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

We're welcoming back a familiar voice to Wonderland on Points this week! Our returning guest, Mari, is joining us to share all about her incredible multigenerational trip to Italy, where she managed to get 11 people to Europe using points and miles! Yes, ELEVEN.From the logistics of planning an international adventure with such a large group to the unforgettable experiences they had along the way, Mari is taking us through all the details of this whirlwind Italian getaway. We're chatting about how she made it happen, what it was like traveling with multiple generations, and why this trip is proof that points and miles can make even the biggest family adventures possible.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:♥️ Agriturismo link ♥️Blog Post with Trip DetailsJOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:Get ad-free bonus episodes, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!FIND US ONLINE:Mary Ellen | JoannaWonderland on Points Facebook GroupOUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!Our Favorite Credit CardsRakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLENJoanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNNCardPointers — Get Our Best PriceComfrt — 15% offReliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND

What happens when you plan an entire trip around a concert...and then the concert gets canceled?! Today we're recapping Joanna's recent Las Vegas getaway, which didn't exactly go according to plan!We're breaking down how she used Southwest points, the Companion Pass, and Chase Sapphire Reserve's The Edit benefits to save big on flights and four nights at Park MGM. From missing breakfast benefits to unexpected dining credits, we're sharing what worked, what didn't, and what we'd do differently.Plus, we're talking incredible food, Cirque du Soleil, exploring the Strip, and an unforgettable day trip to Valley of Fire. And why Vegas might surprise you even if gambling and partying aren't your thing!MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Valley of Fire Audio TourJOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!FIND US ONLINE:Mary Ellen | JoannaWonderland on Points Facebook GroupOUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!Our Favorite Credit CardsRakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLENJoanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNNSeats.AeroCardPointers — Get Our Best PriceHalara — 10% off with code WONDERLANDComfrt — 15% offReliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLAND

What happens when the trip you planned suddenly isn’t the trip you need anymore? Today we’re joined by Rachel and Margaux, the dynamic duo behind Raise Her Roaming, to talk about one of our favorite benefits of points and miles: the freedom to change your mind.We’re talking about traveling with kids, last-minute pivots, rebooking flights and hotels, unexpected family emergencies, and why we never stop checking our reservations even after everything is booked. From a child getting sick on a flight to swapping hotels in Japan and a trip to Santa Fe somehow turning into Portugal, Rachel and Margaux have some incredible stories of plans changing on the fly.But this conversation goes so much deeper than points and miles. We talk about the incredible value of traveling with our kids and what they learn when they see us navigate unfamiliar places, solve problems, change plans, and keep going when things feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we have to “do it scared,” and there’s something really powerful about teaching the next generation that they can do that too.This episode is such a good reminder that points and miles aren’t just about traveling for less. They give our families the flexibility to take more chances, experience more of the world together, and raise kids who know they’re capable of figuring things out—even when the plan completely falls apart.JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!FIND US ONLINE:Mary Ellen | JoannaWonderland on Points Facebook GroupOUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!Our Favorite Credit CardsRakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLENJoanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNNSeats.AeroCardPointers — Get Our Best PriceHalara — 10% off with code WONDERLANDComfrt — 15% offRove — Get 1,500 Free Miles

Today on the show, we’re joined by our friend and listener Holly to hear all about her incredible points and miles trip to San Diego! From staying at a hotel that would have cost nearly $11,000 for $0 out of pocket to using TWO Companion Passes for flights, this trip is a perfect example of just how far a good points strategy can take a family.Holly breaks down the cards and strategies that made the trip possible, including how she used bank bonuses and Capital One miles to cover excursions and other vacation expenses. We also get into the details of where they stayed, what they did, and her honest reviews of the properties and excursions along the way. This was truly a mind-blowing vacation with next to nothing out of pocket!MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Reliefband — 25% off with code WONDERLANDJOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!FIND US ONLINE:Mary Ellen | JoannaWonderland on Points Facebook GroupOUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!Our Favorite Credit CardsRakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLENJoanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNNSeats.AeroCardPointers — Get Our Best PriceHalara — 10% off with code WONDERLANDComfrt — 15% offRove — Get 1,500 Free Miles

This week, Jamie joins us to recap her family trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks! She shares how they used Southwest points and a Companion Pass to fly into Boise and home from Bozeman, plus how they covered lodging with Wyndham points, Capital One miles, and credit card benefits. We talk about exploring Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls and String Lake in the Tetons before cold and rainy weather completely changed their plans.Then it’s on to Yellowstone for bison, bears, Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, and some seriously wild traffic. Jamie also shares what she would do differently next time, where she would stay, and her biggest tips for planning a Yellowstone and Grand Teton trip with kids. This one is full of practical advice for planning your own national parks adventure—and a good reminder that sometimes the best family trips require a little flexibility!MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!JOIN WONDERLAND BESTIES:Get bonus episodes, ad-free listening, timely points & miles updates, member Q&As, and more with our Wonderland Besties membership!FIND US ONLINE:Mary Ellen | JoannaWonderland on Points Facebook GroupOUR FAVORITE LINKS & DISCOUNTS:Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links, which means we may receive a commission or referral bonus when you use them. Thank you for supporting Wonderland on Points!Our Favorite Credit CardsRakuten — Mary Ellen (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Rakuten — Joanna (Get 5,000 Amex or Bilt Points)Mary Ellen’s Fetch — Use code MARYELLENJoanna’s Fetch — Use code JOANNALYNNSeats.AeroCardPointers — Get Our Best PriceHalara — 10% off with code WONDERLANDComfrt — 15% offRove — Get 1,500 Free Miles

Elizabeth von Tersch from U.S. News & World Report joins us to break down the latest rankings of the best airline and hotel loyalty programs—and there are definitely some surprises! We talk about why American took the top airline spot, what caused Atmos and United to fall, why JetBlue is gaining ground, and where Delta struggles. On the hotel side, we dig into Wyndham taking #1, why Hyatt remains strong despite its smaller footprint, and how programs like Choice, Hilton, Sonesta, and IHG compare. Plus, we talk about devaluations, transfer partners, redemption value, and why your points are almost always worth more today than they will be tomorrow.Mentioned in this episode:Travel.usnews.com@USNewsTravelTravel Essentials LinksElizabeth TikTokElizabeth YoutubeFind Us On Online:Wonderland Besties SubscriptionMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Relief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Seats.AeroBEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsComfrt.com 15% OFF✈️💙Rove Referral Link- A FREE 1500 miles🎉We may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

What would you do if your passport disappeared the day before an international trip? In this episode, Joanna shares the unbelievable true story of how she navigated a last-minute passport crisis, secured an emergency replacement, and still made it to Ireland against all odds.Along the way, she shares practical tips for getting an urgent passport appointment, what documents you'll need, how airline rebooking policies can help save your trip, and simple ways to protect your passport from getting lost in the future. Whether you're planning your first international vacation or you're a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with real-world advice that could save your next trip.Mentioned in this episode:Links to passport holder and tracking cardsComfrt.com 15% OFFFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards

We're back with another midweek roundup of the biggest points, miles, and travel news you need to know. This week, we cover the brand-new Google Flights Chrome extension from Seats.Aero, a limited-time 100,000-point offer on the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, and why now may be the last chance to grab some of Chase's elevated business card welcome bonuses. We also discuss changes to Singapore KrisFlyer award searches, new transfer bonuses, and why doing the math before transferring your points can save you thousands.We also break down the new partnership between Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt, including a surprisingly easy path toward Hyatt Globalist status for some travelers. Plus, we share updates to partner award booking fees, discuss several transfer bonuses that are ending soon, and wrap up with a few fun stories from our recent travels. If you want to stay on top of the latest points and miles news and maximize your rewards, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Mentioned in this Episode:Chase Sapphire Preferred Referral- Mary EllenChase Sapphire Preferred Referral- JoannaRelief Band - Use code WONDERLAND for 25% off!Seats.AeroFind Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)Comfrt.com 15% OFFRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Our Favorite Credit CardsWe may receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards