For a trip like yours, I’d use **a debit card for ATM withdrawals, a credit card for purchases, and a modest reserve of local cash**. Keep a backup card separately.

Travelers checks offered protection because lost or stolen checks could be refunded, subject to conditions. Acceptance was a separate problem. American Express now says it has stopped issuing them; existing checks can still be redeemed, and exchange fees may apply. [American Express](https://www.americanexpress.com/us/travel/travelers-cheques/)

Here’s a practical approach:

- **Before departure:** Get enough local currency for transport, food, and immediate expenses on arrival. Check your cards’ foreign transaction fees, overseas withdrawal fees, daily limits, and international-use settings.
- **During the trip:** Withdraw local currency from bank ATMs with your debit card as needed. This can be cost-effective, depending on your bank’s fees and the ATM operator’s charge. Where cards aren’t accepted, spend this cash. [Visa’s travel guidance](https://www.visa.co.uk/cross-border.html)
- **For card purchases:** Choose a card with low or zero foreign transaction fees. Pay the statement in full under its interest-free terms. Avoid credit-card cash withdrawals unless necessary: they commonly incur fees and interest. [MoneyHelper’s credit-card guidance](https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit/simple-guide-to-credit-cards?ContensisTextOnly=true)
- **At ATMs and payment terminals:** Choose the destination’s currency—euros in Italy—and decline any offer to convert the amount into your home currency. That conversion can include an extra markup. Your card’s own foreign transaction fees still apply. [Visa’s conversion guidance](https://www.visa.co.uk/cross-border.html)

For safety, divide cash and cards between you and your wife, keep an emergency reserve separately, and have your banks’ contact details available. Withdraw enough to avoid excessive fixed fees while keeping the amount you carry manageable.

Exchanging your entire budget at home exposes the whole amount to loss or theft. **Exchanging a small amount beforehand is useful; the cheapest place to exchange depends on the actual rates and fees.** Compare how many euros you receive for the same total cost, including commission.

For destinations with limited ATMs or foreign-card acceptance, arrange more cash in advance. The right mix depends on the destination and your particular cards.