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

In this Midweek Mini episode, we react to the brand new US News & World Report 2025-26 rankings of the best travel rewards programs. We share our initial thoughts on the surprising twists and turns in both hotel and airline loyalty programs and how these rankings might change the way you think about earning and redeeming points. We also reveal how we’re preparing to dig even deeper with an upc...

Australia is a bucket list destination for SO many people! In this episode, we’re joined by Senitra, a travel journalist who has been to over 50 countries! She recently went on an epic solo adventure to Australia — all on points. She takes us behind the scenes of her trip to Melbourne and Sydney, from lie-flat seats on the world’s longest flight, to the perfect things to do, see, and eat in the ep...

This week, we’re heading west! Inspired by listener Emily we’re diving into a family-friendly road trip through South Dakota’s most iconic stops — from the Black Hills to the Badlands, with plenty of adventure along the way. You’ll hear about glamping at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore (yes, with Hyatt points!), digging for fossils at an active mammoth site, and the surprisingly adorable experience of...

In this first half of our London two-parter, Joanna went on a whirlwind two-day adventure in the city before heading into the countryside — and she’s sharing EVERY DETAIL. She traveled with her mom and daughter, flew Virgin Atlantic using points, and tried a new system to beat jet lag that changed everything. From a rainy New York layover to a luggage-saving trick that helped them hit the ground r...

In this episode, we’re spotlighting a hidden gem in the MidEAST—Hocking Hills, Ohio. This is our SECOND submission from listener Katie shares all her top tips for visiting this stunning spot, from the best places to stay to must-do hikes and creative ways to book it all using points and miles. We cover everything from rustic-chic state park lodges (bookable through Chase or Capital One) to romanti...

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most aspirational redemptions in the world of points and miles—Alila Ventana Big Sur, a luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive Hyatt resort tucked along California’s stunning coastline. We’re joined by social worker and points enthusiast Deb, who shares how she booked this $1700+-per-night property using points, and why she says it was 100% worth it. Deb...

Today on our Midweek Mini we are taking a small break from summer road trips and we’re diving into the ever-evolving world of points and miles—and how we’re adjusting our strategy to keep up. With recent changes to Chase’s sign-up bonus language, we’re starting to shift our focus away from chasing (pun intended) welcome offers and instead doubling down on everyday spending and earning categories....

Today on Wonderland on Points, we’re heading out of the city and into the storybook charm of the English countryside! Jo shares all the highlights from her family’s recent road trip through two of England’s most picturesque regions: the Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales (with a fun little national park detour in between). From booking flights with points to tackling the adventure of renting a car...

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...

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 ann...

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 fo...

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...

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 f...

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...

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...

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...

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 get...

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 a...

This week on our Summer Road Trip Series, we’re heading to Tucson, Arizona—and this episode is packed with creative travel tips thanks to a listener-submitted itinerary that blew us away. Cami, a writer over at Secrets of a Travel Journalist , shared a full plan featuring unique, budget-friendly ways to stay—using Capital One Venture X travel credits instead of the usual points and miles. She spli...

For the first time EVER, we’re recording an episode of Wonderland on Points from the SAME PLACE — in person, raw, real, and unedited! In this episode, we're diving into how to explore New York City using points — and trust us, it’s one of the best destinations for a points-and-miles trip. We’ll walk you through some incredible hotel options you can book with points, share our favorite budget-frien...

It’s week two of our Summer Mini Series, where we spotlight lesser-known domestic destinations across the U.S.—and the best part is, these spots were submitted by you ! We’ve absolutely loved reading your recommendations, and this week’s pick is a gem. We’re headed to the Pacific Northwest to explore the charming town of Cle Elum, Washington, and the beautiful Suncadia Resort. Whether you're a loc...

This week on the Wonderland on Points podcast, we're heading to the beautiful island of Aruba with special guest and Aruba expert @Erin_Loves_Travel. While most people have heard of Aruba, it doesn't get nearly enough attention in the points and miles community—and we think that needs to change. Erin has visited multiple times and brings a wealth of insider knowledge on how to experience Aruba usi...

This week kicks off our Summer Road Trip series—and we’re starting strong with one of the dreamiest New England getaways: Newport, Rhode Island! We dive into everything that makes Newport the perfect points-powered summer escape, from a perfect location to stay on Chase points, to stunning Gilded Age mansions and hot dogs with personality. We also cover the latest buzz in the points and miles worl...

We're thrilled to welcome back a returning guest and friend of the pod , Joy from Savvy Travel Mamas ! When we first floated the idea of a Vegas episode, we were honestly a little skeptical—does Sin City really have anything to offer beyond the party scene? As family-focused travelers, we weren’t sure it would resonate with our audience. But spoiler alert : we were totally wrong. Joy completely ch...

This week on our Midweek Mini episode, we’re going first but we want to hear from you next! We’re diving into the things we wish we had known when we first started our journey into the world of points, miles, and travel rewards. From rookie mistakes to "a-ha!" moments, we’re sharing the insights that could have saved us time, money, and missed opportunities. Whether you're new to the game or a sea...