We didnt use TCs just card and cash, but the majority of American states use them as its cash. I would check with the tour operator you booked the trip with/or email your hotel in America.

Yes, the USA is the one country where it is still worthwhile to have traveller's cheques. You can just use them as cash everywhere. The only thing is that a lot of places will ask to see your driving licence or passport before they will take them, so be sure to carry ID with you. (We always keep ours from one visit to the next.)

Had trouble changing T/C's because they weren't AMex they were Thomas Cook cheques although in the end we did manage it at a bank although it was a lot of messing. Next time i will take AMex.

Thanks for the heads up Stevieray