The infrastructure has changed a lot since the 1970's. Road maps are not easily found locally as they once were. I remember when leaving any town there were signs that pointed the way to each connecting town. Nowadays the signs only direct you to the interstate highways and cities.

Sure you can load up 3-5 pounds of paper maps and guides but the simplicity of a world-wide electronic map on a 5-ounce phone really creates a freeing experience and allows one to truly wander the world.

On my last tour I didn't follow a planned route. Each day or so I decide where to head next and use my phone to sketch a route. I'll be doing more of tours this way in the future.

BTW: There aren't phone booths on every corner either.