Halifax card for us as well. But beware the latest con. Although the card is free to use anywhere they now ask if you wish to pay in sterling rather than local currency. Robbing buggers then charge up to 4% that you now agree to by paying in sterlingFor a month away I take £500 in cash kept in a safe with passports etc. and a Halifax card ( zero charges! - nil! - nothing! and a superb exchange rate) for almost everything. I have been mightily stung to many times with other credit card charges.
Always pay in local currency