Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

In this Midweek Mini episode of Wonderland on Points, we break down the most important year-end points and miles news you need to know before key deadlines hit, with practical advice you can act on right away. Sponsored by CardPointers, this episode covers how to stay organized with your credit card offers and credits while diving deep into the highly talked-about Citi Strata Elite “triple dip,” including how to stack calendar-year credits, evaluate a high annual fee card, and potentially extract thousands of dollars in value from points and benefits. We also highlight an elevated Chase Freedom Unlimited offer that’s ideal for beginners, college students, or anyone building toward Chase’s transferable points ecosystem, along with a candid discussion of the sudden shutdown of the Mesa card and what it means for earning rewards on mortgage payments. To wrap things up, we share a clever, fast way to earn Alaska and Hawaiian “Atmos” rewards points with no out-of-pocket spend, perfect for topping off an account or booking last-minute travel. If you want to maximize points, avoid costly mistakes, and finish the year strong in the points and miles world, this episode is a must-listen.Episode SponsorBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogHoliday Gift Ideas for Travel LoversMentioned:Reel with Atmos instructionsJoanna's Chase Unlimited ReferralMary Ellen's Chase Unlimited ReferralAffiliate Links:Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- 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!

In this episode, we dive deep into family-friendly travel in southern Spain with Addie from @InPursuitofPoints who is sharing exactly what it’s like to visit magical and idyllic Granada with kids while maximizing points and minimizing stress. We cover everything from navigating the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens with young children, including stroller logistics and timed entry tips, to getting around town affordably by taxi, bus, or on foot. You’ll hear what to expect from Granada’s food scene, including tapas culture, budget-friendly dining, and how an unforgettable Airbnb with a private terrace and Alhambra views became a highlight of the trip. We also talk weather considerations, siesta culture, walkability, must-see sights like the Granada Cathedral, and how much time you really need to experience the city. To wrap things up, we dig into Addie’s recent credit card strategy. If you’re considering Spain with kids or want inspiration for building incredible trips around points and miles, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience.Episode SponsorCardPointersFind Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this Episode:Addie's AirbnbAlhambra Official Website for booking ticketsAffiliate Links:Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- 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!

Welcome back to another Midweek Mini News Roundup! We’re bringing you the latest buzz in the points and miles world, from major airline updates to can’t-miss transfer bonuses.We’ll guide you through all the news, the deals, and what to watch out for so you can travel smarter in the coming year. Plus, a big thanks to Card Pointers for sponsoring this episode and keeping us all on top of our credit card offers!Episode SponsorBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogHoliday Gift Ideas for Travel LoversAffiliate Links:Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- 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!

In this episode, we chat with author, graphic designer and avid savvy traveler Katie Wilson about her incredible 16th-anniversary trip to St. Martin, planned entirely using points and miles—but with a twist! Katie shares how they booked flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and excursions with points, keeping their out-of-pocket costs under $600. She takes us through her adventures, including where they stayed and the amazing excursions they experienced. Katie explains her points and miles strategies, including how they are working towards a Southwest Companion Pass, and she shares how she maximizes rewards for airfare, hotels, and excursions. She also gives us a sneak peek at upcoming family trips, including a points-and-miles-funded adventure to Panama City. This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring ideas, and real-life examples of how to travel more while spending less.EPISODE SPONSORCardPointers Discount LinkFind Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupKatie's WebsiteMentioned in this EpisodeGrand Casa Beach ClubSeaTrek Helmet DivingAffiliate LinksComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- 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!

In this Midweek Mini, we sit down with U.S. News Senior Travel Editor Nicola Wood to unpack the brand-new 2026 Best Cruise Lines rankings and what they mean for families, value-seekers, and anyone curious about cruising. We talk through how the rankings are actually created, the surprising ways scores and traveler reviews factor in, and why Virgin Voyages continues to dominate the “Best for the Money” category. We share why Virgin’s inclusions make it such a standout for points users, how transfer partners can make a cruise nearly free, and the real math behind when it does or doesn’t make sense to book a cruise on points. Nicola walks us through the biggest surprises of the year, including a luxury newcomer that suddenly appeared in the top three for the Caribbean, and why Viking took the number-one spot for the Mediterranean thanks to small ships, deep cultural programming, and crowd-free Quiet Season itineraries. We take a closer look at the family rankings too, with Disney once again claiming the top position for its unmatched entertainment and private-island experiences. Whether you’re a long-time cruiser or planning your very first sailing, this episode breaks down what really matters when choosing a ship, when deals are best, and how to stretch your travel budget further while actually enjoying the process.US News InstagramUS News and World Report - Cruises30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate LinksRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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!

In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we sit down with German Samvel to talk about his recent trip to Prague and why it’s quickly becoming one of the best budget-friendly destinations in Europe. German shares what surprised him most about the city, especially the incredible food scene, from traditional Czech dishes to one of the best tapas meals he’s ever had. We chat about what dinners actually cost, why two people can eat a full meal with drinks for under $35, and how Prague delivers major European charm without the major European prices.We also dive into German’s favorite experiences, including paddle boating on the river, exploring Prague Castle, wandering through historic neighborhoods, and checking out the famous “mini Eiffel Tower” viewpoint. He talks through what it’s really like to get around the city, why it’s so easy for first-time visitors, what weather to expect in the summer, and how surprisingly comfortable the city is for English speakers.Of course, we couldn’t resist talking points and miles. German shares his favorite welcome offer right now, why Prague is such a beginner-friendly city for award travelers, and the realities of flying intra-Europe “business class.” If you’re dreaming of a European weekend getaway that’s beautiful, affordable, and easy to book with points, this episode will put Prague firmly on your list.Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind German OnlineInstagramTikTokYoutubeAffiliate LinksRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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!

In this Midweek Mini episode, we share ten strategies every travel sports family needs to know to save on tournament travel. From using travel credit cards and transferable points to apps like Rakuten, BILT, Upside, and Fetch, we show how everyday expenses—hotels, gas, dining, and gear—can turn into free nights, points, and cash back. Whether your kids are chasing their sports dreams or you just love to travel, these tips will help you keep costs down while making the most of points and miles.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogHoliday Gift Ideas for Travel LoversMentioned in this episode:Fetch-Mary Ellen’s Code: 43M2YEFetch- JoannaUpside- Mary Ellen’s Code: KV4QCUpside- JoannaAffiliate Links:Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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!

In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we chat with Emily Cooper of @EmilyEatsandExplores about her unforgettable honeymoon in Bora Bora. Emily takes us beyond the postcard-perfect overwater bungalows to explore what it’s really like to experience this bucket-list destination. She shares insights on connecting with local culture, from art galleries to turtle sanctuaries, and how visitors can support the island community while traveling responsibly. We dive into active vacation options, including snorkeling, yoga, and excursions, as well as the realities of resort life, from bungalow distances to practical planning tips. Emily also offers advice on dining, budgeting, and maximizing points with Marriott and Amex for a more accessible luxury experience. Families and couples alike will find valuable guidance, including what to expect when bringing kids and how to make the most of a romantic getaway. With a focus on sustainability, practical travel hacks, and insider tips, this episode is full of inspiration and advice for making a dream trip to Bora Bora a reality.Episode SponsorComfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices!Youtube Review of Comfrt HoodiesFind Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in the EpisodeJW Masai Mara Episode with EmilyTahiti Episode with @LetsTravelTalkTravel Chat with Ashley and Emily PodcastAffiliate LinksChase/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!

In this week’s midweek mini episode of Wonderland on Points, we break down the newly settled lawsuit between merchants and Mastercard/Visa over interchange fees and what the changes could mean for premium credit-card rewards going forward, before diving into Capital One’s stunningly rare 100K Venture X offer, why it’s one of the most elevated bonuses we’ve seen in years, and how to decide if the high spend requirement is worth the massive mileage haul. We also touch on the boosted Venture X Business offer and who it makes the most sense for, then wrap with one of the best hidden gems in points and miles: the little-known fact that you can actually combine Hyatt points with other people, unlocking bigger redemptions, longer stays, and more flexibility than most travelers realize. Tune in for a fast, focused episode packed with news, strategy, and insider rewards tips to help you maximize every point.Mary Ellen- Venture X ReferralJoanna- Venture X ReferralHyatt Combine Points FormFind Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogEpisode SponsorComfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices!Youtube Review of Comfrt HoodiesAffiliate LinksRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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 joined by Victoria and Brad from @ParksonRec for the MOST FUN episode talking all things Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, how they flew to Mexico using Southwest’s Companion Pass, and the moves that helped them stretch their points for an adults-only getaway. We chat about their room upgrade strategy, what surprised them most about the resort, and why this all-inclusive stay worked so well for a quick, luxurious escape. If you love Hyatt all-inclusive redemptions, want a smarter Companion Pass plan for 2025, or just want to hear what makes Secrets Moxché so fun, this episode is packed with ideas you can use on your next trip.Find Us On OnlineParks on Rec WebsiteMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this EpisodeSouthwest Companion Pass GuideHotel Upgrade GuideUSA TransfersEpisode 137 - Cancun/Hyatt VividAffiliate LinksComfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices!Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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!