234. Midweek Mini: How to Earn Travel Points By Paying Off Your Car

234. Midweek Mini: How to Earn Travel Points By Paying Off Your Car

After years of hard work, Joanna is officially debt-free! In this episode, she shares the journey of paying off more than $40,000 in debt while still traveling the world using points and miles. We discuss the strategies that kept her motivated, how she balanced debt repayment with enjoying life, and why responsible credit card use can be a powerful financial tool when done correctly. We also dive into practical advice for tackling different types of debt, earning points while making loan payments, and the budgeting mindset that helped Joanna stay the course. Whether you're just starting your debt payoff journey or looking for motivation to reach the finish line, this episode is packed with honest conversations, practical tips, and encouragement to help you build financial freedom—without putting your travel dreams on hold. Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) [https://forms.gle/HoipxbMkqpZyKEPW7] Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! [https://forms.gle/QVx2yQtsMTuXvzRQ6] Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter [https://travel.yahoo.com/newsletters/y-wonder/y-wonder-subscribe/] Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@WonderlandonPointsPodcast] Mary Ellen [https://www.instagram.com/familytravel4thewin/] | Jo [https://www.instagram.com/joanna_gammon] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1801098990392968/] Affiliate Links: Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) [https://www.rakuten.com/r/MARYEL622?eeid=44971] Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) [https://www.rakuten.com/r/JOANNA21472?eeid=44749] Comfrt.com [http://Comfrt.com] 15% OFF [https://comfrt.com/?snowball=WonderlandOnPoints] Seats.Aero [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101622689-17072392] Cardpointers [https://cardpointers.com/wonderlandonpoints] Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) [https://www.halara.com/] Our Favorite Credit Cards [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/our-favorite-credit-cards] Our Favorite Travel Necessities [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/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!

233. Norway Road Trip Guide: Fjords, Scenic Drives & Family Adventures (Part 1)

Norway has been at the top of Mary Ellen's bucket list since our last Norway episode, and in Part 1 of this two-part series, she takes us along on the first half of her incredible family road trip through one of the most breathtaking countries in the world. We talk about renting a car to explore at your own pace, navigating Norway's famous roads, tunnels, and ferries, and experiencing unforgettable adventures like the Loen Skylift, Via Ferrata, and some of the country's most iconic viewpoints. Along the way, Mary Ellen shares honest tips on accommodations, budgeting, and what surprised her most about traveling through Norway. If you're dreaming of dramatic fjords, epic scenery, and planning your own Norwegian adventure, this episode is the perfect place to start. Mentioned in this episode: Pota Madre [https://www.instagram.com/reel/Daftiznx7hf/] Episode 149- Scandinavia [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/149-choice-hotels-deep-dive-exploring-scandinavia-on/id1718475603?i=1000729057227] Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) [https://forms.gle/HoipxbMkqpZyKEPW7] Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! [https://forms.gle/QVx2yQtsMTuXvzRQ6] Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter [https://travel.yahoo.com/newsletters/y-wonder/y-wonder-subscribe/] Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@WonderlandonPointsPodcast] Mary Ellen [https://www.instagram.com/familytravel4thewin/] | Jo [https://www.instagram.com/joanna_gammon] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1801098990392968/] Affiliate Links: Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) [https://www.rakuten.com/r/MARYEL622?eeid=44971] Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) [https://www.rakuten.com/r/JOANNA21472?eeid=44749] Comfrt.com [http://Comfrt.com] 15% OFF [https://comfrt.com/?snowball=WonderlandOnPoints] Seats.Aero [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101622689-17072392] Cardpointers [https://cardpointers.com/wonderlandonpoints] Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) [https://www.halara.com/] Our Favorite Credit Cards [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/our-favorite-credit-cards] Our Favorite Travel Necessities [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/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!

232. Midweek Mini: Paze Updates, Where We Are Using Our $10 Freebies, News Roundup

We're back with another midweek points and miles news roundup! This week, we cover the latest changes to Paze, which deals are still working, and how to maximize your travel credits before they expire. We also share tips for using restaurant, hotel, and shopping credits, discuss the latest ETIAS update for Europe, and help you make sure you don't miss out on valuable savings before your next trip. Mentioned in this Episode: Hilton Credit Doc [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1bq5NQ2JN1XW3XGtXZp8ND28GFAdbIVC_5RPWu8UkSlk/htmlview?pli=1] Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) [https://forms.gle/HoipxbMkqpZyKEPW7] Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! [https://forms.gle/QVx2yQtsMTuXvzRQ6] Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter [https://travel.yahoo.com/newsletters/y-wonder/y-wonder-subscribe/] Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@WonderlandonPointsPodcast] Mary Ellen [https://www.instagram.com/familytravel4thewin/] | Jo [https://www.instagram.com/joanna_gammon] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1801098990392968/] Affiliate Links: Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) [https://www.rakuten.com/r/MARYEL622?eeid=44971] Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) [https://www.rakuten.com/r/JOANNA21472?eeid=44749] Comfrt.com [http://Comfrt.com] 15% OFF [https://comfrt.com/?snowball=WonderlandOnPoints] Seats.Aero [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101622689-17072392] Cardpointers [https://cardpointers.com/wonderlandonpoints] Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) [https://www.halara.com/] Our Favorite Credit Cards [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/our-favorite-credit-cards] Our Favorite Travel Necessities [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/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!

231. Charming Copenhagen, Denmark with a Side Quest to Malmo, Sweden

If 🇩🇰Denmark has been on your travel bucket list, this episode is full of inspiration and practical tips to help you plan your own adventure. We take you along as Mary Ellen and her family of 5 explore Copenhagen, sharing how she booked their flights to Europe using points and miles on American Airlines, and how airport lounge access made their long travel day much more enjoyable. Once she arrived, she discovered why Copenhagen is consistently ranked as one of Europe's most livable cities, from biking through charming neighborhoods and strolling colorful streets to spending an unforgettable day at the magical Tivoli Gardens. She also shares her experience staying at the Absalon Hotel, navigating the city with kids, and the little travel lessons learned along the way. Whether Denmark is your dream destination or just the first stop on a larger Scandinavian itinerary (Hello Norway 🤩), this episode is packed with ideas to help you maximize your points, minimize your costs, and make the most of your time in one of Europe's most charming capitals. Also included, a side quest for dinner in Malmo, Sweden at the Malmo Food Hall! 🇸🇪 Links: 💜15% off Comfrt Hoodies [https://www.comfrt.com/WonderlandOnPoints] (Mary Ellen used the Airplane Mode hoodie on this trip) 💜25% off Relief Band [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=55307&awinaffid=2922027&ued=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.reliefband.com] 💜FREE Y!Wonder Newsletter [https://travel.yahoo.com/newsletters/y-wonder/y-wonder-subscribe/] 🎙️Episode 161 also about Denmark and LEGO house [https://rss.com/podcasts/hackingyourwanderlust/] 💜Our Favorite Travel Items [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/travel-necessities] 💜Ready to sign up for a NEW Travel Credit Card? Here are links to some of our favorites! [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/our-favorite-credit-cards]

230. Summer Road Trip Series: Discovering Dayton, Ohio

In this listener-inspired mini episode of Wonderland on Points, we're heading to Dayton, Ohio, to uncover one of the Midwest's most underrated destinations. From its rich aviation history and connections to the Wright brothers to fascinating museums, beautiful parks, and family-friendly attractions, Dayton has far more to offer than many travelers realize. We also share recommendations for where to stay, local restaurants worth seeking out, and hidden gems submitted by one of our listeners. If you're looking for an easy road trip destination filled with history, great food, and unique experiences, this episode will give you plenty of inspiration for your next adventure. Find Us On Online: Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027) [https://forms.gle/HoipxbMkqpZyKEPW7] Summer Road Trip Submissions ARE BACK! [https://forms.gle/QVx2yQtsMTuXvzRQ6] Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel Newsletter [https://travel.yahoo.com/newsletters/y-wonder/y-wonder-subscribe/] Wonderland on Points Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@WonderlandonPointsPodcast] Mary Ellen [https://www.instagram.com/familytravel4thewin/] | Jo [https://www.instagram.com/joanna_gammon] Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1801098990392968/] Affiliate Links: Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) [https://www.rakuten.com/r/MARYEL622?eeid=44971] Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS) [https://www.rakuten.com/r/JOANNA21472?eeid=44749] Comfrt.com [http://Comfrt.com] 15% OFF [https://comfrt.com/?snowball=WonderlandOnPoints] Seats.Aero [https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101622689-17072392] Cardpointers [https://cardpointers.com/wonderlandonpoints] Halara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off) [https://www.halara.com/] Our Favorite Credit Cards [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/our-favorite-credit-cards] Our Favorite Travel Necessities [https://wonderlandonpoints.com/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!