Big adventure in 5 weeks as going to visit my friend in Memphis. I have never been outside Europe before so only really know about Euros and how it works there. Can regular travellers advise me the best option regard taking spending money etc. We are staying with my friend so no hotel fees. It will be shopping/dining out and visiting tourist places. Thanks in advance

I take a certain amount in dollars out with me as you need cash for buying things and tipping.
I always take my bank card and geto eh out of an ATM as and when I need it. Just let your bank know before hand otherwise they will block your card! Travellers cheques are a pain tbh

I used a fairfx card when I went to vegas. The exchange rate was better, it was really quick to top up online and accepted everywhere. I always had cash for tips or small buys as it was easier. And it's amazing how much is spent on tipping!

You could always order some traveller's cheques as well, to keep on hand.
Can be awkward finding somewhere to cash them at times, but it's a backup if (god forbid) your bank throws a wobbly and thinks someone else has run off to Tennessee with your debit/credit card and you're left high and dry. Or, in worst case scenario, if you lose your card.

I'm going over soon too! Will look at taking a card out with marks and spencer as they seem to do the best rate - but depends on the rate at the time. I once used my debit card and despite telling the bank in person I would be using it they blocked me!! Thankfully I had some cash for that moment in time, but it was such a pain. Costly to ring them up too!

I just took more than enough American dollars with me.  I found it so much easier to pay cash for everything.  I knew I'd taken far more than I'd need and just cashed them back when I returned.

Thanks will probably just take dollars then and check if its easy enough to get more form cashpoint if needed x

Have fun! We got a post office credit card specifically for all holiday spending as there's no fees attached and we get a fab exchange rate on everything we use it for, I would suggest it to anyone and we take dollars too for normal day To day things. Do tell them you will be abroad or they may block it.