Pat, we do exactly the same and have had no problems using the travelers checks at all. Market Garden is the only place we encountered that does not accept them so we always use cash there. In Grand Case the restaurants that offer 1 to 1 accept travelers checks the same as cash. We never carry a lot of cash on us when we are out either travelling or at home. If we need cash, ATM machines are everywhere and our debit cards are used mainly for everything at home. In Canada, if your debit cards are compromised, the money is immediately reimbursed by your bank just like credit cards by your credit card company so they are very safe to use.