This is a guest post from Tom over at ActiveBackpacker.com.

For people old and young, traveling Europe is something fun and exciting to do. It’s a crock pot of different cultures and adventures all encompassed on the one continent.

Having traveled and backpacked throughout Europe extensively, I feel comfortable passing on a few solid tips of advice – and how to access your money over there is definitely something important to consider!

First, let’s talk about how banks make money off you when you decide to go traveling. If you bring along your standard bank card, it’s likely you will be charged:

Foreign currency fees

Cash advance fees

International transaction fees

“Hang on” you’re thinking, “Isn’t this going to add up?” Why, yes it is! It’s a real problem in my opinion, and is how banks make a quick buck off you when you decide to go on vacation for a couple of weeks. Europe is rampant with ATM’s, and taking along a card really is the simplest and easiest way to gain access to your hard earned money.

So, what is the best way to go about it all then?

Well, you need to do a bit of research and find a credit card or bank account that specializes in providing advantages for foreign use. You may not think it’s worth it, but the amount of money I have saved over all of my trips by using a specialized credit card for traveling has been astounding.

My card doesn’t have any foreign or cash advance fees – but will charge me interest from the day I withdraw from the ATM (so there is no interest free period). This is actually great because as long as I log on to my internet banking and pays the card off once every two weeks, then I’m fine.

I suggest you look for something similar, a credit card or specialized travel option that won’t have your budget burning and your mouth gaping when you get home from your adventure and see all the fees your bank has charged through your account. Thank me later.

Tom is the proud owner of a traveling and backpacking site. There is loads of useful information and tips all about backpacking, check out his site here.