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This may seem like roughing it to some people but it's luxury travel for others. Starting out with a light breakfast like an energy bar with some coffee or tea gives you a quick start on
day and speaking for myself I generally don't like to have a big breakfast before heading out for a days worth of riding, I'd rather be looking for fun side destinations than a bathroom. Stopping for lunch on road allows you luxury of not having to unpack your stove, food etc. just to make one meal (trust me if you do it, you'll only do it once) it's worth parting with a few bucks just to not have to repack your bike.
Sleeping under stars is not only relaxing but it can save you a bunch of cash as well. The average motel or hotel near an interstate, at least in middle of US averages about sixty-five dollars a night whereas average campground is about ten dollars a night, on a week long trip that adds up to quite a bit of souvenir money. If you are traveling in northeast US those same rooms can run your a hundred plus per night closer you get to New York City. Since I mentioned it, in case you are wondering how to deal with souvenirs on road, just stop by your local post office or UPS store and ship them to your home or to a friends house, so they can hold them for you till you return. This is also a good way to deal with exposed film from your camera and not so rare event when you find out you over packed again. The post office or other shippers usually have everything you need to package your stuff boxes, padding, tape etc. keeping those saddle bags light make for a happy rider and better gas mileage too.
It does not matter what style or make of bike you ride as long as you watch your weight distribution, only major difference you will experience between bikes will be in way that you pack for trip. I have gone on trips on dual sport (on and off road bikes) which are equivalent of a giant dirt bike, sport bikes, and full dress touring bikes. I have no trouble packing all that gear into my Harley Electra Glide Classic these days, but I also have some great memories of strapping firewood to my Kawasaki KLR 650 and having kids and their parents chuckling watching me try to get back on bike with my backpack on, so never let style of bike you enjoy mess up your travel plans. Planning trip is sometimes just as much fun as trip itself, and it always make your travels go smoother.
Fred Ost is a writer, web designer and aspiring indie movie maker. He is a founder of, and staff writer at the free independent artits community at http://www.scptv.net.
