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

    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

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    160. Midweek Mini Crash Course: Unlimited Buy One Get One Free Flights for 2 YEARS with the Southwest Companion Pass

    In this week’s Midweek Mini, we’re breaking down one of the biggest and best deals in the entire world of points and miles — the Southwest Companion Pass. Whether you’re new to travel hacking or already a seasoned Southwest flyer, this episode walks you through exactly how to earn and maximize this incredible perk. We share two main strategies to earn the pass — the classic two-card combo (personal plus business) and the real-life “no business card” approach — and explain how to time your spending perfectly so your pass lasts nearly two full years. You’ll also hear why this perk is so special for families and frequent travelers, along with a few important warnings about timing your spend before and after January 1. We also dive into recent and upcoming Southwest changes, from assigned seating and new card perks to controversial snack and accessibility policy updates. Despite the changes, we both agree that if you fly Southwest even a few times a year, this is still one of the most valuable deals you can grab in travel. If you’ve ever wondered how to earn 135,000 qualifying points the smart way, when to open your cards, or how to make your pass last the longest, this episode has everything you need to know. We’re sharing our own Companion Pass experiences, what worked, what didn’t, and why this deal continues to be one of our all-time favorites for families who love to fly for nearly free. 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 Episode 47 Affiliate Links Southwest Rapid Rewards Card Referral Link- 85,000 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!

    32 min

  3. 3 NOV

    159. From Points to Pit Stops: Using Points to Fuel the F1 Trip of a Lifetime in Italy

    This week on the Wonderland on Points podcast, we’re joined by Jenna from @TravelersinLaw for one of the most sporty trips we’ve ever talked about — her points-and-miles-fueled adventure to Milan for the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. We go behind the scenes on how it all happened, from locking in flights right when the availability opened to booking last minute puddle jumpers and hotels using points. Jenna shares what it’s like attending an F1 race in Italy as a super fan. We talk about how she booked her flights and where she stayed, plus what the experience was actually like once she was there — the atmosphere, the food, the people, and the chaos that only Italy can deliver. We also chat about how this trip fits into the bigger picture of the dreams that points and miles can make possible. 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 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!

    58 min

  4. 29 OCT

    158. Midweek Mini: A Little Bad News (Closing Loopholes + Changing Card Rules) and a GOOD Birthday Surprise (with a Business Class Redemption!)

    This week, we begin with some less than thrilling news in the points and miles world. We love to keep you up to date but it's not always fun to share. THEN- we’re pulling back the curtain on how a trip actually comes together — from that first spark of inspiration to locking in the flights. It started with an Instagram video, a great transfer bonus, and some unbelievable business class redemptions, and by the end of the day, we had a surprise trip booked. We walk through the entire process of figuring out where to go, how to get home, what the taxes and fees really looked like, and how we turned a spur-of-the-moment idea into a birthday trip of a lifetime. If you’ve ever wanted to see what it looks like to build a trip with points in real time — the thought process, the strategy, and the excitement — this episode is for you. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX POINTS) Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

    24 min

  5. 27 OCT

    157. How to Book a Stopover with Air Canada Aeroplan (and Why You Should Try It)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Allison from @PointstoBoardingPass to break down one of the most powerful but underrated perks in the award travel world — Air Canada’s Aeroplan stopover program. Allison shares how travelers can add a stopover of up to 45 days for just 5,000 extra points and walks us through exactly how to find and book these deals using tools like Seats.aero and Air Canada’s multi-city search. We talk about how to maximize this feature for business class OR economy redemptions, why it’s a great option for honeymooners or anyone wanting to hit multiple destinations on one trip, and how it can unlock extra award space on tough routes. The conversation also covers the pros and cons of Aeroplan’s family pooling, the hidden risks that come with it, and which airlines to avoid for smoother bookings. Allison shares her own experiences using Aeroplan, including how she saved 30,000 points by adding a stopover, and what she’s planning next with points — from Scandinavia to the France. It’s a fun, practical deep dive full of tips, laughs, and strategies that will have you rethinking what’s possible with your points. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

    49 min

  6. 22 OCT

    156. Midweek Mini: Citi’s BRAND NEW American Airlines Credit Card!!

    Citi just launched a new American Airlines card - the Citi Advantage Globe Mastercard - and we are diving into what makes it stand out. With a $350 annual fee, it comes with solid perks like four Admiral’s Club passes, a domestic companion certificate, and Turo and Splurge credits that feel a little hit or miss. We break down the 90,000-mile welcome offer, easy $5,000 minimum spend, and new “Flight Streak Bonus” that helps earn AA status faster. Tune in as we share who this card actually makes sense for and whether it’s worth a spot in your wallet. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

    22 min

  7. 20 OCT

    155. The Town That Got Our Teens Off Their Phones: An Epic, Out of the Ordinary Road Trip on Points

    In this episode, Jo shares the story of an unforgettable road trip — four teenagers, one mom, and a weekend that proved you don’t have to go far (or spend a fortune) to make magic happen. What started as a plan to see a concert turned into a full-blown adventure that got the teens off their devices and completely hooked on exploring a small town full of surprises. From finding a Hyatt stay for just 6,500 points a night to discovering amazing free activities and local gems, Jo walks through how this spontaneous trip came together using points and miles. You’ll hear how she planned it, what made the destination so special, and why this road trip stands out as one of her favorite examples of affordable, meaningful travel with teens. If you’ve ever wanted to plan an epic getaway that actually connects with your kids (or your kids’ friends) this episode is full of ideas and inspiration for using points and miles to create memories that last long after the trip ends. Special thanks to Visit Bentonville for partnering with us on this incredible episode. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in this Episode Create4Good Have Points Will Travel Shirt Visit Bentonville Visitor's Center Fetch- Jo Fetch- Mary Ellen’s Referral Code: 43M2YE Upside- Mary Ellen’s Invite Code: KV4QC Upside - Jo Affiliate Links Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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 12m

  8. 15 OCT

    154. Midweek Mini: Things We Learned at TravelMore Con and the BIG LEAK!!!!

    In this midweek mini, we’re back from the TravelMore Conference and sharing all the behind-the-scenes details. From reconnecting with our favorite points-and-miles friends to some wild things we learned — and a few future guests who will be joining us on the podcast — we’re diving into everything that made this weekend truly amazing. We also get into “The Big Leak,” potentially the biggest points-and-miles news that could change the game forever. We break down what it means, why everyone’s talking about it, and what travelers like us should know going forward. If you’ve been curious about what TravelMore is really like or just want to catch up on the latest buzz in the points world, this quick episode is the perfect listen. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in this Episode Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! Travel More Conference Digital Ticket Amanda Exploring Bilt Rewards Affiliate Links Mary Ellen Rakuten Link Joanna Rakuten Link 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!

    27 min
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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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