Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

Get ready for a super fun Midweek Mini! We've got two exciting elevated offers on Hilton credit cards that come with Hilton's FAMOUS Free Night Certificate – and trust us, you don’t want to miss this! These certificates are incredibly valuable because they're practically unlimited and can be used at almost any Hilton property worldwide.In this episode, we'll break down the details of these amazing card offers, plus give you some creative ideas for how to use these certificates to their full potential. We'll share one fun and practical domestic option, plus an insane international experience that will have you dreaming big – think $2,000+ a night luxury FOR FREE!Don't miss out – we’ve included links to both cards below, so you can grab yours today and start planning your next getaway!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksHilton Honors American Express Card (No Annual Fee + 70,000 Points)Hilton Honors Surpass American Express Card (Annual fee + 130,000 Points)Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

Today on The Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re excited to have Pat, the travel expert behind the popular TikTok and Instagram @PointsPat accounts. He took an incredible backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia, and in this episode, he’s sharing all the details of his journey. From scoring incredible hotel stays to flying in epic business class seats, Pat used points and miles to make his travels unforgettable.As a valuable resource for the travel community, Pat has been offering expert advice on maximizing points and miles, and now he’s here to share his best tips for exploring Thailand. We’ll dive into the must-see spots in Thailand based on Pat’s personal experience, explore local customs and cultural insights, and discuss the best time of year to visit. On top of that, Pat will share a treasure trove of pro tips to ensure your trip to Thailand is smooth and unforgettable.If Thailand is already on your travel radar, this episode is a must-listen. And if it wasn’t, it certainly will be after hearing Pat’s tips and insights!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | PatMentioned in this Episode@PointsPat Tik Tok@RaimeeTravel@MaxMilesPointsAffiliate LinksCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

It’s that dreaded time of year again for all points and miles lovers – Hyatt is shaking up its award chart! In this episode, we’re diving into the latest changes, from the exciting updates to the not-so-great ones. Whether you're looking to maximize your points or plan your next getaway, we’re here to break down what’s changing and how it will affect your travel plans. Tune in as we spill the tea on the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of Hyatt’s upcoming adjustments, all starting at the end of March. Don’t miss out on what you need to know to make the most of your points before these changes hit!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodePoints Guy ArticleHyatt Changes ChartAffiliate LinksCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

We’re heading to the breathtaking Masai Mara in Kenya for an exclusive look at a luxury safari experience. Our guest, Emily Cooper from Emily Eats and Explore, shares all the details on how you can experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure using your points at the JW Marriott.While it’s a big redemption, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step formula to make this dream trip a reality with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. You won’t want to miss Emily spilling the tea on this unforgettable experience, where the luxury is unparalleled—from exceptional service and gourmet dining to daily game drives that will leave you in awe.Tune in for all the insider tips and secrets on making this dream safari experience come true!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | EmilyMentioned in this EpisodeTrave Chat PodcastAffiliate LinksCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

Midweek Mini Alert! Today, we’re doing a card showdown: Venture vs. Venture X—which one is the better fit for you? With the Capital One Venture Rewards card currently offering an elevated welcome offer, we thought it was the perfect time to break down both of these cards for you.We’ll also dive into why these cards have become our top choice for starter cards. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned points pro who hasn’t yet jumped into the world of Capital One, this episode is a must-listen!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodeWhat is 5/24?Card Pairings EpisodeAffiliate LinksCapital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCapital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

Welcome back to Wonderland on Points! Today, we’re revisiting our first love—affordable domestic family travel! In this episode, we’re taking you to a city rich in history and culture: Boston, a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway or a family vacation—all while using points to make it insanely affordable.We’ll be sharing our top tips and tricks for booking flights, finding the best hotels, discovering family-friendly activities, and so much more. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this episode has something for everyone.We’re excited to hear which of you create your own Boston itinerary after listening—let us know how it goes!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodeFreeze Your ExperianFreeze Your TransUnionFreeze Your EquiFaxAffiliate LinksCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

Today on our Midweek Mini, Mary Ellen is flying solo while Jo is out sick with the flu. In this episode, she dives deep into an essential topic: freezing your credit. With identity theft becoming more and more prevalent, freezing your credit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself—and best of all, it’s completely free!Mary Ellen takes you step by step through the process of freezing your credit with all three major bureaus, making it easy for anyone to do. She also explains how to temporarily “thaw” your credit when applying for a new card, so you can unlock the benefits without risking your security.To wrap things up, she shares some insider tips about how keeping certain bureaus frozen can actually improve your chances of qualifying for specific cards, especially if some of your scores are lower than others.Packed with practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the points and miles community, or really anyone who wants to stay ahead in the fight against identity theft. Don’t miss it!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodeFreeze Your ExperianFreeze Your TransUnionFreeze Your EquiFaxAffiliate LinksCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

This week on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, Mary Ellen shares all the details of her incredible medical service trip to Cape Town, South Africa. While this wasn't a points and miles trip, we've done the research so you can turn it into an affordable family vacation on points. We provide recommendations for flights, accommodations, and AMAZING activities to make your trip unforgettable. The beauty and affordability of this area really surprised us, and it's now on both of our bucket lists for places to bring our families.Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in This EpisodeMary Ellen's Driver Recommendation: Mark- WhatsApp # 27 82 34 37 493Affiliate LinksCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

In today’s special Midweek Mini episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Monday's guest, Ariana, who is breaking new ground as our FIRST EVER guest for our shorter episodes! Ariana recently helped her sister purchase a car using a credit card, racking up an impressive amount of points in the process. As many of you know, car payments and purchases can be tricky when it comes to earning rewards, but Ariana's experience proved that it's possible to make it work! Tune in as we dive into her journey and share valuable tips for those looking to score big on points while shopping for a new car.Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | ArianaMentioned in This EpisodeBusiness Insider Article Affiliate LinksCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

We’re putting on our friendship bracelets and Swiftie swag as we chat with Ariana from Point Chaser about her EPIC trip to Singapore to see Taylor Swift during the Eras Tour. Ariana is an expert points journalist, with viral articles featured in Business Insider, The Points Guy, and many more. We were thrilled to have her on the show to share her insider tips and tricks for maximizing points and miles. Not only did Ariana score front row seats at the concert for a fraction of the cost of nosebleed tickets in the U.S., but she also planned the entire trip using points! She took this trip with her sister and three of her nieces and nephews. If you have a big family and have been dreaming of a trip to Southeast Asia, tune in to hear this incredible story, along with expert advice on how you can plan your own trip to Singapore.Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | ArianaMentioned in This EpisodeEra's Tour in Singapore Blog PostPointchaser.comThe Frugal Tourist@The_Frugal_TouristAffiliate LinksCredit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for almost all travel cards (AMEX, CapitalOne, co-branded cards)If you need Chase links please reach out! We would be happy to send you our personal referral links.Using our links is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️