We are planning a trip to Paris in June, and to attend a wedding in the Czech Republic. I am thinking of renting a car in Paris and driving to the Czech Republic and maybe to Poland as well. Some places we will stay with friends and other places at hotels. Any suggestions on doing it this way versus using the trains.

I don't know a thing about it, but wouldn't you have a problem with the car rental company??

Carol... Like you I'm just guessing but all the countries are in the EU so I don't think car hire companies would have a problem. I've rented a van and driven to Spain from the UK without a problem. From memory, insurance cost more but that was it.

OK, interesting question. Plus, I was thinking of drop off charges!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Shocked.gif" alt="" /> I have seen some pretty stupidly high drop off charges within the US..

I have not checked on the flights or drop off charges yet. I may end up driving back to Paris to fly home. Stopping off at places along the way.

OK, looks like maybe you should write a big report and post it here, since so far, no one else knows anything about the subject. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

Carol. I plan to post a report, but I have not left yet.

Yes, sorry, I know that. I just meant that no one else seems to know anything about your original question.

I would fly on any low cost airlines from Paris to Prague and pick up rental car on PRG airport.

My wife and I have used Auto Europe for our car rentals in France and Germany. Easily available at most airports with pickup and drop off places in the various cities. Rates are comparable to US. Most cars have manual transmissions unless you specify automatic - and are will into pay extra. Do not attempt to drive anywhere in Paris. It is not worth the stress and potential for accidents from crazy drivers.. Take a train to a nearby major city - or even the airports and rent from there. While gas is relatively expensive, with the two cars I rented, I was able to go about 900 kilometers (about 560 miles) on a tank of gas.

If you have time, get off the main highways from time to time and take in the scenic and bucolic countryside.

If not, take the train, leave the driving to them, and enjoy the scenery from your seats windows. (Never think of AMTRAK - no comparison). Break up your journey with a stopover or two on the way. Or you can pretend that you are still in your early twenties and use the train as your hotel a la Eurailpass.

I'm flying EasyJet from Paris to Rome - mainly because I need to get there quickly. I'll report back after my trip.

Enjoy your trip.