Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel

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 MapLinksChase/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 Wonderland on Points, we’ve got BIG NEWS!Chase just launched a brand-new welcome bonus for the Sapphire Reserve as well as ENTIRELY refreshing the earning and benefits and we’re breaking it all down in this episode. We’re joined by our go-to credit card correspondent, travel and finance journalist Katherine Fan, who helps us unpack all the details.We’ll walk you through the updated annual fee, the refreshed bonus categories, and the current lineup of card benefits to help you decide whether the new Sapphire Reserve deserves a spot in your wallet. AND we will announce the BRAND NEW SHINY welcome offer.After you listen, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Are you planning to apply for this revamped card, or is it a pass for you? Come join the conversation in our Wonderland on Points Facebook group and let us know!Sponsors For This EpisodeTour Radar MomentsFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | KatherineHelpful LinksKatherine's SubstackKatherine's Chase Sapphire LinkMary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire LinkLinksChase/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 Midweek Mini, we take you to the cobblestone streets and Spanish moss of Savannah, Georgia—submitted by Wendy. It is an amazing spot for a charming, walkable weekend escape. We chat about the best times to visit (spring and fall are ideal!), where to stay for easy access to the city’s highlights, and the can’t-miss food and experiences that make Savannah so memorable.We share our love for the historic district and accommodations like the Andaz, which even includes bike rentals to help you explore. From iconic Southern dining at The Grey and The Old Pink House to strolling through Forsyth Park or along the river walk, Savannah offers something for everyone. We also touch on the city’s vibrant culture, including its lively nightlife and, of course, the wildly entertaining Savannah Bananas baseball team.Whether you’re into history, food, or just soaking in the charm of the South, Savannah is a weekend destination worth adding to your list.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupSponsors For This Episode30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find 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 episode, we’re joined by financial educator and profit strategist Jamie Trull for a conversation that bridges travel, family, and finance. Jamie shares how her background as a CPA led her to help families and small business owners make smarter financial decisions—and how those choices can open the door to more meaningful (and affordable) travel.We dig into how points and miles fit into a bigger financial strategy, the importance of separating personal and business expenses, and when it might make sense to form an LLC or S-Corp. Jamie also breaks down the often-overlooked tax implications of credit card rewards and offers tips for keeping finances organized to maximize benefits.One highlight? Our chat about teaching kids financial literacy—whether by adding them as authorized users, paying them through a family business, or simply involving them in travel budgeting. Jamie encourages families to create “fun funds” by setting aside a percentage of profits, making room for joy and connection without financial guilt.This episode is packed with practical advice and empowering insights for anyone looking to make their money—and their miles—go further.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupSponsors For This EpisodeTour Radar MEGA Sale!Find Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoJamie's ResourcesHire Your Kids MasterclassHidden Profit BookYoutube ChannelInstagramFacebookLinksChase/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 Midweek Mini, we’re heading to the sugar-white sands and emerald waters of Destin, Florida thanks to our listener Katie—but it just so happens, this is one of our favorite beach destinations for our families as well. We share our own experiences exploring this stretch of the Emerald Coast and offer tips for making the most of your trip, from the best times to visit to our favorite spots for outdoor adventures.We talk about quieter, family-friendly beach options like Henderson Beach State Park, fun outings to Crab Island, and activities like parasailing and snorkeling that add a little thrill to your beach days. And of course, we couldn’t leave out the food—whether it’s kid-friendly spots like Fudd Pucker’s or the food trucks in Seaside, Destin is full of delicious finds.If you’re dreaming of a beach trip that’s easy, fun, and packed with things to do, this episode will help you plan your perfect getaway to Florida’s Emerald Coast.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind 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 episode, we’re joined by journalist and seasoned traveler Katherine Fan for a heartfelt conversation about visiting Taiwan—one of Asia’s most underrated and welcoming destinations. Katherine shares her personal connection to the island and offers practical tips for planning a meaningful and efficient trip.We talk about why Taiwan is a great choice for families and solo travelers, from its safety and public transit to its rich culture and incredible food scene. Katherine walks us through itinerary ideas, must-visit cities, outdoor adventures, and, of course, the night markets.We also dive into travel logistics, including visa-free entry for U.S. passport holders, booking hotels with points, and using tools like MaxMyPoints and Time Shifter to streamline your trip. Whether you're heading to the hot springs, hiking a national park, or sipping bubble tea in Taipei, this episode will get you inspired and prepared.ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR FREE HOP ON HOP OFF BUS PASSESKatherine's SubstackSubmit Your Summer Roadtrip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupSponsors For This Episode30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | KatherineMentioned in this EpisodeAntarctica Episode with KatherineHelpful LinksTravel and Leisure ArticleSheraton Grand TaipeiSongshan Cultural ParkLinksChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksOur 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 dive into a listener-submitted road trip itinerary (thank you Lauren!) that kicks off in El Paso, Texas and explores three stunning national parks—Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, and White Sands. We chatted about the best times to visit (hint: avoid the peak summer heat!), where to stay using points with Hilton and Hyatt, and the unique experiences each park offers—from hiking to the highest point in Texas to sledding down sand dunes.We also shared why a stop in quirky, alien-themed Roswell is worth the detour. If you're planning a Southwest loop, this episode is full of practical tips and fun ideas to help you make the most of your adventure.Submit Your Summer Roadtrip Series Story HEREFacebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeSponsors For This Episode30% off the CardPointers subscription!Find 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!

This week, we sat down with travel journalist and itinerary expert Cami from Secrets of Travel Journalist to talk all things Pacific Northwest National Parks. From Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier and the North Cascades, Cami shared how she uses points and miles to make incredible trips happen without blowing the budget, and gave us a peek into how she approaches trip planning with intention and creativity.We talked about the magic of Forks (yes, the rainiest town in the continental U.S.), how tide charts can completely shape your beach experience, and why fried bread tacos should definitely be on your must-try list. We also dug into the details of booking flights, rental cars (pro tip: check Costco!), and accommodations—like the cozy Dewdrop Inn—while highlighting ways to maximize travel credits and loyalty programs to make every dollar go further.Cami brought us along on her hikes through stunning landscapes like Doubtful Lake, shared her favorite waterfall moments at Mount Rainier, and gave us tips for navigating the unpredictable weather that comes with outdoor adventure. We loved hearing about her family travels and how she plans around everyone's needs to make trips both fun and accessible.If you're planning a trip to the PNW—or just dreaming of one—this episode is full of ideas, tips, and inspiration to help you make the most of your next national park adventure.Submit Your Summer Roadtrip Series Story HEREFacebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeSponsors For This EpisodeTourRadar's MEGA Sale!Find Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodeFREE Washington 10 Day ItineraryLinksChase/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 mini episode of our Summer Road Trip Series, we’re heading just south of LA to explore a fun pairing: Catalina Island and Long Beach, California. Listener Jen shares how she turned a couple of Hyatt Free Night Awards into a perfect weekend escape—with ocean views, rooftop hangs, and even a bit of underwater adventure. Whether you’re planning a Disneyland trip or just craving a coastal getaway, this itinerary is packed with smart tips, walkable charm, and creative ways to stretch your travel rewards.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Idea HEREFacebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoSubmitted By@DiveIntoPointsMentioned in this EpisodeEpisode 21 - Channel IslandsEpisode 73 - San DiegoLinksChase/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 episode of Wonderland On Points, we’re joined AGAIN by our favorite surgeon, Kelly from @pointsandmilesdoc to talk about her recent trip to China—an incredible journey through a country rich in history, culture, and food. Kelly shares how she flew first and business class using points, and how award redemptions helped her save big on domestic flights as she traveled between major cities and scenic regions.We explore her itinerary across Shanghai, Hangzhou, Lijiang, and Chengdu, from high tea on the Bund to hiking historic trails, biking around ancient lakes, and tasting bold Sichuan flavors on a food tour. She also highlights unique hotel stays, including China’s Aman properties—luxury experiences that, while not bookable with points, can be a smart way to earn them. We also dive into other options on places to stay if you DO want to use points!Whether you’re planning your first trip to China or looking for new ways to explore it, this episode is full of tips for stretching your points and creating a five-star experience at a fraction of the price.Submit Your Summer Roadtrip Series Story HEREFacebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A CoffeeFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | KellyMentioned in this Episode@TrippingonpointsLinksChase/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!