Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Citi just launched a new American Airlines card - the Citi Advantage Globe Mastercard - and we are diving into what makes it stand out. With a $350 annual fee, it comes with solid perks like four Admiral’s Club passes, a domestic companion certificate, and Turo and Splurge credits that feel a little hit or miss. We break down the 90,000-mile welcome offer, easy $5,000 minimum spend, and new “Flight Streak Bonus” that helps earn AA status faster. Tune in as we share who this card actually makes sense for and whether it’s worth a spot in your wallet.Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate LinksComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!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, Jo shares the story of an unforgettable road trip — four teenagers, one mom, and a weekend that proved you don’t have to go far (or spend a fortune) to make magic happen. What started as a plan to see a concert turned into a full-blown adventure that got the teens off their devices and completely hooked on exploring a small town full of surprises.From finding a Hyatt stay for just 6,500 points a night to discovering amazing free activities and local gems, Jo walks through how this spontaneous trip came together using points and miles. You’ll hear how she planned it, what made the destination so special, and why this road trip stands out as one of her favorite examples of affordable, meaningful travel with teens.If you’ve ever wanted to plan an epic getaway that actually connects with your kids (or your kids’ friends) this episode is full of ideas and inspiration for using points and miles to create memories that last long after the trip ends.Special thanks to Visit Bentonville for partnering with us on this incredible episode.Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this EpisodeCreate4Good Have Points Will Travel ShirtVisit Bentonville Visitor's CenterFetch- JoFetch- Mary Ellen’s Referral Code: 43M2YEUpside- Mary Ellen’s Invite Code: KV4QCUpside - JoAffiliate LinksComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!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, 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!