Not so much a tip, but I found this rather interesting. Specifically in the middle section of the map, you can see many little blue dots speckling the area. The full link is here http://www.wired.com/design/2013/08/...slideid-210501 and it is a segregation map of the US. I thought this was pretty neat to see all the little towns approximately 30 miles apart that are scattered along the countryside. It probably gives you a good idea of how self-sufficient to be in certain areas too. : )

In addition to mdilthey's thoughts above on bringing a sit pad, there are many uses for a foam pad, that weighs practically nothing.
-A knee pad for bicycle repairs (worth it alone if it's muddy/rocky/rainy and you get a flat)
-My pillow method: wrap it like a burrito, string a toe strap around it and shove it in my fleece (I bring back up toe straps anyway, they're useful for all kinds of things)
-Protecting your panniers! A fuel canister can be awkward to pack. You can shove a bit of blue foam in the bottom of the pannier and it stops any metal from working its way through your pannier : ) you can also cut strips to put between metal bowls, etc. to stop them from rattling. Good for organizing a handlebar bag if you're crafty and need organization religiously.

The straps that come with orlieb bags are useless to me on tour for use with the bags themselves... I use them as straps for the tent on the back rack. They are more secure than bungees and have a plastic clip that keeps the slack organized. If you wrap them cleverly, they will stay in one spot, and still be accessible if you need them for something else quickly.

Hair ties are cheap and are just really durable rubber bands... have at it. : ) I always carry some. . . you can shoot them at your buddies if you get bored.