Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

This week we sat down with the amazing Jen from @DiveIntoPoints to hear all about her incredible points-powered trip to Italy. She and a friend flew in style, stayed in dreamy locations across the country, and packed a lot into just nine days—without spending a fortune. In this episode, we talk through what it’s like to fly Emirates business class there and Emirates FIRST CLASS home (hello, shower in the sky!), how Jen planned the trip after a sudden change in plans, and what destinations made the biggest impact.We also get into which tourist spots felt worth the hype, which ones she might skip next time, and how she made the most of her time across Rome, Florence, Amalfi, and Milan. If you’re dreaming of Italy—or trying to decide where to go—this conversation is full of insight, inspiration and tips that’ll have you pulling up your points balances and looking at flights.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodeFlorence MarketSan Marco RestaurantFetch AppKatie'a Travel Tricks Video (Free eSIM)TripItJen's Photography InstagramLinks30% off the CardPointers subscription!Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

In this Midweek Mini episode, we react to the brand new US News & World Report 2025-26 rankings of the best travel rewards programs. We share our initial thoughts on the surprising twists and turns in both hotel and airline loyalty programs and how these rankings might change the way you think about earning and redeeming points. We also reveal how we’re preparing to dig even deeper with an upcoming interview featuring a senior travel editor from US News, who will give us insider insights and answer your burning questions. If you want to stay ahead of the game and discover potential opportunities in the evolving points and miles landscape, this episode is for you!Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinks30% off the CardPointers subscription!FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

Australia is a bucket list destination for SO many people! In this episode, we’re joined by Senitra, a travel journalist who has been to over 50 countries! She recently went on an epic solo adventure to Australia — all on points. She takes us behind the scenes of her trip to Melbourne and Sydney, from lie-flat seats on the world’s longest flight, to the perfect things to do, see, and eat in the epic "Down Under."We dig into how she booked it all, where she stayed, and what made this trip so meaningful. Whether Australia’s on your bucket list or you’re just curious what solo international travel on points really looks like, this episode will leave you inspired to start planning.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | SenitraMentioned in this EpisodeSenitra's writing:Daily Drop articlesThe Points Guy articlesAward Wallet articlesSponsorsFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

This week, we’re heading west! Inspired by listener Emily we’re diving into a family-friendly road trip through South Dakota’s most iconic stops — from the Black Hills to the Badlands, with plenty of adventure along the way.You’ll hear about glamping at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore (yes, with Hyatt points!), digging for fossils at an active mammoth site, and the surprisingly adorable experience of feeding prairie dogs. We also chat about scenic drives, budget-friendly hotel options, and the kind of hikes that even little legs can handle.If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Mount Rushmore up close, or if you’re planning a National Parks trip with your family, this episode is packed with inspiration — and the full itinerary (with drive-time stops!) is linked HERESubmit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksMary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire LinkMary Ellen's Freedom Flex LinkJoanna's Freedom Flex LinkMary Ellen's Ink Business Cards LinkJoanna's Ink Business Cards Link30% off the CardPointers subscription!Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

In this first half of our London two-parter, Joanna went on a whirlwind two-day adventure in the city before heading into the countryside — and she’s sharing EVERY DETAIL.She traveled with her mom and daughter, flew Virgin Atlantic using points, and tried a new system to beat jet lag that changed everything. From a rainy New York layover to a luggage-saving trick that helped them hit the ground running, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of inspiration for your own trip.Whether you’re heading to London soon or just dreaming about it, tune in for the tips — and stay for the real talk about navigating public transit, spending points wisely, and falling head over heels for a city you didn’t expect to love this much.Part two is coming soon with Mary Ellen’s London itinerary — totally different pace, totally different vibe.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate Links:Try FlyKitt Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire LinkMary Ellen's Freedom Flex LinkJoanna's Freedom Flex LinkMary Ellen's Ink Business Cards LinkJoanna's Ink Business Cards Link30% off the CardPointers subscription!Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

In this episode, we’re spotlighting a hidden gem in the MidEAST—Hocking Hills, Ohio. This is our SECOND submission from listener Katie shares all her top tips for visiting this stunning spot, from the best places to stay to must-do hikes and creative ways to book it all using points and miles.We cover everything from rustic-chic state park lodges (bookable through Chase or Capital One) to romantic cabins with hot tubs and even luxury treehouses. Katie has visited in every season and swears you can’t go wrong, though fall is especially beautiful—just be sure to book early.Whether you’re hiking through Ash Cave, sipping wine at a local vineyard, or cozying up by a fire in a cabin, Hocking Hills offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. This is a road trip you’ll want to add to your list—especially if you’re looking for a peaceful escape that won’t break the bank.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksMary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire LinkMary Ellen's Freedom Flex LinkJoanna's Freedom Flex LinkMary Ellen's Ink Business Cards LinkJoanna's Ink Business Cards Link30% off the CardPointers subscription!Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most aspirational redemptions in the world of points and miles—Alila Ventana Big Sur, a luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive Hyatt resort tucked along California’s stunning coastline. We’re joined by social worker and points enthusiast Deb, who shares how she booked this $1700+-per-night property using points, and why she says it was 100% worth it.Deb opens up about how travel has become a vital outlet for avoiding burnout in her emotionally demanding career, and how discovering points and miles through a Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus changed everything. She walks us through her strategy for locking in a three-night stay at Ventana using Hyatt points, including how she searched for elusive award space using hotel search aggregator tools. She also shares details about getting there with airline miles, her room upgrade to a Big Sur suite, and all the stunning extras that made the trip unforgettable—like forest bathing, coastal hikes, beekeeping, and nightly s’mores.If you’ve ever dreamed of staying at Ventana—or wondered whether luxury travel on a budget is really possible—this episode will inspire you to dream bigger and dive deeper into the world of points and miles. Deb also gives us a preview of her upcoming session at the Travel More Conference, where she’ll be teaching others how to find award availability for high-end hotels using advanced search tools.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | DebHelpful LinksJoin Us At TravelMore Con In October!Affiliate LinksMary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire LinkMary Ellen's Freedom Flex LinkJoanna's Freedom Flex LinkMary Ellen's Ink Business Cards LinkJoanna's Ink Business Cards Link30% off the CardPointers subscription!Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

Today on our Midweek Mini we are taking a small break from summer road trips and we’re diving into the ever-evolving world of points and miles—and how we’re adjusting our strategy to keep up. With recent changes to Chase’s sign-up bonus language, we’re starting to shift our focus away from chasing (pun intended) welcome offers and instead doubling down on everyday spending and earning categories.We talk about how the Chase Freedom Flex has become a staple in our wallets, especially when we can line up our real-life spending with the rotating categories. This quarter, Instacart and gas are big wins, and we break down how we’re using those to rack up serious points. We also share how tools like Card Pointers help us stay organized and make sure we’re always using the best card for every purchase.If you’ve ever felt like the points and miles landscape is changing faster than you can keep up, you’re not alone. We’re in it with you—and in this episode, we walk through the exact strategies we’re using to keep earning more and spending less. Because even without a big sign-up bonus, there are still plenty of ways to keep your travel dreams alive.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoHelpful LinksInstagram reel with math breakdownAffiliate LinksMary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire LinkMary Ellen's Freedom Flex LinkJoanna's Freedom Flex LinkMary Ellen's Ink Business Cards LinkJoanna's Ink Business Cards Link30% off the CardPointers subscription!Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

Today on Wonderland on Points, we’re heading out of the city and into the storybook charm of the English countryside! Jo shares all the highlights from her family’s recent road trip through two of England’s most picturesque regions: the Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales (with a fun little national park detour in between). From booking flights with points to tackling the adventure of renting a car and driving on the “wrong” side of the road, she walks through exactly how they made this dream trip happen—without blowing the budget.You’ll hear about the magic of the Cotswolds, where each village felt like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, and the peaceful charm of Tewkesbury, including a visit to the breathtaking Tewkesbury Abbey. Joanna also talks about exploring the Yorkshire Dales on horseback, a highlight that brought a whole new perspective to the stunning scenery. Traveling by car gave their family the flexibility to chase spontaneous detours and discover unexpected gems along the way.Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside getaway or already planning your own English road trip, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration for seeing the UK beyond the big cities—creating family memories that will last a lifetime.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupOur Episode SponsorsTour Radar MomentsFirefly Recovery - Use code "WONDERLAND" for 15% off your orderFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoHelpful LinksTripiamo for the UK (if you need driving guides for other places let us know! We have links for you!)Affiliate LinksMary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire Link30% off the CardPointers subscription!Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

Today on another Midweek Mini—road trip edition—we’re bringing you a total gem for our Midwest listeners! Bentonville, Arkansas might not have been on your radar before, but it definitely will be after this episode. This small town is packed with surprises: world-class art at Crystal Bridges, a walkable downtown filled with charming shops and restaurants, incredible bike trails, and some seriously impressive food. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, art lover, or just need a peaceful weekend away, Bentonville truly has something for everyone. We walk you through where to stay, what to eat, and all the best things to do to make the most of your visit to this historic and unexpectedly cool destination.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoHelpful LinksBentonville Interactive MapAffiliate LinksOur personal links may not YET reflect the elevated sign up bonus- but they will shortly! Thank you for choosing to use our links! These links can be used for ANY of the Sapphire cards.Mary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire Link30% off the CardPointers subscription!Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️