everyday spending work harder — from rent to retail — this episode has everything you need to know. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Episode Sponsor Comfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices! Youtube Review of Comfrt Hoodies Affiliate Links Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! 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!

    18 min

  8. 10 NOV

    161. Copenhagen, Lego House, & Low-Cost European Adventures: How We Traveled 10 Days in Europe With Kids for Less Than the Cost of a Road Trip to Florida (Flights and Hotels INCLUDED)

    In this episode we talk with Michelle of @OhthePlacesYoullGoTravels about the Denmark and Sweden part of their 10-day family trip to European, which proves that travel with kids can be affordable, flexible, and genuinely kid-friendly when you use points, stopovers, and creative lodging. Michelle walks us through the itinerary that started with a Flying Blue stopover in Amsterdam, an unforgettable day at LEGO House in Billund, and then a multi-night stay split between Copenhagen and Malmo, Sweden. She explains how she stitched the trip together using points for flights, a Mr & Mrs Smith penthouse booked on Hyatt points, a budget Kindred home-exchange apartment in Malmo, and an unexpected bargain Story Hotel stay by Hyatt — and how those choices kept the trip family-friendly and economical. We share concrete how-to tips you can use: how to book Flying Blue stopovers, when staying overnight in Billund (or renting a car) makes sense, where to store luggage and how LEGO House’s zones keep kids entertained for hours, and why Malmo can be a smart, lower-cost base with a 30-minute train into Copenhagen. Michelle also breaks down the numbers and how with points they spent LESS out of pocket for flights, hotels, food and excursions for a family of 4 over 10 days and across many countries — a life-changing contrast to her family’s earlier Florida road trip that was astronomically more! Join us to hear about this amazing, underrated and family friendly destination! Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Ohtheplacesyoullgotravel.com Episode Sponsor Comfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices! Youtube Review of Comfrt Hoodies Affiliate Links Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX POINTS) Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! 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!

    1h 6m
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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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