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

Mary Ellen and Jo
  • 4.8 (282)
  • 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. 6h ago

    247. Midweek Mini: Vikings, Fraud and Companion Passes

    This week, we’re catching up on a little bit of everything! We share an incredible VIP Minnesota Vikings experience made possible by one of our listeners, plus how we used points for the trip and checked out some unique Priority Pass options at MSP. We also talk about a recent credit card fraud scare, why we prefer credit over debit cards, and our strategies for earning the Southwest Companion Pass. Plus, we’re covering spring break planning, an important reminder to always register for Hyatt promos, and some new Rove features we’re excited about. Mentioned in this Episode: Old Companion Pass Episode ✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉 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 Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! Comfrt.com 15% OFF Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 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!

  2. 2d ago

    246. Puerto Rico on Points: A $12,000, 6-Night Family Trip That Cost $1500

    Kirsten, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor and mom of three, joins us to break down how her family spent six nights in Puerto Rico for just $1,500 out of pocket on a trip that would have cost around $12,000 in cash. We get into exactly how she pulled it off using JetBlue points, Hyatt points, credit card travel credits, rental car status, and a Hyatt Guest of Honor award. Kirsten walks us through their stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, why Guest of Honor benefits saved them hundreds of dollars on breakfast and parking, and how Puerto Rico turned out to be an incredibly easy family destination for a February school break. We also talk about their adventures in El Yunque, natural waterslides and cliff jumping in the rainforest, a canceled snorkeling excursion that led to a great backup day at Luquillo Beach, and exploring historic Old San Juan. Plus, we cover the Capital One offer that earned Kirsten an incredible 30X on a Viator excursion, her favorite points and travel tools, and why Puerto Rico deserves a spot on your list if you want beaches, adventure, history, and tropical weather without needing a passport. Mentioned in this Episode: Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off! Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! Comfrt.com 15% OFF Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 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!

  3. 5d ago

    245. Massive Rove Updates are Here! A SURPRISE Friday Episode with all the details!

    SURPRISE! For the first time ever, Wonderland on Points is dropping a brand-new episode on a FRIDAY. We just could’t wait on this one because Rove has massive new updates! We’re talking a NEW Rove app, Rove Dining, Instant-Earning Gift Cards and more! We’re joined by Carissa Rawson from Rove to talk about the exciting new developments within the Rove program. If you’re already using Rove—or have been curious about how it could fit into your points-and-miles strategy, you’ll want to hear what’s coming next. Carissa gives us an inside look at Rove, explains what makes the program different, and shares several new changes designed to make earning and using rewards even more exciting. We also discuss how travelers can take advantage of the program and why Rove is one to watch in the points-and-miles world. Tune in for all the details—and enjoy this special Friday surprise! Justplanepoints.com Instagram: @JustPlanePoints Mentioned in this Episode: ✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉 Find Us On Online: BLOG post on the NEW Rove Updates Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Seats.Aero BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription! Comfrt.com 15% OFF Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links 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!

  4. Aug 26

    244. The Orlando Resort That’s a Vacation on Its Own: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review

    We’re taking you inside our hosted trip to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando and sharing why this resort can be a destination all on its own. We talk about the rooms and Disney fireworks views, the incredible pool and family-friendly activities, dining options, and all the included amenities around the property. Plus, we share how close it is to Disney Springs and the theme parks, who we think this hotel is best for, and whether we’d stay again. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:57 First impressions and lobby 04:00 Rooms and fireworks views 07:57 Pools and family activities 14:57 Dining and breakfast 20:00 Resort activities and amenities 23:50 Disney Springs and nearby options 27:54 Overall impressions Mentioned in this Episode: Comfrt.com 15% OFF Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

  5. Aug 24

    243. Ireland & Northern Ireland on Points: $435 Business Class & an Epic Road Trip

    We’re recapping Joanna’s points-powered mother-daughter road trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland! We break down how she snagged an Aer Lingus Business Class mistake fare for just 87,000 Amex points for two, used Hyatt, Hilton, Capital One points, and travel credits for lodging, and put Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits to work on the rental car. Then we hit the road for castles, the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Neolithic sites, horseback riding, and an unforgettable sheepdog experience—plus why the unplanned, crowd-free stops became some of the trip’s biggest highlights. 02:10 Mistake fare and booking process 10:59 Arrival lounge and Dublin airport 17:35 Wilder Townhouse and Dublin 22:16 Weather, crowds, and Dublin impressions 23:10 Driving through the Irish countryside 27:45 Tollymore Forest 29:00 Airbnb and Fetch savings 33:12 Northern Ireland day trip and scenic stops Mentioned in this Episode: Passport Episode Business Class Flight Deals Chasingmemories.co Dromara Airbnb Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Glenshane Country Farm Islandmagee Riding Center Ireland & Northern Ireland Blog Post Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Comfrt.com 15% OFF BEST deal on Cardpointers Our Favorite Credit Cards We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

  6. Aug 19

    242. Midweek Mini: A Redwoods to San Francisco Road Trip

    We share listener Lindsay's family road trip through Northern California, highlighting an itinerary that stretches from Redwood National Park to San Francisco almost entirely on points. Using a creative mix of United, Chase, American Express, Hyatt free night awards, Southwest points, and Companion Passes, Lindsay pieced together six nights of lodging while keeping costs remarkably low. Along the way, the family explored iconic stops including Fern Canyon, the towering redwood groves, Trees of Mystery, Sonoma, and San Francisco favorites like Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and Lombard Street. The episode also includes practical tips on planning this route, finding great local restaurants, preparing for Northern California's surprisingly cool summer weather, and maximizing points and free night certificates for an unforgettable family road trip. Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Relief Band - 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) Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

  7. Aug 17

    241. Under Canvas Acadia on Points: Glamping, Hiking & Bar Harbor

    We sit down with listener and friend of the pod, Karla, to talk about her points-powered trip to Acadia National Park, where she combined Hyatt points, a Delta companion pass, travel credits, and smart booking strategies to keep costs low. Karla shares how she chose Acadia, what it’s really like staying at Under Canvas using Hyatt points, and why she and her husband embraced different vacation styles—he hiked while she relaxed and recharged. Plus, we talk Bar Harbor, a foggy schooner sail, and a canceled Delta flight that put travel protections to the test. Find Us On Online: Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Comfrt.com 15% OFF Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

  8. Aug 12

    240. Summer Road Trip Mini: Pittsburgh, PA

    Pittsburgh may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a family vacation, but this week's Midweek Mini highlights why it deserves a spot on your travel list. Submitted by listener Liz, this road trip stop completely exceeded expectations with its walkable downtown, family-friendly attractions, beautiful riverfront setting, and surprisingly fun atmosphere. Whether you're heading toward Niagara Falls, exploring the Northeast, or simply looking for an affordable long weekend destination, Pittsburgh makes an excellent stop along the way. Liz shares why attending a Pittsburgh Pirates game became one of the highlights of the trip, thanks to one of the most scenic ballparks in Major League Baseball and an atmosphere that was enjoyable even for casual baseball fans. Joanna also shares a helpful points tip for sports lovers: Capital One Venture and Venture X cardholders can sometimes redeem just 5,000 miles for premium baseball tickets through Capital One Travel Experiences, creating an incredible value for families. The episode also covers where to stay, including the Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore, which can be booked for just 15,000 Hyatt points per night and puts many of the city's top attractions within walking distance. Liz explains why the convenient location, kid-friendly activities, and unexpectedly charming downtown made Pittsburgh one of her family's favorite travel surprises, proving that sometimes the destinations with the lowest expectations create the best memories. Mentioned in this episode: 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 Mary Ellen | Jo Facebook Group Affiliate Links: Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!) Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN) Cardpointers Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) Our Favorite Credit Cards We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

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4.8
out of 5
282 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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