You’ve finally saved enough money to go on that backpacking trip across Europe you’ve been dreaming about since freshman year. Or maybe you’re going to spending your spring break from college on an exotic beach vacation far, far away. Either way, one of the first questions to get yourself trip ready is “Which currency should I bring?”

Sure, there are greenbacks with pics of dead presidents in your wallet now. But getting ready for globetrotting usually means swapping those Washingtons and Benjamins for some other country’s cash. Heading overseas means hauling containers of colorful bills or jingling coins that are completely foreign to you (pun totally intended).

But not all money is created equal when you get beyond North America’s borders, especially if you’re a rookie traveler on your first adventure outside the good ol’ U.S. of A. You want cash that is going to keep its value so your fun fund money goes further during your journey. The worst nightmare is getting gouged by gyrating exchange rates or sketchy money changers when trying to score stuffy foreign dollars for your trip.

So which currency gives you the most bang for your buck when skipping around the world? Here are the top three by far that will serve you well when trading American dollars:

The Almighty Euro

The euro is used across parts of Europe and beyond, including countries like France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Greece. It also stretches as far as Reunion and French Guiana in Africa and South America. There are over 175 million people using the euro around the world everyday.

Since its introduction over 20 years ago in 1999, the euro has become the second most held currency as a reserve, behind only the U.S. dollar. This stability and high demand helps ensure its value stays consistent over the long term. That’s great news for travelers not wanting monetary surprises on their journeys away from home.

The euro is widely accepted and you’ll never have an issue exchanging it or finding places to spend it across Europe. So if backpacking around the Eiffel Tower in Paris, soaking up sun on Spain’s beaches or checking out Greece’s ancient ruins sounds like your dream trip, carrying euros ensures you can shop and eat out easily without hassles.

The Mighty U.S. Dollar

Sure, you already have dollars with U.S. presidents looking back at you. But American money remains one of the most recognized and valued currencies in use across the entire world today. That’s why it is often called the world’s reserve currency.

Whether heading south of the border to Mexico or east across the Atlantic to Europe, U.S. dollars are frequently accepted in major tourist destinations. You can also readily exchange greenbacks for local cash if needed. But you might find using dollars directly is often simpler during your travels versus constantly swapping currencies.

For example, if you’re road tripping around coastal towns along the Yucatan Peninsula or checking out Mayan ruins lost in Mexican jungles, many businesses there will accept U.S. dollars at face value. That avoids pesky exchange rate headaches each time you want to grab tacos and margaritas or stock up on cervezas and tequila for the long ride back.

The bottom line is the U.S. dollar still packs huge purchasing power in pockets across the planet. So Americans venturing to foreign lands should absolutely bring greenbacks as a primary payment option and for trade as needed for local currencies.

The Legendary British Pound

With its rich history and culture, the United Kingdom remains one of the top tourist destinations for travelers seeking European adventures. Luckily, the valued British pound sterling is easy to carry around England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Having Queen Elizabeth II gazing from bills projecting poise and stability doesn’t hurt either when money is changing hands.

The long legacy backing it gives the Great British pound a level of prestige and trust that mirrors the top position of the U.S. dollar on the world monetary stage. So do like the Brits do, and keep calm and carry pounds when checking out landmarks like Big Ben, Edinburgh Castle and Giant’s Causeway on your journey across the pond.

The strong sterling will serve you well when pub hopping by Thames River in London, enjoying haggis washed down by whiskey in small Scottish villages or taking selfies with red phone booths in the country. Just be ready for the higher conversion versus American dollars. But having British money readily accepted and exchanged with ease makes it well worth stacking those regal banknotes.

When planning that dream trip abroad, make sure to bring one or a mix of these major global currencies – the euro, U.S. dollar and British pound – as your cash companions. Their stability and strength will help your spending go much further at destinations near and far. Focus on creating life-long travel memories without sweating sketchy money matters mucking up your journey. Most importantly, don’t panic with payments and carry cash wisely wherever wanderlust takes you!