People say otherwise about a BF, and I have seen them out there. But I haven't tried them. There is something to be said for the idea of small low rolling resistance wheels, and a suspenssion system, though I prefer the simplest Friday, really. It worth considering if portability, was critical, as in every tour you are planing starts with a plane ride somewhere. If you are planing 90% local, then I would just get a regular bike.

Not to drive home the point too hard, you could do a real nice touring bike, and a Bike Friday for 3 grand. My very nice touring bike cost me about 1K US ( I hope to have pictures up by Sunday Monday), and you can get a the basic friday for 900-1500. Fridays are also all custom fitted, which is easy for them because each frame has huge potential up fit, so really, stocking just some lengths gives them both up and out fit, for the same cost of a regular stock frame approach (though I don't know that is how they are doing it). So if your elegant leg length demands some special fit, Friday to the rescue.