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Languishing in the azure Mediterranean Sea, the picturesque Ionian Isles seem an unlikely venue for vast international trade and the spread of Mexican dollars. Undoubtedly, early links with Venice helped, but the influences of France, Turkey, Britain and, ultimately, Greece have left indelible marks. In 1814, occupying French forces abandoned Corfu. Soon after the Napoleonic collapse, Ionia found itself hosting a 'protector', a Lord High Commissioner, courtesy of Great Britain. Currants and olive oil provided an economic backbone. Currency was mainly coin, comprising silver dollars and Mexican and Maria Theresa thalers.

A carefully chosen selection of holiday destinations, written in differing styles, to form a millennium time capsule for future generations. York - Traditional international favourite. Gibraltar - Emerging tourist and wedding venue. Thassos - Fresh and friendly Greek island. Atlanta - Fast paced thrills, shopping and entertainment.

Arguably, the most significant change to the world's money markets took place on 1 January 1999. Eleven nations of Europe replaced their currency with the new Euro. The move spelled the end of the Franc and the Mark.

De La Rue-Straw Hats to Global Securities charts the early history of the world's largest producer of securities and printer of UK banknotes. While other Guernseymen prospered from privateering in the English Channel, fortune did not bless the household De La Rue. Nine children had depleted Eleazer's resources. His son, Thomas, had arrived as Madam Guillotine severed the reign of King Louis XVI. It was 1793. Times became difficult for the nation in 1837. On 26 May, long before public limited companies, Thomas was arrested for debt. After swallowing rivals Bradbury Wilkinson, Waterlows, Harrison and papermakers Portals, today De La Rue manufactures most facets of the money business. From ATMs, coins, credit cards, smartcards, and passports to software, holograms, checks, stamps, banknotes, and bonds worldwide. Not a bad achievement for a straw hat maker from Guernsey.

Though tail-less cats and three-legged men inspire mystique, the Isle of Man's financial history is an intriguing reality. Deprived of intrinsic raw materials, but fortified by 'herrin and spuds' (sea fish and potatoes), Manxmen chose international trade for independent survival. Manx ships carried the Pilgrim Fathers and helped break the American blockade! For a time, the Isle was decried as a smugglers' haunt. In 1661 official records show 'a nest of smugglers who glory in their treasons.' Even the local Bishop, in 1742, declared 'the iniquitous trade will hinder the blessing of God from falling upon us.'

War created the Bank of England. Had King William III possessed enough money to combat France's Louis X1V, the first public bank may have never emerged. The Bubble burst. Sword Blade Bank went bust in 1712 and there was a run on the Old Lady. To stem the flow, staff made payments in sixpences and shillings to friends, who carried them round to the Bank's back door, to enable the tills to be, replenished. She stayed steadfast in the heart of the City of London to develop, arguably, the most envied and admired reputation, in the world today.