IFR flying is actually same as VFR flying would be if one did not need a clearance for anything
Actually much easier! Coming back from Spain our clearance went something like this:
Direct Barcelona
Direct (somevoronfrenchborder)
Direct Bordeaux
Direct Nantes
Direct Guernsey
Direct SAM
Easy peasy, twiddle the knobs every half hour, speak to ATC every half hour, eat bacon butties and drink coffee in between.