A week ago I started to look for a new credit card with EMV and no foreign transaction fees for a trip next fall to Germany. Since then, I have learned more than I thought was possibly and now have a new hobby. I am still going to get a new chip card but now am trying to decide if I could do an app-o-rama but am worried I might be biting off more than I can chew. I have several questions that I can't seem to find answers to.

These are the current credit cards I have:
AAdvantage Platinum visa (I generally live near an AA hub),
Delta Skymiles Gold Amex (contemplating canceling this. Only have had it for 26 months and I never seem to be use my Delta miles)

I also have an Amex blue (don't use it, only for emergencies) that my father opened for me 20 years ago (thanks for a head start on good credit!), and a credit union mastercard that doesn't do anything except my second oldest card.

These are the cards I am thinking about and would appreciate any advice.
1. Saphire Chase Preferred (my top choice and will end up getting this no matter what)
2. AmEx Starwood Preferred Guest
3. Barclay Arrival (was top choice but no EMV-will that be an issue in Germany? are there any rumors that they are going to have a chip before the fall?)
4. Chase Marriott Rewards Premier

My first question, is it ok to just apply for 2 cards vs the 4 that seems to be the going number?

In an ideal world, I could apply for the Saphire Chase Preferred and the SPG and then I have to spend $5K in 3 month and another $5K in 6 months. I would normally be able to do that because in April I have a $4K medical bill that I can pay with CC. I generally have $1200/month CC spend so with the $4K bill, I would reach the 10K in 6 months for sure, but right now I have 3 months where I will have very little CC activity. My credit score is 780.

This is now where it gets complicated. I am going to be volunteering from June to August so my monthly bill will be dropped to approximately $1K/month (rent, food, transportation). I will mostly be using cash/ATM. So, I am thinking that before I leave, I can buy $4K (extra for emergency) through VR and then use that card in the Dominican Republic at the ATM to get cash? I do not have a current mortgage or rent as my company provides my housing, so I don't have bills that I will have to keep paying while I'm gone.

I would put my airline tickets on those new cards, but they are going to be on AA or their partners so by booking through their website, I get double miles and all the perks that I get with my AAdvantage card. Is it worth sacrificing that in order to meet the spending requirement?

So, the short version: My plan is to apply for both the Chase Saphire Preferred and SPG. I will put my $4K medical bill on the SPG and spend an additional $1K. I will use my Chase Saphire for all my monthly needs as well as buy $4K in VR to take with me to the Dominican Republic. If I do this, I should be the $10K within 2 months. Is this a good idea for someone that is just starting?