Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Mary Ellen and Jo
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  • يتم التحديث أسبوعيًا

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. قبل ساعة واحدة

    151. From Rentals to Rewards: Unique Points Strategies with the Itinerary Boss

    This week on Wonderland on Points, we’re joined by Ross Alcorn — better known as the Itinerary Boss — to talk about turning big life expenses into even bigger travel rewards. Ross shares how he and his fiancée strategically used their wedding hotel block, rehearsal dinner, and other wedding costs to rack up massive points, including IHG free nights they’re putting toward a Grand Cayman trip. We also dive into how Ross approaches real estate, renovations, and everyday expenses with a points-earning mindset, plus the redemptions that have taken him everywhere from Bali’s Alila resorts to future adventures in South Africa and Portugal. Along the way, we swap destination dreams, talk about the newest Hyatt and Kimpton openings, and explore how loyalty programs like IHG can stretch travel budgets further than you’d expect. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a home project, or just your next vacation, this episode is packed with inspiration for turning ordinary spending into extraordinary travel.

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  2. قبل ٥ أيام

    150. Midweek Mini: Netherlands Part 1- Amsterdam with Kids, Biking, Anne Frank House & More

    Mary Ellen’s Europe trip continues! In this Midweek Mini, we dive into the first half of her family’s adventures in Amsterdam. From late-night train arrivals to Hyatt stays with Club Access, to Dutch chocolate surprises and the reality of navigating Amsterdam’s overwhelming bike culture—this one has plenty of laughs and lessons. We chat about the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam and how points strategy paired with club access made the stay smoother for the kids. Mary Ellen shares what it was really like trying to bike through downtown Amsterdam compared to the calm of Vondelpark, and why Amsterdam’s reputation as a biking paradise can feel very different when you’ve got children in tow. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! Tripiamo Driving Tutorials Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

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  3. ٢٩ سبتمبر

    149. Choice Hotels Deep Dive: Exploring Scandinavia on Points

    This week we’re diving into Scandinavia with returning guest Cami, who has mastered the art of using Choice Privileges Rewards to travel Norway and beyond. Cami shares how she’s stretched her points further than she ever expected, what makes Choice Hotels such a hidden gem, and why the free breakfasts in Scandinavia alone make redemptions here such a win. We also chat about the variety of hotel brands within the Choice portfolio, how to find the best redemptions during peak seasons, and why planning ahead pays off big time in this part of the world. From breathtaking fjord cruises to iconic hikes, Cami paints an incredible picture of what makes Norway a dream destination—and how Choice points can make it far more affordable. You will NOT believe how many free nights she got and how many points were redeemed to make it happen! Mentioned in this Episode: Amazing Hiking Sample Norway Itinerary Cami's Garden Island Article Choice Hotels Personalized Week Night Benefit Occupancy Rules I couldn't find any articles on this specifically but I ran a number of searches. Most hotel rooms in this region of Norway fit three people max (although many are only 2) but some Quality Hotel locations have a 4 person family room. Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links 30% off the CardPointers subscription! Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

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  4. ٢٤ سبتمبر

    148. Midweek Mini: Chase Updates, New Southwest Companion Pass Strategy & A New Card in the Wallet

    This week’s Midweek Mini is packed with updates you won’t want to miss. We break down the brand new additions to the Chase Sapphire Reserve refresh, including changes to the $500 Edit Hotel Credit and a brand-new $250 partner hotel credit, plus how to stack them for even more value. We also share details on the limited-time Infatuation dining promo available to Sapphire Preferred cardholders in select cities, the quirks of the Hawaiian Airlines welcome bonus that might surprise you, and a wild new Southwest Business card offer that could land you a Companion Pass with just one application. PLUS Mary Ellen's analysis paralysis comes to an END. Listen in to hear what card she decided to go for! EPISODE SPONSOR 30% off the CardPointers subscription! Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in this Episode Infatuation Link and Dine Chase Refresh Episode Last year's Southwest Companion Pass episode Affiliate Links Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! Tripiamo Driving Tutorials Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

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  5. ٢٢ سبتمبر

    147. The Amex Platinum Refresh: Is $895 Worth It?!

    The Amex Platinum just got a major refresh for 2025 — and the changes are big. The annual fee is now an eye-watering $895, but with that increase comes a whole new set of perks. From a fresh $100 a quarter Resy credit to expanded travel benefits and lifestyle perks, the Platinum is looking different than ever before. In this episode, we break down what’s new, what’s disappearing, and whether the Platinum still earns its spot in your wallet. We share their personal takes on which credits are the easiest to use, where travelers could actually see value, and how the card now stacks up against premium competitors like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X. If you’ve been debating whether to open, close, or keep the Platinum, this conversation will help you make sense of the changes — and figure out whether $895 is worth it for your travel style. EPISODE SPONSOR 50% off the CardPointers subscription! Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned in this Episode American Express Platinum Deep Dive Episode Joanna's Rakuten Link Mary Ellen's Rakuten Link Mary Ellen's AMEX Platinum Link Affiliate Links Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! Tripiamo Driving Tutorials Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

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  6. ١٧ سبتمبر

    146. Midweek Mini: News Round Up- September 17, 2025

    It’s time for another Midweek Mini, and this week we are serving up a News Roundup Sandwich. From exciting new transfer bonuses to one painful devaluation, and one VERY exciting elevated offer -we’re walking through the latest points and miles updates you need to know. We’re breaking down the Capital One 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic, Citi’s Wyndham bonus, Chase’s Air France/KLM offer, and why the Amex to Hilton 25% transfer bonus might be the best play yet—especially if you’re eyeing a spring break or summer getaway. Plus, we chat about when to move points, how to maximize fifth-night-free stays, and why Membership Rewards feel like a renewable resource compared to Chase Ultimate Rewards. Stay tuned, because this midweek roundup might spark your next big redemption. EPISODE SPONSOR 30% off the CardPointers subscription! Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! Tripiamo Driving Tutorials Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

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  7. ١٥ سبتمبر

    145. Exploring France with Kids on POINTS: Paris, Bayeux, and Normandy

    What’s it really like to explore Paris, Bayeux and Normandy on points with three kids in tow? In this episode, Mary Ellen picks up the next chapter of her European adventure and shares the highlights (and surprises!) from her family’s time in France. From climbing to a free Parisian viewpoint with stunning Eiffel Tower views to staying in a charming chateau in Bayeux booked with her Venture X credit, this leg of the trip was unforgettable. We dive into her day trip to the beaches of Normandy, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, with a guided tour that brought history to life. Mary Ellen opens up about the emotional impact of visiting these sites, why it was worth the splurge, and how she made it work with kids — even with a toddler in tow. If Paris, Bayeux, or a D-Day tour has ever been on your bucket list, this episode will give you practical tips, inspiration, and a peek behind the scenes of family travel on points. EPISODE SPONSOR 30% off the CardPointers subscription! Find Us On Online Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! Tripiamo Driving Tutorials Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

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  8. ١٠ سبتمبر

    144. Midweek Mini: Analysis Paralysis vs. Shiny New Card Syndrome- SEND HELP

    This week on our Midweek Mini, we get real about the struggle of choosing between multiple credit cards, elevated signup bonuses, and chasing a Southwest companion pass. We share our own moments of analysis paralysis and shiny new card syndrome, plus a few really hasty decisions that got one of us into some trouble. We also share tips for families on maximizing points, lounge access, and making smarter credit card decisions without losing your mind. Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Find Us On Instagram Mary Ellen | Jo Affiliate Links Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution! 30% off the CardPointers subscription! Tripiamo Driving Tutorials Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF! 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!

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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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