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

*** 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!

Owen Beiny, founder of The Points Partner and points-and-miles pro who runs Fly Free Academy, shares his paparazzi-to-points journey. He talks transfer bonuses, high-value award redemptions like Delta One via Virgin, family-friendly booking tactics, JAL and Capital One transfer opportunities, and stacking promos like Air France for outsized travel value.

They celebrate a major milestone and replay a clip from their very first recordings. They explain why they created budget-friendly travel content for frugal families. They share an uplifting listener message that validated their mission. They reveal a new partnership and the launch of a twice-weekly newsletter to expand their travel tips.

In this episode, we chat with Charlotte about how her love of travel began and how that journey led her to the Philippines, where missions work and orphan care have deeply shaped her life. She shares how God’s timing and meaningful community have guided her travels, and how visiting the Philippines can be both impactful and surprisingly affordable.We also talk through practical tips for getting there with points and miles, why the strong U.S. dollar stretches far, how to use Grab for getting around, and why carrying cash still matters. From incredible Filipino hospitality and flavorful local dishes to the fun of plane spotting, this episode is a heartfelt glimpse into travel with purpose in the Philippines and beyond.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogCharlotte's TikTokCharlotte's YoutubeMentioned in this episode:Make Friends In Unexpected Places Merch"I'll Never Forget Today" ReelAeroLopa Seat MapsAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)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 dive into some of the best current credit card offers in the points and miles world and break down what they really mean for travelers. We explore standouts like the current Southwest (mini) Companion Pass offer available through their personal credit card. We also discuss the Capital One Venture, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, and Hyatt Personal, sharing how each one fits into a smart travel rewards strategy.Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of having a clear credit card application strategy, especially when navigating rules like Chase’s 5/24, and why understanding annual fees versus real-world value matters more than flashy bonuses. We also share our excitement about recent changes in the Sapphire credit card landscape and how these offers can dramatically enhance your travel experiences when used intentionally.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate/Referral Links:Southwest Personal CardsCapitalOne Venture (Use the pre-approval tool on this landing page)Chase SapphireSeats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)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 LinksFlyKitt- 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 of Wonderland on Points, we sit down with Kaung, a nurse and finance expert who has turned points and miles into a powerful tool for traveling smarter. We talk about how his journey into the points world started while planning his wedding and how he used credit card rewards to fund an unforgettable honeymoon in Europe. Kong shares some of his more creative strategies, including earning points in unexpected ways, and walks us through how he thinks about risk when trying new approaches.We also dig into Wells Fargo and their often overlooked presence in the points space, breaking down the Autograph card and the Autograph Journey card, including who they’re best for and how their transfer partners can unlock real value. On top of that, we cover recent updates to Chase Sapphire rules, current transfer bonuses worth paying attention to, and what all of this means for everyday travelers. We wrap up by chatting about Kong’s upcoming travel plans, including theme parks and future trips to Europe, as he transitions into full-time content creation in the points and miles world.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this episode:Choice Hotel episodeGranada EpisodeKaung's TikTokKaung's YoutubeAffiliate 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 LinksFlyKitt- 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 of Wonderland on Points, we catch up and share personal updates from our own points and miles journeys. We talk about how we’re currently thinking about credit card strategy, including Joanna’s extensive experience managing multiple cards and why loyalty still plays an important role when it comes to long-term value. We also dig into American Express business cards, what makes them so compelling, and how we decide whether to keep, downgrade, or close a card.We also share the story of Mary Ellen’s unexpected path to earning Hyatt Globalist status and why it ended up being one of the most rewarding travel surprises. We talk through how loyalty programs and strategic stays can add real value to your trips when you understand how they work.Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of community in the points and miles world. We encourage listeners to ask questions, share what they’re learning, and stay connected, because this space is better when it’s supportive and collaborative. We wrap up by sharing our excitement about upcoming travel and what we’re looking forward to next.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)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 LinksFlyKitt- 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 of Wonderland on Points, we dive into a domestic stay that genuinely surprised Mary Ellen and her family: the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. We talk about why this resort feels like a hidden gem and why trips closer to home can be just as exciting and meaningful as international travel, especially when you’re using points and miles strategically. We walk through the location, the overall feel of the property, and why it works so well for families looking for an easy, relaxing getaway.We also cover the nuts and bolts of booking, including how to use points, what cash rates looked like, and how much value we were able to get from a card credit. We share our honest experience with the rooms and dining options, including how breakfast offerings can change depending on occupancy and timing, which is helpful to know before you arrive.We spend time highlighting all the activities that make this stay such a win for families, from the beautiful indoor pool and hot tub to outdoor options like kayaking and putt-putt golf. We also talk about the game room that was a huge hit with the kids and the cozy communal spaces throughout the resort, including multiple fireplaces that made the property feel warm and inviting. This property reminds us just how powerful points and miles can be when it comes to making domestic travel feel special.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)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 LinksFlyKitt- 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 of Wonderland on Points, we share our recent experience flying KLM and compare what it was really like traveling in business class versus economy. For one of us, it was the first time choosing business class and we break down whether the splurge on points was truly worth it.We walk through how we booked using points and miles, why the deal was such a win, and how lounge hopping added an extra layer of fun before the flight. From in-flight dining and comfort to service differences and even the butter (yes, the butter), we highlight just how dramatically different the business class experience felt compared to economy.We also share the challenges we faced in economy on the way home, our overall impressions of KLM, and whether we’d fly the airline again. If you’re deciding between splurging on business class or saving your points in economy, this episode offers honest comparisons, practical travel tips, and real-world insight to help you make the best choice for your next international flight.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)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 LinksFlyKitt- 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!

Can you really experience Europe in just a weekend? We put it to the test with a whirlwind trip to Vienna, Austria — sharing how we maximized our time, navigated travel logistics, and made the most of a short international getaway.In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we talk through flying direct, using Vienna’s easy public transportation system, and what it was like staying at the Park Hyatt Vienna. We also share honest insights on dining in Vienna, from affordable local eats to memorable splurges, along with cultural tips like cash-friendly businesses and Sunday closures.We dive into why walking tours are one of our favorite ways to quickly learn a city and share what you need to know to plan a smart day trip to Hallstatt, including how to manage crowds and timing. If you’ve been dreaming of squeezing a European adventure into a long weekend, this episode offers practical travel tips, smart planning strategies, and plenty of inspiration to make it happen.Find Us On Online:Mary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogMentioned in this episode:Tour Guide- Dr. Ingrid Zebinger-Jacobi - Email: I.zebingerjacobi@gmail.comRent clothes on Nuuly: $30 off your first month! (Skip or cancel any time)White Alligator ToursGlacis Beisl (traditional Austrian restaurant)Alles Wurscht (sausage stand)Vienna City CardCity Airport TrainAffiliate Links:Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)Comfrt.com 15% OFFChase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!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!