So, which route to take? The quickest takes you along the French Riviera into Italy, then inland just before Genoa and towards Austria via Venice.
The online route planner of the UK Automobile Association says it's just over 1100km and around 13 hours' driving time. You will, of course, see a lot more if you deviate from this path. A distinctly Italianate experience can be enjoyed by dipping down into Tuscany (the embodiment of rural chic), then climbing into the Unesco natural heritage site of the Dolomites, with a side trip to Venice along the way.
As suckers for a mountain vista, we'd personally take a different route: heading northeast from Montpellier, cross into Switzerland via Chamonix, ogling the Mont Blanc Massif on the way.
From there, head across Switzerland and through Austria, taking in some gobsmacking alpine scenery while stopping off in great cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Innsbruck and Salzburg. It's a circuitous route (more than 1400km and at least 16 hours' driving) but guarantees plenty of "wow" moments.
Lonely Planet's new edition of Western Europe is packed full of places to stay and things to see, as are our country guides. Individual country or regional chapters can also be downloaded from our website.
Kidnapping danger
I'm a Chinese New Zealander planning on taking my wife and four children aged 3, 7, 10 and 13 on a seven-day guided tour around Shanghai and Nanking. However, my wife has heard from friends that it is unwise to take young children because they may be kidnapped to be used as beggars or worse. Is this something we should take seriously?
- Shiu Lam
Children are kidnapped every day around the world and China is not free from this heinous crime. Definitive statistics are unavailable, but estimates vary from 10,000 to 70,000 kidnappings per year. Despite these shocking numbers, it is still a rare occurrence and, as tourists, you are very unlikely to be targeted.
By going on a reputable tour, you are increasing your family's safety when compared with travelling independently. Reduce the risks further by taking these precautions: never leave your children unattended, consider using a child harness in busy places and ensure your children know they shouldn't talk to strangers.
Pickpockets and scams can be a problem in China, particularly in cities, but by far your biggest danger will be on the roads. The World Health Organisation estimates that there are about 600 traffic deaths per day on China's roads. Be sure you wear seatbelts and use child-seats when available, and take extra care when crossing roads.
Risk is an inherent part of travelling, but the level of risk varies from place to place. The government's website has up-to-date travel advice for almost all countries.
Lonely Planet's new China guidebook and the Thorn Tree forum are also good resources providing advice on how to stay safe when travelling.
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