If you haven't spent much time in Europe, this is a pretty big deal. A lot of people in my area go to France to shop for groceries or grab lunch. Driving from one Schengen country to another is like driving from one state to another. There is just a sign notifying you that you've crossed over. The EU is also implementing legislation soon that would make it illegal for a non-Schengen resident (like a tourist) to travel from one country to another.