Since the arrival of the European Community, Europe has few borders. With the exceptions of Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, travel between countries today is both uneventful and hassle free. Quite simply, there are no formal border crossings between France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.

The odds are good that you may include Switzerland in your travel plans. Their border checkpoints with France, Italy, Austria and Germany are quick and easy. Since you will be driving a Peugeot lease car, you'll have red French tourist license plates. More often than not, the Swiss simply wave you through. At most, they'll ask to see your US passport.