Travelling With Currency,Cash Card Or Travellers Cheques?

I would never travel abroad with all my money on one card - suppose it gets swallowed by the ATM? I tend to take some local currency with me so I don't have to worry about it for the first day or so and then use my Nationwide card for some and the new post office visa top up cards for the rest. That way, I can't lose all my money or spend more than I can afford. I don't have credit or debit cards so it is very important that my money is safe. I hate TCs. They are a nightmare to get changed and you never get a good deal with them.