The traveler who rests may be protecting the next day’s company.

Stepping out of the afternoon can look like a lack of enthusiasm, especially to people who came a long way and want to see everything. Often it is the opposite kind of care. The person who lies down for an hour is choosing not to be the short-tempered one at dinner, not to sour tomorrow morning with yesterday’s exhaustion. Rest on a trip is frequently a courtesy aimed at the group.

When you need an hour, take it without an apology or a long explanation. When someone else takes one, resist reading it as distance. Plan trips with a gap in the day so nobody has to negotiate for it.