• 197. Secrets Maroma Beach: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Experience on Points with @DiveIntoPoints
    Mar 16 2026

    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. We also walk through smart booking strategies, especially in light of award chart changes across Hyatt properties, and how travelers can still maximize their points for an incredible luxury getaway.

    If you’re dreaming about turquoise water, powder-soft beaches, and an adults-only escape near Cancun, this episode is packed with practical tips. We also share advice for traveling in the Riviera Maya, what to expect from resort amenities, and why this area of Mexico continues to be one of the most popular destinations for points and miles travelers.

    Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or simply want to experience a top-tier all-inclusive resort using points, this episode will help you decide if Secrets Maroma Beach deserves a spot on your travel list.

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    Episode 131 - Italy on Points

    Seats.Aero

    @Diveintopoints Instagram

    Hyatt Business Card Referral

    Rakuten Podcast Episode

    Jen's Blog

    Jennifer Maren Photography

    Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

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    Mary Ellen | Jo

    Facebook Group

    Wonderland On Points Blog

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    Our Favorite Travel Necessities

    We 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!

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 196. Midweek Mini: Our Week in Points & Miles (PLUS Transfer Bonuses and Current Card Offers)
    Mar 11 2026

    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 flexibility with dates and routes can dramatically improve your chances of booking great flights.

    If you want practical tips for getting more value from your points and choosing the right travel credit cards, this episode is full of helpful insights.

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    Mentioned in this Episode:

    Hyatt Business Card

    Travel Party of 5 Podcast

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    Mary Ellen | Jo

    Facebook Group

    Wonderland On Points Blog

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    Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

    Our Favorite Travel Necessities

    We 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!

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    19 mins
  • 195. 48 Hours in Mexico City: A Points & Miles Travel Guide with @ThePointsPrinciple
    Mar 9 2026

    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 points and miles world and how she uses those strategies to make international travel more accessible. From booking award flights to choosing the right hotel location, Cam walks us through the key decisions that shaped her family’s short but unforgettable Mexico City adventure.

    Along the way, we talk about navigating transportation in such a massive city, why location matters when choosing a hotel like the Hilton Mexico City Reforma, and how to balance points versus cash when booking your stay. If you’re thinking about visiting Mexico City, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you plan a smooth and rewarding trip.

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    Mentioned in this Episode:

    Cam's Reel

    Seats.Aero

    Our FAVORITE Travel Backpack!

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    Mary Ellen | Jo

    Facebook Group

    Wonderland On Points Blog

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    Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

    Our Favorite Travel Necessities

    We 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!

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    45 mins
  • 194. Midweek Mini: The REAL Hyatt Devaluation of Our Nightmares
    Mar 4 2026

    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, so your points go further.

    We also highlight the value of the travel community, sharing insights and lessons learned to help listeners make smarter travel decisions. Positive updates include digital point sharing among members, and the award structure is expanding from three to five categories which makes planning ahead more important than ever. Booking sooner can help avoid future price hikes, and leaning on the travel community remains a key strategy to stay resilient and informed.

    This episode is presented by Yahoo! Travel. Don't forget to sign up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter written by yours truly.

    Find Us On Online:

    Mary Ellen | Jo

    Facebook Group

    Wonderland On Points Blog

    Affiliate Links:

    Seats.Aero

    BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

    Comfrt.com 15% OFF

    Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

    Our Favorite Travel Necessities

    We 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!

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    18 mins
  • 193. A Cabo All-Inclusive at a Points Price You Will NOT Believe!
    Mar 2 2026

    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 with the new seating, and whether this resort is truly a budget-friendly option for family travel. From dining reviews and grocery store hacks to snorkeling excursions and spontaneous flight changes, we’re covering what worked, what didn’t, and how to stretch your points and miles further in Mexico.

    If you’re planning a Cabo family vacation, considering a Wyndham all-inclusive, or looking for smart travel tips to save money, this episode is for you.

    Episode Sponsors:

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    Mentioned in this Episode:

    Alejandro the Cabo Concierge - Whatsapp: +52 867 104 4384

    Cabo Escapes Snorkeling Tour

    Viator Horseback Riding Excursion

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    Mary Ellen | Jo

    Facebook Group

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    Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

    Our Favorite Travel Necessities

    We 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!

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 192. Midweek Mini: News Roundup- The Hyatt Hoax, the Short-Lived TSA Nightmare, and United Airlines Changes
    Feb 25 2026

    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 Instagram

    Mobile Passport Control

    My TSA App

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    Mary Ellen | Jo

    Facebook Group

    Wonderland On Points Blog

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    Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

    Our Favorite Travel Necessities

    We 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!

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    17 mins
  • 191. From Paparazzi to Points Pro with The Points Partner
    Feb 23 2026

    **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 without overcomplicating the process.

    We also talk about stacking opportunities—like monthly promo awards with Air France—when it makes sense to move your points, and why mindset matters just as much as math in the points and miles game. If you want practical travel tips, real redemption inspiration, and a reminder to celebrate your wins, this is an episode 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:

    Owen's Fly Free Academy Course

    Book a FREE Card Consultation with Owen

    Find Us On Online:

    Owen on TikTok

    ThePointsPartner.com

    Mary Ellen | Jo

    Facebook Group

    Wonderland On Points Blog

    Affiliate Links:

    Seats.Aero

    BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

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    Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

    FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

    Our Favorite Travel Necessities

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    57 mins
  • 190. Midweek Mini: We Can FINALLY Tell You Our BIG SECRET!
    Feb 18 2026

    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 why this work matters and confirmed that there’s a real need for accessible, realistic travel advice.

    We also share some exciting news about our new partnership and the launch of a newsletter where we’ll be bringing our travel tips and insights to a new platform. We chat about what it means to branch out into writing while staying true to our mission of making travel more attainable for families. Most importantly, we want to reassure everyone that the podcast isn’t going anywhere—this is simply a new chapter built on the same heart, message, and gratitude we have for every listener who has supported us along the way.

    ✈️If you are interested in signing up for the Y! Wonder Newsletter click HERE and look for the pop up at the bottom of your screen!

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    Mary Ellen | Jo

    Facebook Group

    Wonderland On Points Blog

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    Flipside Luggage (Use code WONDERLAND for 25% OFF!)

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    Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)

    Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links

    FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!

    Tripiamo Driving Tutorials

    Our Favorite Travel Necessities

    We 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!

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    12 mins