Originally Posted by
mstateglfr
For mostly paved roads, either of these (or maybe a Surly LHT if you can find one on closeout at your local bike shop this fall) would be my pick.
If you're going to be on long, or many, dirt roads, you might want to look at the REI Adv 2.1 instead. The 2.1's tires are wider, which may be beneficial (dirt roads in the east tend to be more rotten than those further west).
Despite what some non-touring rabble-rouser might say, any of these will serve you well for your planned first tour.