Health experts warn us repeatedly not to sit in one position for hours. This is dangerous for both our hearts and our circulation. Our concentration waivers. Our attention level drops and our stress levels rise. Yet here we are, with several weeks or months of holidays ahead of us, and we still think that we have to arrive at a certain destination at a certain time, or else! The only breaks along the road are for gasoline, the bathroom and perhaps a quick bite at a roadside coffee shop. With these stops, we only actually walk and stretch for five minutes or less.
The argument is, " But there is nothing worthwhile to see," or "I have travelled that highway 20 times. It's boring." However, at the gateway to every province and state one can find tourist bureaus listing hundreds of sights and places of interest. These rest areas also provide a good break and most of the tourist information representatives love to talk with visitors. Undoubtedly you'll find that many places of interest are not really off the beaten path at all! If you still abide by the Boy Scout's motto of, "Be Prepared," before setting out, visit your local library. Most have Internet access to research your route or, at the very least, they probably stock all kinds of tourist publications. Truthfully, road signs often whet our curiosity and lure us in when we least expect it! Last year we found a fascinating Mennonite village this way.