Found my dad's old travel guide and laughed at the advice

I was cleaning out the attic and found a guidebook from the 90s. It suggested carrying traveler's checks, which feels ancient now. How do you guys handle money abroad these days?

3 comments

3 Comments

oliver_young501mo ago

Traveler's checks in 1999 were a safe bet, unlike losing your phone today.

nina4501mo ago

Hold on, are you SERIOUSLY calling traveler's checks a safe bet? I remember they were a total NIGHTMARE to cash anywhere off the beaten path. Like trying to use one at a small market in Mexico, the guy just stared at it and shook his head. Losing a phone today is bad, but you can lock it and your cards are still safe digitally. Those old checks felt like carrying fragile glass that might shatter any second.

paul_miller531mo ago

That old guide is a time capsule for sure. @oliver_young50 has a point about safety back then, but my view changed after a trip where my card got frozen. Now I always carry a backup physical card hidden away, and use my phone for most buys. The combo of a little cash and a couple cards works best.