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

251. Midweek Mini: Global Entry, Alaska & Capital One News + Wonderland Besties Hard Launch! 16.09.2026 21min

This week’s Midweek Mini has some important travel updates plus a BIG Wonderland on Points announcement! We’re talking about the new Trusted Traveler app replacing the old Global Entry app, Alaska Airlines making international lap infant award travel much more affordable, and the current Capital One Venture offer. We also cover a major change to Chase-to-Hyatt transfers and what you may want to do before it takes effect. Then, Wonderland Besties is officially HERE! We’re breaking down everything included in our new membership, from bonus episodes and ad-free listening to timely news, voicemail questions, community input, giveaways, group trip access, and more—plus we explain the differences between joining through Patreon and Apple Premium.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Venture referral linkJOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties subscription!FIND US ONLINE:Mary Ellen | JoannaWonderland on Points Facebook GroupOUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!Our Favorite Credit CardsReliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLANDRakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLENJoanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNNSeats.AeroCardPointers — Get Our Best PriceHalara — 10% off with code WONDERLANDComfrt — 15% offRove — Get 1,500 Free Miles

250. The 2026 Best (and Worst) Airline & Hotel Loyalty Programs, Ranked with U.S. News & World Report's Elizabeth von Tersch 14.09.2026 41min

Elizabeth von Tersch from U.S. News & World Report joins us to break down the latest rankings of the best airline and hotel loyalty programs—and there are definitely some surprises! We talk about why American took the top airline spot, what caused Atmos and United to fall, why JetBlue is gaining ground, and where Delta struggles. On the hotel side, we dig into Wyndham taking #1, why Hyatt remains strong despite its smaller footprint, and how programs like Choice, Hilton, Sonesta, and IHG compare. Plus, we talk about devaluations, transfer partners, redemption value, and why your points are almost always worth more today than they will be tomorrow.Mentioned in this episode:Travel.usnews.com@USNewsTravelTravel Essentials LinksElizabeth TikTokElizabeth YoutubeFind Us On Online:Wonderland Besties SubscriptionMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsComfrt.com 15% OFF✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

249. Midweek Mini: Southwest Lounges Are Coming + A BIG Wonderland Announcement 09.09.2026 27min

This week’s Midweek Mini is packed with good news! We’re talking about Southwest’s plans for new airport lounges and how a potential new premium Southwest card could impact Companion Pass strategy. We also break down the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s DoorDash restaurant credit increasing, Rove adding Copa Airlines as a transfer partner with a limited-time bonus, and some great Copa redemption sweet spots. Plus, we’re sharing a BIG Wonderland on Points update that you don't want to miss!Mentioned in this episode:✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉Comfrt.com 15% OFFFind Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

248. Alaska on Points: Glaciers, Whales, Bears & an Epic Father-Daughter Adventure 07.09.2026 1t 20min

We’re recapping Joanna’s incredible father-daughter trip to Alaska and breaking down how she made such an epic trip surprisingly budget-friendly! We talk about flying from St. Louis to Anchorage for just 17,500 points each way, using Hyatt points for the hotel, renting a car and exploring on our own, and deciding which experiences were actually worth the splurge. From trekking and rappelling on Matanuska Glacier to hiking in Girdwood, exploring Whittier, spotting beluga whales, picking wild blueberries in Hatcher Pass, cruising Kenai Fjords National Park, and finally finding a moose at sunset, this trip was packed with bucket-list moments. Joanna also shares why experiencing Alaska with her dad made this one of the most meaningful trips she’s ever taken—and why she came home already wanting to go back.Mentioned in this episode:Comfrt.com 15% OFFNova Alaska ToursMatanuska Glacier Youtube ReviewWhittier Marine ChartersBorealis Custom Fishing ExperienceHatcher Pass ATVFind Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

247. Midweek Mini: Vikings, Fraud and Companion Passes 02.09.2026 26min

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 NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksOur 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!

246. Puerto Rico on Points: A $12,000, 6-Night Family Trip That Cost $1500 31.08.2026 53min

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 NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksOur 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!

245. Massive Rove Updates are Here! A SURPRISE Friday Episode with all the details! 28.08.2026 49min

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.comInstagram: @JustPlanePointsMentioned in this Episode:✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉Find Us On Online:BLOG post on the NEW Rove UpdatesSign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksOur 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!

244. The Orlando Resort That’s a Vacation on Its Own: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review 26.08.2026 35min

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 impressionsMentioned in this Episode:Comfrt.com 15% OFFFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

243. Ireland & Northern Ireland on Points: $435 Business Class & an Epic Road Trip 24.08.2026 1t 14min

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 process10:59 Arrival lounge and Dublin airport17:35 Wilder Townhouse and Dublin22:16 Weather, crowds, and Dublin impressions23:10 Driving through the Irish countryside27:45 Tollymore Forest29:00 Airbnb and Fetch savings33:12 Northern Ireland day trip and scenic stopsMentioned in this Episode:Passport EpisodeBusiness Class Flight DealsChasingmemories.coDromara AirbnbRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Glenshane Country FarmIslandmagee Riding CenterIreland & Northern Ireland Blog PostFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Comfrt.com 15% OFFBEST deal on CardpointersOur Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

242. Midweek Mini: A Redwoods to San Francisco Road Trip 19.08.2026 24min

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 NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

241. Under Canvas Acadia on Points: Glamping, Hiking & Bar Harbor 17.08.2026 59min

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 NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

240. Summer Road Trip Mini: Pittsburgh, PA 12.08.2026 13min

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 NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

239. Santorini Sky: Is This Greece's Best Points Hotel? 10.08.2026 1t 4min

Courtney from @PointsEverywhere joins us to share one of the most incredible points redemptions we've ever featured. After spotting a Hyatt Mr. & Mrs. Smith mistake rate, she booked a luxury stay at Santorini Sky for just 14,250 Hyatt points. She shares how she found the deal, why she expected Hyatt to cancel it, and what happened when the reservation was honored.We also dive into her Emirates Business Class flights booked with Amex Membership Rewards, what it's really like to stay at Santorini Sky, and why she skipped an expensive upgrade to save points for a future trip. Finally, Courtney shares her best tips for visiting Santorini, including why shoulder season is ideal, whether to rent a car, her favorite island experiences, and practical advice for getting the most out of your points and miles.Mentioned in this episode:Points Everywhere PodcastPointseverywhere.comCruise Mapper WebsiteRelief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!Find Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

238. Midweek Mini: My Passport Disappeared 24 Hours Before My Flight + What You Should Do If This Happens To You 05.08.2026 33min

What would you do if your passport disappeared the day before an international trip? In this episode, Joanna shares the unbelievable true story of how she navigated a last-minute passport crisis, secured an emergency replacement, and still made it to Ireland against all odds.Along the way, she shares practical tips for getting an urgent passport appointment, what documents you'll need, how airline rebooking policies can help save your trip, and simple ways to protect your passport from getting lost in the future. Whether you're planning your first international vacation or you're a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with real-world advice that could save your next trip.Mentioned in this episode:Links to passport holder and tracking cardsComfrt.com 15% OFFFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

237. Unlocking the Power of Avios: Tips, Tricks, and Deals for Maximizing Your Travel Rewards with @ThePointsFlyGirl 03.08.2026 1t

Avios is one of the most valuable—and most overlooked—airline currencies in the points and miles world. In this episode, Deanna from The Points Fly Girl shares how to use Avios to book incredible award flights on airlines like British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and Finnair.You'll learn how to transfer credit card points to Avios, find award availability, avoid costly taxes and fees, and uncover some of the best sweet spots for flights to Europe and beyond. Whether you're just getting started with points and miles or looking to maximize your next redemption, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you travel farther for fewer points.Mentioned in this Episode:ThePointsFlyGirl.comFollow Deanna on TikTokFollow Deanna on YoutubeRakuten- 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 NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!Seats.AeroComfrt.com 15% OFFCardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

236. Midweek Mini: 100K Chase Offer ENDING, New Hyatt Partnership & Current Transfer Bonuses 29.07.2026 21min

We're back with another midweek roundup of the biggest points, miles, and travel news you need to know. This week, we cover the brand-new Google Flights Chrome extension from Seats.Aero, a limited-time 100,000-point offer on the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, and why now may be the last chance to grab some of Chase's elevated business card welcome bonuses. We also discuss changes to Singapore KrisFlyer award searches, new transfer bonuses, and why doing the math before transferring your points can save you thousands.We also break down the new partnership between Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt, including a surprisingly easy path toward Hyatt Globalist status for some travelers. Plus, we share updates to partner award booking fees, discuss several transfer bonuses that are ending soon, and wrap up with a few fun stories from our recent travels. If you want to stay on top of the latest points and miles news and maximize your rewards, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Mentioned in this Episode:Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Mary EllenChase Sapphire Preferred Referral- JoannaRelief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!Seats.AeroFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

235. Norway Road Trip Guide: The Best Hikes & Views in Norway (Part 2) 27.07.2026 53min

We are back with Part 2 of Mary Ellen's unforgettable family adventure through Norway! In this episode, she takes us through some of the most breathtaking and adrenaline-filled moments of the trip, including the Loen Skylift, Via Ferrata, kayaking, Trollstigen, and the challenging Seven Sisters waterfall hike. She also shares the honest realities of traveling Norway with kids, from choosing the right hikes and accommodations to navigating unpredictable weather and knowing when an activity may be too much.We also talk about scenic viewpoints like Stegastein and Mount Aksla, why Ålesund made such a great home base, and what Mary Ellen would keep, skip, or change when planning the trip again. From dramatic fjords and waterfalls to family travel logistics, budgeting tips, and the journey home, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone dreaming of a Norwegian road trip.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:Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK!Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Comfrt.com 15% OFFSeats.AeroCardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsOur 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!

234. Midweek Mini: How to Earn Travel Points By Paying Off Your Car 22.07.2026 17min

After years of hard work, Joanna is officially debt-free! In this episode, she shares the journey of paying off more than $40,000 in debt while still traveling the world using points and miles. We discuss the strategies that kept her motivated, how she balanced debt repayment with enjoying life, and why responsible credit card use can be a powerful financial tool when done correctly.We also dive into practical advice for tackling different types of debt, earning points while making loan payments, and the budgeting mindset that helped Joanna stay the course. Whether you're just starting your debt payoff journey or looking for motivation to reach the finish line, this episode is packed with honest conversations, practical tips, and encouragement to help you build financial freedom—without putting your travel dreams on hold.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 NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Comfrt.com 15% OFFSeats.AeroCardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsOur 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!

233. Norway Road Trip Guide: Fjords, Scenic Drives & Family Adventures (Part 1) 19.07.2026 51min

Norway has been at the top of Mary Ellen's bucket list since our last Norway episode, and in Part 1 of this two-part series, she takes us along on the first half of her incredible family road trip through one of the most breathtaking countries in the world. We talk about renting a car to explore at your own pace, navigating Norway's famous roads, tunnels, and ferries, and experiencing unforgettable adventures like the Loen Skylift, Via Ferrata, and some of the country's most iconic viewpoints. Along the way, Mary Ellen shares honest tips on accommodations, budgeting, and what surprised her most about traveling through Norway. If you're dreaming of dramatic fjords, epic scenery, and planning your own Norwegian adventure, this episode is the perfect place to start.Mentioned in this episode:Pota MadreEpisode 149- ScandinaviaFind 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 NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Comfrt.com 15% OFFSeats.AeroCardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsOur 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!

232. Midweek Mini: Paze Updates, Where We Are Using Our $10 Freebies, News Roundup 15.07.2026 22min

We're back with another midweek points and miles news roundup! This week, we cover the latest changes to Paze, which deals are still working, and how to maximize your travel credits before they expire. We also share tips for using restaurant, hotel, and shopping credits, discuss the latest ETIAS update for Europe, and help you make sure you don't miss out on valuable savings before your next trip.Mentioned in this Episode: Hilton Credit DocFind 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 NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Comfrt.com 15% OFFSeats.AeroCardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsOur 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!