I always take enough euros for the first day or so, and sterling travellers cheques. Travelcare until recently was 0% comission for sterling travellers cheques. Got my most recent ones from M&S at 1%. If you look about tou will find exchange places that charge 0% commission and the exchange rate is usually higher than in the UK. Example in Benidiorm the other week rate was 1.47 compared to 1.42 at home. Avoid changing cheques in hotels exchange rate is always poor. If you are lucky enough to bring sterling cheques home with you, the cheques can be paid straight into your bank or building society site.

I know it is stupid but I do not feel confident relying on one plastic deit card when I am away. What happens if it is lost or swallowed by the ATM? At least with the cheques you can get new ones sent to you.