So if you don’t like credit cards consider using debit card to a checking account where you don’t have that much money (in case it gets stolen). Put the same amount there as you take with traveller’s checks and use it. Just an idea.

I used to carry traveller’s checks in addition to credit cards (for places where they don’t take cards) until I realized that I am loosing on the exchange. Now I only use ATMs for cash. I have a separate checking account where I usually have a relatively small amount of money, just about enough for expenses other than air/hotel. So I usually take one credit card, one debit card to use plus either credit or debit card as a backup in case the card gets stolen. I keep the backup card in the hotel’s safe.

One other thing. In some countries ATMs are uncommon or charge too much and only expensive places take cards. Traveller’s checks are also a hustle in these places. Russia is one such example. When travelling to such countries, you pretty much have to carry cash. If you go to Russia, please make sure you take only clean and new bills. It is very difficult to exchange bills that have something written on them or that look worn.

I’m not saying carry no cash at all, just don’t bring gobs of cash with you and use your card instead.