Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

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 OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this EpisodeComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Travel More Conference Digital TicketAmanda ExploringBilt RewardsAffiliate LinksMary Ellen Rakuten LinkJoanna Rakuten LinkChase/Capital One/Amex Card Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

This week on Wonderland on Points, we’re chatting with our friend Joy from @SavvyTravelMamas about her family’s European Harry Potter trip—and how she made it all happen with points. From planning the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London to finding family-friendly stays, Joy shares the highs, the hiccups, and what she’d do differently next time. She talks us through the best tips and tricks for an amazing Harry Potter experience in both London and Scotland.We talk through the logistics of using points for flights and hotels, balancing Harry Potter experiences with other sightseeing, and how to make big international trips feel manageable. Whether you’re a Potter fan or just dreaming of a magical European family adventure, this episode is packed with practical tips, honest reflections, and plenty of travel inspiration.Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

****We had MANY technical issues recording this episode. During the course of the episode you will hear some overlapping audio and also large pauses as there was a lag. We wanted to make sure you we got you an episode on time since we have been traveling so we hope you can be patient with us and that you enjoy this despite the tech problems. If this cuts out mid sentence at the end, delete and re-download and it should be the full episode*****In this midweek mini, Mary Ellen continues her Netherlands adventure with a day trip to Utrecht and the stunning Castle de Haar. She shares the story behind this “modern-meets-medieval” castle, the beautiful gardens and moat, and even a family canoe ride through the canals. Along the way, she offers tips for traveling with kids, packing for picture-perfect moments, and making the most of less-crowded Dutch destinations.Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this EpisodeAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

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.

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 OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

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 HikingSample Norway ItineraryCami's Garden Island ArticleChoice Hotels Personalized Week Night BenefitOccupancy RulesI 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 OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Comfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

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 SPONSOR30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this EpisodeInfatuation Link and DineChase Refresh EpisodeLast year's Southwest Companion Pass episodeAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

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 SPONSOR50% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this EpisodeAmerican Express Platinum Deep Dive EpisodeJoanna's Rakuten LinkMary Ellen's Rakuten LinkMary Ellen's AMEX Platinum LinkAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

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 SPONSOR30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

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 SPONSOR30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

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 GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

This week on Wonderland on Points, we’re joined by Kate from Kate’s on a Plane to hear all about her family’s recent trip to Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, South Carolina — and how she booked the stay on Hyatt points. Kate shares what worked well, what she’d do differently, and some really practical tips for families considering a beach resort getaway. From whether it’s better to bring your own gear or rent, to her suggestion of how to use an Amex Gold Resy credit for meals off-property, there are so many takeaways for travelers who want to stretch both their points and their budget.If you’ve ever wondered whether Wild Dunes is worth booking on points, how to make a family beach trip more affordable, or just need fresh inspiration for your next getaway, you’ll love this conversation.Wild Dune’s Blog Post- Katesonaplane.comKate's Facebook GroupTravel More TicketsTravel More Room Block (Higgins Hotel New Orleans)Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

*****In this episode we mention the Hawaiian personal card offer- 2k spend for 80k points. We want to clarify that after more digging that is NOT the offer. It’s a split- 50k points when you spend 2k and THEN an additional 30k when you spend 5k more.*****It’s time for another Midweek Mini! In this short roundup, we catch you up on the latest headlines in the points and miles world. From shifting airline strategies to unexpected credit card offers and even a few surprises from budget carriers, there’s a lot happening right now — and some of it could impact your travel plans sooner than you think.We also chat about the upcoming Travel More conference, why staying on-site is worth it. If you want to stay on top of the ever-evolving world of travel rewards — without having to sift through all the noise — this mini episode is for you.Travel More TicketsTravel More Room Block (Higgins Hotel New Orleans)Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we sit down with Elizabeth Von Tersch from U.S. News & World Report to dive into the brand-new 2024 Best Hotel Rewards Program Rankings. We talk through what surprised us, what didn’t, and what travelers like us can actually take away from the data.Elizabeth explains why Choice Hotels jumped from #4 to #1, what makes Wyndham stand out (including their all-inclusive options you can book with points!), and why our beloved Hyatt didn’t take the top spot despite being first in our hearts. We dig into fixed award charts versus dynamic pricing, what’s happening with Citi ThankYou Rewards and Capital One transfers, and why keeping a diversified points portfolio matters now more than ever.Of course, the conversation wanders into cruises — from Disney to Viking River Cruises — and Elizabeth even teases upcoming U.S. News rankings for the best cruise lines. We also swap Costco-versus-Aldi grocery hacks for maximizing points, talk about the elusive dream of a cruise loyalty program worth its salt, and hear where Elizabeth is headed next on points (spoiler: it involves pastries in Copenhagen).If you’ve ever wondered how to stretch your hotel points further, which programs are really delivering value right now, or just need inspiration for your next family trip, this episode is packed with insights (and plenty of laughs).Comfrt Hoodie Youtube ComparisonComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

There’s a brand-new premium travel credit card making waves, and it’s tied to one of the most consistently top-ranked airline loyalty programs in the U.S. — Alaska Airlines. In this Midweek Mini, Mary Ellen teams up with special guest Betsey from Become Travel Rich (formally Her Alaska Travels) to unpack the launch of the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card, a high-end addition to Alaska’s lineup that comes with a massive welcome bonus and some surprising perks.Together they dive into what makes this card different, including the new Global Companion Award, how it stacks up against Alaska’s existing cards, and which travelers will benefit most. They also cover details like earning categories, lounge access, fee waivers, and the quirks around status points and companion fares. Whether you’re loyal to Alaska, fly American as part of the OneWorld alliance, or just want to maximize miles on international trips, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to missFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

Ready to level up your hotel game? This week, Joanna and Mary Ellen are joined by Jenn from @Travel.More.Momma to dive deep into the IHG Rewards program — including the underrated perks that make it worth a spot in your wallet. From the fourth-night-free benefit to creative uses for free night certificates, we cover why even the no-annual-fee IHG card can unlock serious value.Jenn also shares her luxe kids-free getaway to the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman, complete with quirky Kimpton touches, poolside flags for cocktail service, and a little-known “secret password” for extra perks. Plus, we compare the Kimpton with another nearby budget-friendly alternative.If you’ve been sleeping on IHG, this episode will change how you think about free nights, point redemptions, and where to plan your next island escape.Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

Sending your child on a flight alone can feel overwhelming, but the major U.S. airlines each have their own unaccompanied minor programs designed to help. In this Midweek Mini episode, we break down the basics from American, Delta, Alaska, Southwest, and United so you’ll know what to expect when it comes to age requirements, fees, and policies.If you’ve ever wondered whether your child can fly solo — and how much it’ll cost — this mini-episode will give you the confidence to plan that trip.Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodeAmerican Airlines UM InfoSouthwest UM InfoDelta UM InfoUnited UM InfoAlaska UM InfoAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

What happens when you book a brand-new all-inclusive resort on points? Joanna is back from Cancun with the inside scoop on her stay at the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island — and spoiler alert: it was absolutely incredible.From smooth Southwest flights with the Companion Pass to standout dining, lively entertainment, unique room details, and even an airport horror story you WON'T want to miss, this trip had plenty of stories worth sharing. You’ll hear why she chose this resort, what it was like to stay at the Vantage Club level, the unexpected highlights along the way, and the smart packing choices that paid off.Most importantly, Joanna gives her honest take on whether the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island is worth booking — and what she’d do differently next time. Grab your sunscreen and earbuds, because this episode brings the sunshine straight to you.Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodeVisitax- OFFICIAL WEBSITEAmstar Hotel TransfersAffiliate LinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

Big news for points collectors! Citi ThankYou Points are now a permanent transfer partner of American Airlines — opening up new ways to earn and use those elusive AA miles. We break down what this means for your travel game, the best Citi cards to maximize your earnings, and why the new Citi Strata Elite card is shaking up the premium travel card space.If you’ve been waiting for more flexible access to AA points — this is the episode for you. Learn about smart card pairings, welcome offers, and key perks to watch for before applying. Plus, get the scoop on Citi’s unique points sharing feature and whether this new high-fee card is worth it for your wallet.Don’t miss this quick update that could change how you plan your next trip!Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!

Mary Ellen’s back from London with three kids, a stack of memories, and a jaw-dropping redemption: five tickets to London for just 43,000 points and $0 OUT OF POCKET. In this episode, she shares exactly how she did it — plus the seat map trick that scored her extra legroom for free.We swap stories from our very different London adventures, from royal parks to hidden foodie gems, and even the small missteps that turned into unexpected wins. You’ll hear why economy might be the smartest play (even for long-haul), how to keep kids engaged without blowing the budget, and what not to miss if you’re planning your own UK trip.Whether you’re plotting your first trip to London or looking for fresh ways to stretch your points, this episode is packed with strategies, laughs, and plenty of inspiration.Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoEpisode SponsorFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Mentioned in this EpisodeChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksAero Lopa Seat MapsLondon PART 1 EpisodeMary Ellen's London AirbnbOther Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe 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!