Touring - Touring with a Birdy (or other folder)

I have a Surly LHT, but recently picked up a Birdy Monocoque folder. I am in the initial stages of planning a week long tour along the Danube River in Germany/Austria and was thinking about packing the Birdy up in a suitcase. It's a 9 speed and I think that might be sufficient for what is alledgedly mostly flat bike path. Curious as to what others have done in similar situations. The Birdy is a fun, zippy bike; but I haven't ridden it for any long distances yet.

That is the bike I would own if I could afford it. This site has a demo of how to pack a Birdy into an airline legal suitcase. It's one of the only folders you can do so on: http://www.gaerlan.com. Here is the exact link: http://www.gaerlan.com/bikes/birdy/birdypk.htm.

You can also just pack it in an oversized suitcase without removing anything.

I have been riding a 26” touring bike, but recently got a Bike Friday touring bike for shorter tours when taking a plane/train. Just took the Friday on a 500 mile, 2 week tour in Sweden and it rode great fully loaded (3x9 speed). On pavement i forgot i was riding a folder. Off road the smaller wheels are trickier because you have to pay more attention to maneuvering around obstacles, but still good fun.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=227696