This week on our mini-episode, we’re answering an exciting question: How do you get free hotel upgrades? You’re in luck! We’re sharing a simple template that can help you score upgrades and hotel perks—even without elite status. Both of us have used this method successfully, and we’re excited to pass along our tips so you can enjoy the same benefits on your travels! Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A Coffee Find Us On Instagram Mary Ellen | Jo Referral Links Southwest Airlines...

Today on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re thrilled to chat with our FAVORITE Delta influencer, Janelle! She shares all the incredible perks and insights she’s discovered about flying with Delta. We also dive into the session she presented at TravelMore Con, where she breaks down your rights as a traveler when things go wrong. From US travel to navigating issues in Europe, Janelle offers essential advice on what you should be aware of in case of disruptions. We had an absolute blast...

In today’s Wondering Wednesday mini episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we’re answering a common question: When is the right time to actually use the travel portal? The conventional wisdom in the points and miles world is that you typically get the best value when you transfer your points and book travel outside of the portal—and that’s absolutely true. But there are definitely times when using the travel portal is your best bet. In this episode, we break down those situations and...

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Allison, a travel expert we met at the TravelMore Conference. Last year alone, her business has redeemed over 100 MILLION points for their clients. Allison has set an ambitious, yet inspiring goal for herself: over the course of 12 months, she aims to experience 12 different lie-flat business class products (all booked with points!), visit 12 new countries, and stay in 12 new hotels. And she's doing it all...

On our Wondering Wednesday episode this week, we break down how to calculate your cents per point (CPP) to better understand the value of your points redemptions. We walk you through two straightforward methods for calculating CPP, empowering you to assess the true worth of your points, as well as three examples of why transferring points gets you maximum value! Whether you're booking travel or redeeming rewards, knowing your CPP helps you make informed decisions and maximize your benefits....

In this week’s episode of Wonderland on Points, we dive into the art of maximizing your points and miles when you’re not focusing on sign-up bonuses. We highlight the best pairings from the three major banks, showcasing how combining one annual fee card with a no annual fee card can elevate your earning potential. Join us as we walk you through three exceptional card pairings that can help you level up your rewards strategy. Our discussion aims to inspire you to explore the wealth of...

In today’s Wondering Wednesday mini-episode, we discuss the pros and cons of adding an authorized user to your credit card. We'll cover when it can be beneficial—like helping a family member build credit or sharing rewards—and when it might not be the best idea, such as the risks to your credit score from their spending and some other things you may not have considered. Tune in for practical advice to help you navigate this tricky part of points and miles! Facebook Group | Support the Show:...

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome our first-ever mother/daughter duo in the world of points and miles: Joy and Mara from @SavvyTravelMamas! Join us as we explore their unique perspectives on maximizing travel rewards at different stages of life. Joy, a busy mom of young kids, shares how their family uses points for quick getaways during school breaks or special birthday trips, while Mara brings a wealth of experience from her impressive 25 years in...

In today’s Wondering Wednesday episode, we’re diving into the exciting world of points stacking! We’ll give you a quick and easy crash course on what stacking is and how to make the most of it with the various cards and portals at your disposal. Stacking is an invaluable strategy in the points and miles game, and you won’t want to miss this bite-sized explanation. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, these insights will help you maximize your rewards and elevate your...

Today on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re excited to chat with Jenna, the travel hacking lawyer behind @TravelersInLaw. She’s here to share a down-to-earth look at what you can accomplish in your first year of earning and using points and miles. Jenna tells us how this podcast inspired her to deep dive into the world of credit card rewards. She went from using just one card to racking up an incredible 800,000 points in less than a year! With trips to Bali and Italy on the horizon,...

In today’s episode of Wondering Wednesday, we tackle a crucial topic that can significantly impact your experience in the points and miles hobby: how long you should wait between applying for new credit cards. We explore various schools of thought on this issue and share our personal approaches to card applications. Whether you’re flying solo or strategizing with a partner, we provide valuable insights and ideas for navigating this process effectively. Understanding the right timing for...

In this exciting episode, we got to chat with Angie about her unforgettable luxury trip to Greece— funded by points and miles. Discover how she and her husband transformed a $30,000 dream getaway into reality with less than $1500 out of pocket for expenses that were not bookable on points. She tells us all about exploring the vibrant streets of Athens and hopping between the breathtaking islands of Santorini and Milos. Angie shares her tried-and-true strategies for planning and booking, along...

In today's episode (our 50th!) we tackle the confusion surrounding common acronyms in the world of credit card points and miles. Have you ever found yourself googling terms like SUB, P1, P2, AF, HUCA, and CSP, only to feel overwhelmed? You're not alone! Join us as we break down these terms in this quick, bite-sized episode. Whether you're just starting your journey or need a refresher on points and miles lingo, this episode is perfect for you! Facebook Group | Support the Show: Buy Us A...

We’re BACK and excited to discuss one of our all-time favorite travel cards! Our previous episode on the AMEX Gold was our most downloaded episode ever, and with recent changes to the card’s benefits and annual fee, it’s the perfect time to revisit it. Although we still highly recommend going back and listening through the older episode because many of the details still apply! In this episode, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the AMEX Gold Card changes and why it...

Welcome to this week’s episode of our new Wondering Wednesday series! Today, we tackle the question: "Why shouldn’t you be scared of annual fees?" We’ll break down why annual fees aren’t as daunting as they may seem and why you should consider embracing them. Many premium cards come with annual fees, but they also offer exciting benefits and opportunities to offset those costs. In the world of points and miles, travel cards with annual fees can provide significant value, making them essential...

🚀 Southwest Companion Pass Season is HERE! Join us on this episode of the Wonderland on Points Podcast as we dive into the ultimate guide to earning the incredible Southwest Companion Pass! If done right, this invaluable perk allows you to fly a friend or family member with you for FREE for two years—who wouldn’t want that?In this episode we’ll break down the strategies you need to know to secure the Companion Pass effortlessly. We understand it can be a bit confusing, but don’t worry! We’ll...

We’re excited to launch our new series, Wondering Wednesdays, where we’ll tackle one burning question each week in a quick, bite-sized episode designed to answer all your points and miles inquiries. Today, we’re addressing a question we hear all the time in the credit card rewards community: What in the world is 5/24? We’ll dive into the details and break it down so you can fully understand the rule and how to stay compliant. Happy Wednesday! October Budget Challenge | Facebook Group |...

Today on the Wonderland on Points podcast, we have the amazing Emily, the mom behind @AMomExplores, joining us to share five incredible and underrated destinations that are perfect for family weekend getaways. We’ll discuss the best airlines to fly for your trips, the top hotels where you can use your points for a comfortable stay, and the must-see activities you won’t want to miss. And be sure to stay tuned, because there might just be a surprise sixth destination! You won’t want to miss...

This week on the Wonderland on Points Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the incredible @Amberonpoints! Join us as Amber shares her family’s unforgettable adventures in Amsterdam and London. As a former Assistant Principal turned credit card rewards expert, Amber empowers families to transform their everyday spending into exciting travel experiences. In this episode, we dive into top tips for family travel in Europe, revealing how to maximize your points and minimize out-of-pocket costs....

On today's episode we sit down with Jen Ruiz, the solo female traveler behind @JenOnAJetPlane. Jen’s journey from a law career to becoming a full-time travel creator is nothing short of extraordinary. Hear how she went from practicing law to gracing a billboard in Times Square, promoting her best-selling travel memoir, 12 Trips in 12 Months. Jen dives into how she leveraged credit card points to fund a year-long adventure, fueling her book and inspiring countless others to explore the world....

In this episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we're excited to welcome Emily, a fellow points and miles enthusiest, who will help you unlock the secrets to an unforgettable Disneyland trip while keeping costs to a minimum. Emily shares valuable insights on how to maximize your credit card rewards for the ultimate Disneyland experience, from the best ways to get there using your points to finding top-notch hotels and getting around the city efficiently. We dive into strategies for...

In this exciting episode of the Wonderland on Points podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome back our dear friend Linsey! Linsey and her family of seven recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure through Florida’s national parks, all thanks to the use of credit card points. Join us as Linsey shares the ins and outs of how they transformed their dream vacation into a reality, with minimal out-of-pocket expenses for flights and accommodations. From the serene landscapes of Biscayne National...

This week on Wonderland on Points, we're thrilled to welcome Abby from @Wayfarenco, a true Cabo connoisseur. Abby has explored Cabo extensively and stayed at numerous hotels using credit card rewards, making her the go-to expert for planning a dream trip to this stunning destination. She also reveals her insider tips for how her family of five enjoys annual trips to Europe, including their savvy strategy of renting their home on Airbnb to cover travel expenses. If you're dreaming of an...

What began as a single episode ended up being so jam packed with information that we decided to split it into two. Today- get ready for part 2 of a magical journey as Jo takes you through her unforgettable summer trip to Universal Studios—all on points! In this episode, she spills the details on her top tips and tricks to help you squeeze every bit of fun out of your trip while keeping costs low. This episode includes all the best information about how to sav e on food costs, what to eat and...