Hi

hope this helps
i have for the last 10 years have done the same thing
bought some euros when the exchange rate is good now about 1.45 is a good mark
take enough for a couple of days say 70 euros each
depending on how many there are of you
if you have a good secure accomodation including safe
take two -three hundred in notes
depending on how long you are going for

for anything else use your bank card

note for purchases i only pay on my barclaycard
for the insurance cover

a lot depend on what sort of holiday you are going on

if young and going on a bender or in cheaper accomodation dont take a lot of cash .........use yor bank card

There are a few tips on what to take with you re cash or cheques or credit cards in this topic here This topic was in response to questions like your own that raised the problem of how to carry your holiday money. To save duplication I'll lock this topic for now.