What do I need to travel to Germany from the USA?

Planing on a trip to Germany this summer. I will have my German freinds assist me while they are here. I'm just wondering if there is anything I can do now to get the ball rolling.............
I know the obvoius like money and the airports I'm flying in and out of. But I'm morely wondering about getting a Passport and/or Visa, how or when to get these?

get your passport thru the post office and your visa get from the embassy.

Yes you must have a passport. You don't need to apply beforehand for a visa- you can get one when you go through German immigration. Passports usually don't take long to get, but I've heard of it taking up to 6 weeks, so go ahead and apply as soon as possible just to be safe.

I don't think you need a Visa if you just go for vacation but you will need a passport

You don't need a visa, just a passport. Your passport is good for ten years, what are you waiting for? Get your passports now.Have a good trip!

you need a passport, but you don't need a visa if you stay in Germany or any European Union countries within a month.

if you depart from major big city, your flight will be cheap.

since Germanay spends Euro, you can order cash Euro from your bank in the state before you depart. o, you can have some little cash to use. also, you can use your credit card and take the money from Germany's bank when you arrive.