Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

In today’s episode of Wondering Wednesday, we tackle a crucial topic that can significantly impact your experience in the points and miles hobby: how long you should wait between applying for new credit cards. We explore various schools of thought on this issue and share our personal approaches to card applications.Whether you’re flying solo or strategizing with a partner, we provide valuable insights and ideas for navigating this process effectively. Understanding the right timing for opening new cards is essential to maintaining a healthy relationship with the banks and maximizing your rewards potential. Tune in for expert tips and strategies in a this mini episode that will help you make informed decisions on your journey through the world of points and miles!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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 exciting episode, we got to chat with Angie about her unforgettable luxury trip to Greece— funded by points and miles. Discover how she and her husband transformed a $30,000 dream getaway into reality with less than $1500 out of pocket for expenses that were not bookable on points. She tells us all about exploring the vibrant streets of Athens and hopping between the breathtaking islands of Santorini and Milos.Angie shares her tried-and-true strategies for planning and booking, along with insider tips for must-see destinations that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you plan your own Grecian adventure. Tune in and get ready to turn your travel dreams into reality!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | AngieMentioned In This EpisodeFearlessFlight Classes@MostlyFreeTravelLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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 today's episode (our 50th!) we tackle the confusion surrounding common acronyms in the world of credit card points and miles. Have you ever found yourself googling terms like SUB, P1, P2, AF, HUCA, and CSP, only to feel overwhelmed? You're not alone!Join us as we break down these terms in this quick, bite-sized episode. Whether you're just starting your journey or need a refresher on points and miles lingo, this episode is perfect for you!Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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!

We’re BACK and excited to discuss one of our all-time favorite travel cards! Our previous episode on the AMEX Gold was our most downloaded episode ever, and with recent changes to the card’s benefits and annual fee, it’s the perfect time to revisit it. Although we still highly recommend going back and listening through the older episode because many of the details still apply!In this episode, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the AMEX Gold Card changes and why it remains one of the best options for earning major points. We’ll also cover how to take advantage of shopping portals and highlight a NEW transfer opportunity you won’t want to miss.Whether you’re considering getting the AMEX Gold Card or already have it, this episode is packed with valuable information that you won’t want to skip!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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 to this week’s episode of our new Wondering Wednesday series! Today, we tackle the question: "Why shouldn’t you be scared of annual fees?" We’ll break down why annual fees aren’t as daunting as they may seem and why you should consider embracing them. Many premium cards come with annual fees, but they also offer exciting benefits and opportunities to offset those costs.In the world of points and miles, travel cards with annual fees can provide significant value, making them essential tools for savvy travelers. We’re thrilled to dive into this topic and answer all your burning questions! If you have a question of your own, don’t hesitate to reach out—we might feature it in a future episode. Tune in and discover how to make annual fees work for you!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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!

🚀 Southwest Companion Pass Season is HERE!Join us on this episode of the Wonderland on Points Podcast as we dive into the ultimate guide to earning the incredible Southwest Companion Pass! If done right, this invaluable perk allows you to fly a friend or family member with you for FREE for two years—who wouldn’t want that?In this episode we’ll break down the strategies you need to know to secure the Companion Pass effortlessly. We understand it can be a bit confusing, but don’t worry! We’ll walk you through two straightforward methods that leverage your everyday spending. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with all the tools and knowledge you need to become an expert in earning the Companion Pass. It’s easier than you think, and we’re here to make sure you’re ready to take to the skies with your travel buddy!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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!

We’re excited to launch our new series, Wondering Wednesdays, where we’ll tackle one burning question each week in a quick, bite-sized episode designed to answer all your points and miles inquiries. Today, we’re addressing a question we hear all the time in the credit card rewards community: What in the world is 5/24? We’ll dive into the details and break it down so you can fully understand the rule and how to stay compliant. Happy Wednesday!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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!

Today on the Wonderland on Points podcast, we have the amazing Emily, the mom behind @AMomExplores, joining us to share five incredible and underrated destinations that are perfect for family weekend getaways. We’ll discuss the best airlines to fly for your trips, the top hotels where you can use your points for a comfortable stay, and the must-see activities you won’t want to miss. And be sure to stay tuned, because there might just be a surprise sixth destination! You won’t want to miss it.October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | EmilyMentioned In This EpisodeA Mom Explores WebsiteTravel With Kids PodcastThe Backpacking MomMrs BlinksLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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 the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the incredible @Amberonpoints! Join us as Amber shares her family’s unforgettable adventures in Amsterdam and London. As a former Assistant Principal turned credit card rewards expert, Amber empowers families to transform their everyday spending into exciting travel experiences.In this episode, we dive into top tips for family travel in Europe, revealing how to maximize your points and minimize out-of-pocket costs. Amber shares must-see attractions in both Amsterdam and London that your whole family will love, along with insights on ideal accommodations for an unforgettable trip without breaking the bank. Plus, hear her thoughts on navigating rewards and following the deals rather than just the destinations.Tune in for a treasure trove of practical advice that will inspire your next family adventure!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | AmberMentioned In This EpisodeAnne Frank HouseAmberonpoints.com@Wayfarenco@Angies.Travel.TipsLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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!

On today's episode we sit down with Jen Ruiz, the solo female traveler behind @JenOnAJetPlane. Jen’s journey from a law career to becoming a full-time travel creator is nothing short of extraordinary. Hear how she went from practicing law to gracing a billboard in Times Square, promoting her best-selling travel memoir, 12 Trips in 12 Months. Jen dives into how she leveraged credit card points to fund a year-long adventure, fueling her book and inspiring countless others to explore the world. In this episode, Jen reveals the secrets behind her successful transition, shares invaluable tips for traveling, and discusses the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Her story will motivate you to chase your dreams and live life to the fullest. Don’t miss this engaging and inspiring conversation!October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | JenMentioned In This EpisodeAMEX Platinum Deep Dive Episode | Japan EpisodeJen's Website| Jen's Webinar| 12 Trips in 12 Months@Alexonthemap| @Lilmsawkward| @FoodtravelistLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!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!