My hubby and I are getting ready to leave for the Italian Mosaic. What is the best form of money to bring? Should we bring travelers checks, or just bring some cash, and use atms there and use our credit cards for the bigger purchases?

Forget the travelers checks. Stick to using the ATMs for pocket money and use credit cards for big purchases. Get a CapitalOne card if you don't have one. They do not charge a foreign conversion fee (the only card I know of that doesn't). .
I bring only a limited amount of US$$$ to use in US airports and for transportation expenses.
Wait until you get to Rome to get your Euros. They are expensive to obtain here in the states and there are ATMs EVERYWHERE.
When are you going? I'm on the June 2 Mosaic with my granddaughter.
Sue

Sue is right on with her advise. Forget about taking travelers checks. they are hard to cash and you will take a bit hit. ATM's and regular credit cards are the way to go.

Dave and Katie
Sitka, Alaska

Just got back from the Essential Europe Trip. We took like $500 cash, we never used a penny of it. Just take your ATM and credit cards. When we got to the airport we used the ATM card and took out like $250 Euros you take out as you need. Since we were going to Switzerland we let it run out and then when we got there took out the Francs. Same we let run out so when we got to England we took out pounds. But we used the ATM for cash and Credit cards for bigger purchases. But you won't be using US$. .

What are the fees associated with using an ATM? I know they vary according to banks, is it better to use your credit card? Are there
many places that do not take plastic?

The fees are charged by your home bank that issues the ATM card. I paid 1.50 plus 1.00 for using an atm machine that was not at my home bank. That was a total of $2.50 USD per transaction.Check with your bank to find out what they charge. Just make sure your money is in your checking account as you cannot access savings accounts from the overseas ATM's.!The Cirrus Atm's are everywhere. Don't forget most ATM's have a maximum dollar amount you can take out per day.This is set by your home bank and is a precaution to avoid theft. Mine is $200.00 per day. I used the ATM for cash and used a credit card for large purchases.
This is really annoying the way this web site adds the extra period even though you only put in one. I think it is a precaution to keep links from working.