Wonderland on Points | Credit Card Rewards & Budget Travel | Presented by Yahoo! Travel

In this episode, we’re joined by fellow podcaster, Kelsey Graves as she shares highlights from her family’s Arizona adventure, including the breathtaking Grand Canyon and stunning Antelope Canyon. She breaks down what’s worth planning ahead for, how to navigate these popular spots with kids, and how her family used points and miles to elevate their trip, including a stay at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort.We also cover practical tips like the best times to visit, booking tours in advance, and what it’s like renting a car through Turo. If you’re dreaming of a national parks trip, this episode will help you save money, avoid crowds, and create a smoother, more memorable family experience.GIVEAWAYEnter the Giveaway HEREComfrt.com 15% OFFUse code "Wonderland" for 10% off at Halara!15% off of TobiqMentioned in this Episode:50% off Cardpointers!!!Kelsey's Digital ItineraryTrip Tales PodcastFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Our Favorite Credit CardsRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Comfrt.com 15% OFFOur 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 celebrating 200 episodes of Wonderland on Points 🎉 and we truly can't believe it! In this special episode we give you a few life updates, a bit of points and miles news and because we couldn’t celebrate 200 episodes without giving back to you, our amazing community, we’re also sharing some exciting giveaways—including travel gear and tools we personally love. This episode is part celebration, part education, and all about helping you travel smarter, better, and more.GIVEAWAYEnter the Giveaway HEREComfrt.com 15% OFFUse code "Wonderland" for 10% off at Halara!15% off of TobiqBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Find Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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!

Airline loyalty programs can feel confusing, frustrating, or even impossible to crack—but in this episode we’re breaking down how to actually make them work for you. Join us as we dive into airline loyalty, points strategies, and smart family travel with Kyle Olsen, Travel Products Editor at CNN Underscored and a travel expert.We break down how airline loyalty really works today, how alliances expand your options, and when pursuing status actually makes sense—including updates to programs like United Airlines and American Airlines. But the real surprise? The family travel value hiding inside Frontier Airlines.Frontier has quietly built some powerful perks for families—especially on a budget—with creative ways to earn status and benefits that can significantly lower the cost of flying with kids. If you’ve written it off before, this episode might change your mind.Whether you’re chasing status or just trying to travel more as a family without overspending, this episode offers a fresh take on airline loyalty.Mentioned in this Episode:BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Episode 101 with the founder of CardPointersFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Our Favorite Credit CardsRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Comfrt.com 15% OFFOur 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 of Wonderland on Points, we’re catching you up on the latest points and miles news that could impact your travel plans. We break down updates to dining credits from American Express, ongoing interview delays for Global Entry, strategies for maximizing free night certificates with Hilton Honors, and new award booking flexibility from Marriott Bonvoy that lets travelers top off free night awards with additional points. If you love traveling on points and want to stay up to date on the latest changes in credit card rewards, loyalty programs, and travel strategies, this quick episode will help you make smarter decisions with your points.Mentioned in this Episode:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelTravel With Kids PodcastComfrt.com 15% OFFFind Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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 episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re taking you inside Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, one of the most talked-about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.We share what it’s really like staying at this stunning beachfront resort—from the food and service to the activities and overall atmosphere—and why it consistently ranks among the best all-inclusive resorts in the region. We also walk through smart booking strategies, especially in light of award chart changes across Hyatt properties, and how travelers can still maximize their points for an incredible luxury getaway.If you’re dreaming about turquoise water, powder-soft beaches, and an adults-only escape near Cancun, this episode is packed with practical tips. We also share advice for traveling in the Riviera Maya, what to expect from resort amenities, and why this area of Mexico continues to be one of the most popular destinations for points and miles travelers.Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or simply want to experience a top-tier all-inclusive resort using points, this episode will help you decide if Secrets Maroma Beach deserves a spot on your travel list.Mentioned in this Episode:Episode 131 - Italy on PointsSeats.Aero@Diveintopoints InstagramHyatt Business Card ReferralRakuten Podcast EpisodeJen's BlogJennifer Maren Photography Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFOur 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!

A midweek roundup of points and miles activity, including recent surprising award finds and last-minute business class bookings. Discussions cover why flexibility with dates and routes helps snag better awards and strategies for summer award flight searches. They highlight transfer bonuses that can boost balances and review current elevated credit card offers and business card perks.

Cam Snyder, mom and points-and-miles creator behind ThePointsPrinciple, explains how she stretched rewards for a family 48-hour Mexico City trip. She covers booking award flights, choosing a centrally located Hilton, navigating chaotic airport transport, and where to eat and walk in the historic center. Quick tips on using Uber, balancing points versus cash, and neighborhoods to save for a longer return.

In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we dive into the recent changes in Hyatt’s points and miles program. We unpack the confusion caused by early fake reports and break down the actual updates to the award structure, exploring both the positive and negative impacts. We discuss immediate category changes affecting several hotels and share strategies for booking before these changes take effect, so your points go further.We also highlight the value of the travel community, sharing insights and lessons learned to help listeners make smarter travel decisions. Positive updates include digital point sharing among members, and the award structure is expanding from three to five categories which makes planning ahead more important than ever. Booking sooner can help avoid future price hikes, and leaning on the travel community remains a key strategy to stay resilient and informed.This episode is presented by Yahoo! Travel. Don't forget to sign up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter written by yours truly.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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!

A jaw-dropping Wyndham points redemption for an all-inclusive stay in Cabo and how 15,000-point nights made a family trip shockingly affordable. Tips on flying Southwest with new paid seating and clever rebooking tricks. First impressions of the resort, dining options for picky kids, and a grocery-store hack for saving money. Snorkel and whale-watching highlights, horseback beach rides, and safer nearby swimmable beaches.

*** The day that we dropped this episode was the same day Hyatt announced their ACTUAL changes. We will be dropping an entire episode about this next Wednesday**It has been a wild week in the world of points and miles — and we’re breaking it all down for you.In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we talk about the viral Hyatt rumor that sent travelers into a panic (and why it turned out to be completely false), plus what it teaches us about verifying information before hitting “share.”We also cover unexpected shutdowns impacting Transportation Security Administration systems and Global Entry, what that could have meant for travelers if it had actually gone through and why having backup tools and travel apps can save you serious stress at the airport.And if you fly United Airlines, you’ll want to hear our breakdown of their latest loyalty updates — especially how co-branded credit cards are becoming more important than ever (and how that can benefit your whole family).If you care about staying ahead in the ever-changing travel landscape, this is one you won’t want to miss.This episode is presented by Yahoo! Travel. Don't forget to sign up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter written by yours truly.Mentioned in this Episode:Betsey's InstagramMobile Passport ControlMy TSA AppFind Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Chase/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!