And a party member with civil engineering skills never hurts either. Getting wet can be bad news while travelling. Not only could it lead to health problems, but important things like scrolls, maps, spell components, etc. can be ruined in the rain, while crossing a stream, or when swimming for your life, etc. I'd pay the toll if I were you. Unless your foes demand a ludicrous payment, it's far wiser to pay the few gold pieces, dollars or credits than to start a large battle and weaken yourself for the upcoming adventure.
Every game master enjoys a good ambush.
Bring along a guide or fellow PC who has sense ambush or alertness abilities. Travel with companions who know many languages so you can parley if it's possible. That's it for this week's issue. I can't tell you how much easier tracking events is with a printed calendar. Not only that, but I can also create special days for characters and mix it up a bit.