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

What does it really take to travel the world as a family for six months? In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we break down how one Wisconsin family used points and miles to plan and fund an unforgettable multi-country adventure—without paying out of pocket for every flight and hotel. From smart credit card strategies to booking international award travel and building a flexible long-term itin...

Stay up to date with the latest in travel rewards, credit cards, and hotel loyalty programs in this episode of Wonderland on Points. We break down recent updates from Hilton Honors, including new status tiers like Diamond Reserve and what they mean for travelers looking to maximize hotel benefits. We also cover current credit card offers, changes to the American Express Platinum Card (including Sa...

Dreaming of the Galápagos Islands? In this episode of Wonderland on Points, Lauren Trimble shares how she used points and miles to book an unforgettable family adventure to Ecuador—including flights, inter-island travel, and eco-friendly accommodations. We break down everything you need to know about planning a Galápagos trip with points, from navigating island hopping logistics to experiencing on...

In this episode, we share a quick midweek roundup of what’s new in the points and miles world, including recent devaluations, changing transfer ratios, and upcoming long-haul airline options. We break down what these updates mean for your travel strategy and how to stay flexible as programs evolve. We also cover practical tips like using Resy dining credits, exploring new hotel and condo-style red...

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 Scottsd...

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 celebratio...

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 e...

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...

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...

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we share a midweek roundup of what’s happening in our points and miles world—new credit cards we’re opening, trips we’re planning, and a few of the challenges we’re running into along the way. Along the way, we talk about strategies for finding summer award flights, how transfer bonuses can boost your points balance by up to 30%, and why flexibi...

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we sit down with mom and points traveler Cam Snyder from @ThePointsPrinciple to talk about planning a memorable 48-hour trip to Mexico City using points and miles. Cam shares why Mexico City is an incredible destination for families, with amazing food, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class museums. We also dive into how she got started in the p...

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...

In this episode of Wonderland on Points, we’re sharing our honest review of Grand Decameron Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas — an all-inclusive stay booked with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts points. And we literally CANNOT believe how amazing it was for the cost! We break down how to use Wyndham points (transferred from CapitalOne) for an all-inclusive in Cabo, what flying Southwest Airlines was like wi...

*** 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...

**This episode was recorded before the drop of the current transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic In this episode of Wonderland on Points , we chat with Owen Beiny of The Points Partner , about how he went from paparazzi photographer to mastering the world of points and miles. We dive into transfer bonuses, smart redemption strategies, and how families can unlock outsized value from their credit cards...

In this episode of Wonderland on Points , we take a moment to celebrate a big milestone and reflect on how far this podcast has come. We talk about how we started with a simple dream and a clear vision to represent budget-conscious families in the travel space, and how the support from our community has shaped everything we’ve built. Hearing from listeners along the way has continually reminded us...

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 t...

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 h...

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 e...

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 the...

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 o...

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 a...

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 Hyat...

In this episode, we explore the world of shopping portals and how everyday spending can earn you big points and miles. We break down favorites like Rakuten, Simply Miles, Capital One Offers, and apps like Fetch and Upside, showing how to use them effectively without needing specific credit cards. We also share strategies for linking accounts, checking for promotions, and maximizing rewards from pu...

In this episode of Wonderland on Points , we’re joined by Zach Griff , points and miles expert and creator of the newsletter From the Tray Table , to talk about one of the most buzzed-about launches in travel rewards: the new Bilt 2.0 credit cards. We kick things off with a quick, relatable conversation about parenting and family travel before diving into the details of Bilt’s revamped card lineup...