Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Mary Ellen and Jo
  • 4.8 (230)
  • 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. 4D AGO

    180. Midweek Mini- Mastering Points and Miles: Your Guide to Award Search Tools

    In this episode, we dive into the essential tools that make finding airline and hotel redemptions in the points and miles world so much easier. We break down beginner-friendly search tools like PointsYeah as well as options for more experienced travelers, and explain why double-checking award availability is crucial to avoid disappointment. We also share our favorite hotel search tools, like MaxFHR.com for Amex Platinum users, and highlight organizational apps like CardPointers to help you stay on top of offers and track your rewards. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your points and miles game, this episode gives you the tools to travel smarter, save more, and make the most of every redemption. 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

  2. 6D AGO

    179. Are You Brand New to Points and Miles? START HERE!

    In this episode, we’re breaking down the basics of points and miles and showing how strategic credit card use can unlock incredible travel opportunities. We talk about how welcome offers can help you earn points quickly, why credit cards don’t have to hurt your credit score, and why paying your balance in full is non-negotiable. We explain why transferable points are so valuable, how to choose the right starter card, and whether annual fees are actually worth it. We also introduce the idea of “Player One and Player Two” and how working together can supercharge your points—while reminding you that you can absolutely do this solo, too. If you’re new to points and miles or feeling overwhelmed by where to start, this episode will help you build confidence and take your first step. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: 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!

    27 min

  3. JAN 7

    178. Midweek Mini- Mastering Points and Miles: The Earn and Burn Philosophy

    It’s a new year, which makes it the perfect time to reset how we think about points and miles. In this episode, we’re diving into why earning and burning points is so important if you actually want to get value from your travel rewards. We talk about the risks of hoarding points, including devaluations that can happen without warning, as well as account closures and expiration policies that can wipe out rewards entirely. Points are depreciating assets, and waiting for the “perfect” redemption often leads to analysis paralysis and missed trips. We also share why using points can free up cash for other priorities, and how it’s okay to save strategically for a specific trip—as long as you have a plan and don’t wait forever. Most importantly, we remind you to trust that you can earn more points in the future. We wrap up by encouraging you to lean into community for support, ideas, and confidence as you navigate the points and miles world this year. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: 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!

    18 min

  4. JAN 5

    177. Delayed Flights? Lost Baggage? You ARE Entitled to COMPENSATION- Knowing Your Rights with @ChasingMemories.Co

    In this episode, we chat with travel insurance advisor Lisa Jarvis about knowing your rights when you travel. She shares the details on lost baggage, delayed flights and how to navigate these challenging situations. We also talk about why medical travel insurance is essential, especially when traveling with kids. We share real stories of emergencies abroad—like a broken arm in London and worrying moments in the Bahamas—and explore how to get affordable coverage, including tips on credit card perks and “$0 trip cost” policies. Lisa also shares practical strategies for teaching kids situational awareness and independence while traveling, from navigating airports to using public transit safely. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first family trip, this episode is full of actionable advice to travel smarter, safer, and with peace of mind. Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Mentioned: Chasing Memories Website 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 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!

    53 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    176. Midweek Mini: A Family Adventure in Belgium - Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels

    In this Midweek Mini, Mary Ellen wraps up her incredible European adventure with a family of five, taking us through Belgium, including Antwerp, Bruges, and Brussels. From navigating train travel with kids to indulging in Belgian chocolate, waffles, and exploring Mini Europe and the Atomium, she shares the highs, the chaos, and the lessons learned along the way. Mary Ellen highlights how points and miles made this trip possible, from booking flights on points with Capital One to scoring nearly free hotels, all while keeping the family’s out-of-pocket costs remarkably low. She also shares real-life travel hacks, like pre-ordering allergy-friendly airline meals, finding the best playgrounds, and creative ways to make a European vacation work for families on a budget. Whether you’re planning your first family trip abroad or looking to stretch your travel budget further, this episode is packed with practical tips, inspiration, and a few wild stories that every parent can relate to. Episode Sponsor Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!) Mentioned in this episode: Europe Trip Part 1 (England) Part 2 (France) Part 3 (the Netherlands) Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! 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!

    26 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    175. Money, Mindset, and Making Slow Travel Possible with Certified Financial Educator Suzy May

    In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re joined by @SuzyMay.Wander, financial coach, worldschooling mom, and host of the Wander Worldschool podcast, for an inspiring and practical conversation about designing a life that makes meaningful travel possible. Suzy shares how her family transitioned from dreaming about extended travel to living it out, and she walks us through her approachable six-step framework for planning long-term or slow travel with intention. We talk about clarifying your “why,” building a realistic financial plan, understanding what monthly costs might look like in different destinations, and using tools like points, budgeting strategies, and creative income to close financial gaps. We also dive into the mindset side of money, why so many families underestimate what’s possible, and how getting honest with your numbers can open the door to travel that truly aligns with your values. If you’ve ever wondered whether extended travel or a slower, more intentional travel lifestyle could work for your family, this episode offers guidance, encouragement, and a practical starting point. Episode Sponsor Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!) Mentioned in this episode: Grenada Episode Seville Episode Suzy's blog-home swap Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Affiliate Links: BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! 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!

    44 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    174. Midweek Mini: NYC at Christmas- $1000+ a Night Hotel for $0!

    Celebrate the magic of Christmas travel done smartly in this festive midweek mini episode of Wonderland on Points. Mary Ellen shares how she pulled off a dreamy, budget-friendly Christmas Eve getaway to New York City with her preschooler using points and miles, from scoring affordable Amtrak tickets to booking a Times Square hotel that would have cost over $1,000 per night for just 29,000 Hyatt points. You’ll hear practical tips for Amtrak booking and upgrades, smart seat selection for kid-friendly Broadway-style shows like the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, and how Hyatt’s Brand Explorer “Hyatt Bingo” can unlock valuable free night certificates. Along the way, the episode highlights simple joys like New York pizza in bed, a magical Disney Store moment, and the power of solo parent-child trips made possible through points and miles. Perfect for families looking to travel more, spend less, and create meaningful holiday memories, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and Christmas cheer. Episode Sponsor Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!) Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers 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 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

  8. 12/22/2025

    173. Canadian Rockies Travel Guide with Jen Logan: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper & More

    Join us as we chat with travel expert Jen Logan from @JenzJourneys about exploring the Canadian Rockies—Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Kananaskis, and beyond! Jen shares insider tips on the best hikes, hidden gems, and must-see sights, from the iconic red canoes at Lake Louise and the Beehive and Lake Agnes Tea House hikes, to glacier climbs in Jasper and serene stays at Emerald Lake Lodge. She also highlights charming mountain towns like Canmore and Kananaskis, tips for using travel portals to book national park lodging and shuttles, and ideas for experiencing less-crowded turquoise lakes and scenic viewpoints. Whether you’re planning your first Rockies adventure or returning to discover new spots, this episode is packed with practical advice, breathtaking destinations, and inspiration to plan a start-to-finish trip you won’t forget. Episode Sponsor Flipside Luggage - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off! Mentioned in this episode: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting the Canadian Rockies Jen's Tiktok Jen's Youtube Find Us On Online: Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Wonderland On Points Blog Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Lovers Affiliate Links: CardPointers 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!

    1h 19m
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4.8
out of 5
230 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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