Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel | Presented by Yahoo! Travel

Mary Ellen and Jo
  • 4.8 (273)
  • 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

    226. Midweek Mini: Chase Sapphire Preferred "Refresh" — Our HONEST 🌶️ Takes

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred just got one of its biggest updates in years, and we're breaking down everything you need to know. In this episode, we take an honest look at the latest changes covering the wins, the losses, and the changes that have sparked strong reactions throughout the points and miles community. We discuss the new travel benefits, updated credits, and enhanced travel protections, while also tackling the biggest headline: the devaluation of Hyatt transfers from a 1:1 ratio to 4:3. We share our personal thoughts on what these changes mean for everyday travelers, whether the cards still deserve a place in your wallet, and the strategies we're using to maximize value going forward. If you're a Chase cardholder—or considering becoming one—this episode will help you understand what's changed and how to adapt your points strategy moving forward. Mentioned in this Episode: Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Mary Ellen Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Joanna Bilt Palladium Referral Comfrt.com 15% OFF Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off! Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen Chase Ink Referral -Jo Southwest Elevated Referrals Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards 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. 3d ago

    225. Dreams Playa Mujeres on Points: A Family All-Inclusive Review

    This week, we sit down with travel creator and points enthusiast Maggie Tinsley to talk about how she uses points, strategic planning, and smart budgeting to make incredible family vacations a reality. We dive into her recent stay at Dreams Playa Mujeres, one of Hyatt's most popular family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, discussing what it cost, how she booked it, and whether it's still worth the points. Along the way, we explore everything from gift card strategies and travel budgeting to kid-friendly resort amenities, restaurant reservations, and upcoming bucket-list adventures to Bora Bora, Alaska, and Japan. If you've ever wondered how to make luxury family travel more affordable, this episode is full of practical tips, inspiration, and real-world strategies you can use on your own travels. Mentioned in this Episode: Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off! Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Mary Ellen Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Joanna Southwest Elevated Referrals Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen (100,000 points for $8000 spend) Chase Ink Referral -Jo (100,000 points for $8000 spend) Seats.Aero Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards 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!

    43 min

  3. Jun 17

    224. Midweek Mini: How We Use Chase Ink Business Cards to Supercharge Our Points Strategy- And Now They Have Their HIGHEST OFFER EVER!

    A quick note before you listen: We recorded this episode before Chase increased the welcome offers on the Chase Ink Business cards. The offers discussed in the episode are now even better, with eligible applicants currently able to earn 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after $8,000 in spending on select Chase Ink cards. In this episode, we share why the Chase Ink Business cards are some of our favorite tools for earning travel rewards. We discuss who may qualify for a business card, the differences between the Chase Ink Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited, and how we use everyday business expenses to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. We also cover application rules, bonus eligibility, and simple strategies for maximizing points without paying an annual fee. If you've been curious about adding business cards to your points and miles strategy, this episode is a great place to start. Mentioned in this Episode: Comfrt.com 15% OFF Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen (100,000 points for $8000 spend) Chase Ink Referral -Jo (100,000 points for $8000 spend) Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 20% off! Seats.Aero Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards 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!

    17 min

  4. Jun 15

    223. This Tool Rebooks Your Flights for You When the Price Drops and Puts Cash (AND POINTS) Back in Your Pocket: Inside Autopilot with CEO Sam Hollander

    What if you never had to manually check whether the price of your flight or hotel dropped after booking? In this episode, we sit down with Sam Hollander, founder of Autopilot, to discuss how his platform is helping travelers save money by automatically monitoring reservations and identifying opportunities for refunds, travel credits, and lower prices. For anyone who loves points, miles, and maximizing travel value, this technology could be a game changer. Sam walks us through how Autopilot works, which airlines and hotel programs are currently supported, and what's coming next—including Southwest integration, international bookings, upgrade tracking, and more. We also discuss security, award travel support, and how automation can help busy travelers avoid leaving money on the table. Whether you're booking with cash, points, or a mix of both, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get more value from every trip. Mentioned in this Episode: Try out Autopilot here Cardpointers Email Sam at Sam@WithAutopilot.com Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Comfrt.com 15% OFF Seats.Aero Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards 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!

    52 min

  5. Jun 10

    222. Midweek Mini: AA Changes, Alaska Fee Hikes + Personal Bilt Palladium Update

    In this week's Midweek Mini, we cover several important developments in the points and miles world, including American Airlines' quiet change to partner award bookings, Alaska Airlines' increased partner booking fees, and what these updates mean for travelers. We also discuss the Bilt Palladium card, strategies for maximizing transfer bonuses and monthly credits, recent news involving Qantas and American Express Membership Rewards, and why we're keeping a close eye on Rove Miles. Plus, we share tips for budgeting with gift cards, stacking grocery rewards, and using tools like Instacart to stretch your spending even further. Mentioned in this Episode: Comfrt.com 15% OFF Bilt Credit Card Referrals Chase Ink Referral -Mary Ellen Chase Ink Referral -Jo Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 20% off! Seats.Aero Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards 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

  6. Jun 8

    221. Kimpton Grand Roatán on Points: The Caribbean's Best-Kept Secret

    This week, we sit down with returning guest Jen to talk about her incredible trip to Roatán and why it may be one of the best values in the Caribbean. She also tells us about her bonus day in Miami using a bunch of card credits to make it a free date day. We break down how she booked flights and hotels using points and miles, her experience staying at the beautiful Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa, and what travelers should know before planning their own island getaway. From snorkeling and scuba diving to local restaurants, island transportation, and hidden resort perks, Jen shares her favorite experiences and practical tips for making the most of a trip to Roatán. If you're looking for a tropical destination that combines luxury, adventure, and excellent value, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you plan your own points-powered Caribbean escape. 🏝️✈️🐠 Mentioned in this Episode: Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off! Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Find Us On Online: Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Comfrt.com 15% OFF Seats.Aero Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards 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 4m

  7. Jun 3

    220. Midweek Mini: Creative Ways to "Set It and Forget It" and Earn Points

    In this episode, we share some of our favorite easy ways to earn more points and miles without spending extra money. We walk through account linkings that many travelers overlook, including ways to earn rewards on things you're already doing like booking Airbnb stays, grabbing Starbucks, using Lyft, and more. We also compare Joanna's recent cash stay in Mexico to previous points stays and discuss when it makes sense to splurge and when it doesn't. Along the way, we chat about airport lounge access, Priority Pass perks, and practical strategies for stretching your points further while still creating incredible travel experiences. Mentioned in this Episode: Aero Movil Transport Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Comfrt.com 15% OFF Seats.Aero Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards 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!

    23 min

  8. Jun 1

    219. A Medical Emergency in Cabo—and the Credit Card That Saved The Day

    In this episode, we sit down with Carol Foster to hear the incredible story of how a vacation in Cabo turned into a medical nightmare that required an evacuation! What could have become a financial disaster ended up being covered thanks to the travel protections included with her Chase Sapphire Reserve card, saving her from tens of thousands of dollars in expenses. Carol shares what happened, how the process worked, and what she learned from navigating this crisis while traveling internationally. We also discuss why travel insurance and credit card travel protections are some of the most overlooked tools in the points and miles world. This episode is packed with practical lessons about emergency preparedness, travel insurance, medical coverage abroad, and protecting yourself when the unexpected happens. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the most valuable travel benefit isn't the points you earn—it's the protection you hope you'll never need. Mentioned in this Episode: Carol on Instagram Carol on Facebook Full CSP Episode Episode with Lisa Comfrt.com 15% OFF Chase Sapphire Link-Mary Ellen Chase Sapphire Link- Joanna Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards 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
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4.8
out of 5
273 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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