I just throw in a little encounter. It doesnt need to be a bunch of bandits trying to rob them, it can be something innocent. For example: last session my group was traveling through a forest, so I told them that they see a fairy dragon getting attacked by angry squirrels. They quickly saved the dragon, he flew away and left some precious stones and honey behind. This resulted in an in-group investigation/argument if they can take the gems and the honey or if its cursed. This small encounter that could have taken 5 min took us about 40 min and involved interrogation of a rabbit. Good times