If you have traveled much around other parts of the world, you probably have learned to dread border crossings, which are often slow, boring, and expensive. So you’ll be delighted to know that in most of Europe, you can travel between countries without so much as a passport stamp or a customs inspection. This is thanks to the Schengen Area, which is a collection of 26 European countries that have abolished passport requirements and border checkpoints between nations. All you have to do is check in when you arrive in Europe, and you’re good to go.