This is a list of ideas and supports which we used to facilitate more efficient travel and, in essence, made our lives much easier.

• Guides: Accurate, up-front information and research online is essential to a trip like this for me! I downloaded to the i-pad Travel Apps for each of the cities we visited. I also used a Germany Day By Day Frommer's guide which served us well when planning. We also rented audio guides at several attractions which were very helpful.
• Passes: In Amsterdam we purchased passes (1 each) which enabled unlimited use of public transport for above and below ground and free or discounted access to multiple attractions (from a list), quicker lines, and easy access. In Berlin we purchased WelcomeCards that gave us unlimited transit and access to all Museum Island venues. They were very good value for our busy trip and easy to use.
• Money: Always let your card company know you are traveliing before leaving so they know the card may be used abroad. They may close it otherwise, suspecting fraudulent activity. Further, order foreign cash at your bank before you depart, as last minute attempts to purchase currency risk amounts not being available. We took pounds, euros, and swiss francs. We secured, through our choice of traveler's credit card, medical insurance while abroad and felt very safe.
• Packing: We traveled in an incredibly light manner. Small knapsack each. Although space was limited, our ability to move around the city (and especially through airports and customs) was greatly improved. No checked luggage!!! Had we desired, we could have mailed anything beyond capacity home ahead of us. Further, don't screw with the airlines... make sure you're following the latest security procedures. A comfortable, tried pair of shoes is essential (we literally walked miles in some of these cities).
• Booking Accommodations: We booked everything online, well in advance. We looked for several specific things; A/ Reasonable price, B/ proximity to railway station, major transportation links, and attractions, C/ an included breakfast, and D/ free wireless. Knowing what you are looking for helps as the choices in this tourist rich market are endless.
• Organization: Create for yourself a log book to warehouse your important travel documents. My book had an itinerary, budget, checklist, attraction and ticket confirmation numbers, copy of passports, reservations, specific maps as well as on site information to support visits (ie: Items we wanted to see). We made our train ticket reservations/purchases early to ensure sleeper car access. With our trusty book we always look and feel very organized.
• Communication: We trekked with an i-pad and i-phone this trip... used face time, internet and email with family at home. And yes... it was all free as we tried to select accommodations that had free wireless!!! Further, the i-pad was a storage space for copies of important documents (should the worst occur) and I used it daily and during travel to make the notes I used to inform this website.
• Food and Eating: Our budget requires that we avoid most "fine dining" options (not so comfy eating posh in jeans and t-shirts anyway). Accommodations covered all our breakfast requirements. We found, during this excursion, that we probably ate at pubs / beer gardens more than usual. It was really hard to resist the totally friendly cuisine as well as the big mugs of beer!!! We got to sample, and very much appreciated, Bavarian traditional dishes several times. This could also be "coined" the beer trip... as we self-indulgently were shameless in our beer testing/sampling. Totally drinkable beer that is much like ours!!! Prost...
• Transportation: Having a handle on transport is essential when visiting five cities, in four countries, over 9 days!!! We closely followed train and airline schedules, and had accurate schedules for public transport options in each of these cities. The only hitch that we had was popping out one stop early on the last night when heading for our accommodations in Kloten (near Zurich Airport) It was settled nicely with one expensive cab ride!!! Our friends at Air Canada were tardy at Pearson and we were delayed several hours Sunday night. However, we got to work on time which was really the only concern. As a final word of advice, travel light, have travel information ready, follow security procedures, and don't panic... things you have control of will fall into place.