Banking for long term world travel?

Hi, I'm an American planning to travel to Costa Rica for six months,
then do some more traveling around the world, mostly in developing
countries in either Latin America and/or Asia.

I'm trying to figure out the best place to stick my money so that I can
earn some interest and also have access to it world wide with minimum
fees. Right now I'm thinking about an ING Direct savings account
linked to a checking account with good world wide ATM access.

I need advice on selecting a good checking account, that is both
accessible via ATM in most parts of the world and does not charge a lot
in foreign exchange or ATM fees. I think my current account
(Washington Mutual) has good access, but I believe they charge 1% on
foreign exchange plus ATM fees.

Any suggestions? I live in Bellingham, Washington if that makes a
difference.

Jacqueline Passey
http://www.JacquelinePassey.com/