I would buy shampoo / body wash when you get to Germany...they have AWESOME bath and shampoo products.
Try to bypass travellers cheques..they are a PITA to cash, as you have to do it at a bank and you MUST have your passport on you to do this.
Bring a few zip lock bags in different sizes...might be handy for storing money/coin, etc. also good for containing shampoo bottles (in case the contents leak or spill.).
Make sure that you have a coins on you, as public toilets usually incur a charge. Try to use the potty at the house/hotel where you are staying before you leave the house.
Guard your passport and keep it safe. Never leave it unattended in a purse or bag.
Take 2 photocopies of your passport's "picture page". Leave 1 at home and carry one with you. If you should lose or get your passport ripped off, this should help with getting your passport replaced. I would print off this page and take it with you. If you bring it with you, you will likely not need it! (PS I'm making the assumption that you are an American citizen and not Canadian, British and living in the US, etc.)
http://hamburg.usconsulate.gov/hambu..._services.html
Lastly, never forget that you are a "guest" in another country. Your rights and freedoms do not follow you around the world. As the saying goes, "if you want things to be like they are back home, stay home".
I lived in Kassel, Germany for 2 months one summer (with a family) and took German classes during the day...it was great.
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