Tuesday's State Department "worldwide caution," which exhorted Y2K
travelers to take extra care on the road during December and
January, contained one suggestion that stood out: Carry travelers'
checks.
I guess I just don't think about travelers' checks anymore. They
seem antiquated. I mean, I haven't carried a checkbook in years. I
pay most of my bills by phone and over the Internet. Others, such
as my monthly health club dues, are on bank drafts so I don't even
think about them.
But now that we are heading for a holiday whose most salient
characteristic seems to be its potential for creating chaos, the
humble travelers' check seems like a post-high-tech invention.
Imagine, a piece of paper that is worth nothing until you sign it,
and once you do, it turns into money. What a concept. Next time I
travel, I'm gonna get me some of those.