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.

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Find Us On Online:

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

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Seats.Aero

BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

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

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

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!

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 there with points and miles, why the strong U.S. dollar stretches far, how to use Grab for getting around, and why carrying cash still matters. From incredible Filipino hospitality and flavorful local dishes to the fun of plane spotting, this episode is a heartfelt glimpse into travel with purpose in the Philippines and beyond.

Find Us On Online:

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Charlotte's TikTok

Charlotte's Youtube

Mentioned in this episode:

Make Friends In Unexpected Places Merch

"I'll Never Forget Today" Reel

AeroLopa Seat Maps

Affiliate Links:

Seats.Aero

BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

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

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!

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 how each one fits into a smart travel rewards strategy.

Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of having a clear credit card application strategy, especially when navigating rules like Chase’s 5/24, and why understanding annual fees versus real-world value matters more than flashy bonuses. We also share our excitement about recent changes in the Sapphire credit card landscape and how these offers can dramatically enhance your travel experiences when used intentionally.

Find Us On Online:

Mary Ellen | Jo

Facebook Group

Wonderland On Points Blog

Affiliate/Referral Links:

Southwest Personal Cards

CapitalOne Venture (Use the pre-approval tool on this landing page)

Chase Sapphire

Seats.Aero

BEST PRICE on CardPointers subscription!

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

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

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!