Use "plastic" as often as possible. It's easier to deal with than
carring around a wad of either currency or cheques, plus you get the
advantage of a spending post-mortem on your trip as soon as the statement
comes 'round by post.
i use plastic and pay later to build up my frequent flyer mileage. i allways
pay total balance and never pay interest. it also helps one know how much it
is costing to live each month.