Everyone is different and I'm sure I'm way out on the bell curve among the traditional tourers here, but I personally enjoy short touring in more densely populated areas like urban/shoreline/vacation areas. For me, going ultra-compact (Brompton folder & UL camping gear) has rekindled my interests in bike touring - something I quit decades ago with a traditional bike/4 pannier rig.

Theft is a major concern in densely populated areas - my rig converts into a 'baby stroller' in 10 seconds and I've pushed it many miles though museums, zoos, malls, stores, libraries and restaurants. Then as a 2-item wheeled carry-on air traveler equivalent, the option to freely utilize the public transport network (trains, buses, ferries, taxis, etc) is fantastic for quickly getting across town, out to the burbs for campgrounds or wild camping, and to avoid riding dangerous road traffic sections. Then the system is compact and lightweight enough for me to carry (backpack-style) deeply into the woods for secluded wild camping (up to 1/4 mile for me), with bike and gear stored inside my tent. Then I have the option of taking everything up inside the nicest hotel, or a walk-up AirBnB, etc. when the points or funds allow. And finally, keeping an eye on weather radar, I can wheel it inside libraries/malls to wait out the nastier rain storms.

On the downside, I forfeit rough off-road with small wheels, gearing and brakes are not suitable for mountainous terrain, and my asphalt pace/efficiency is lower by ~3%. Those are worthy trade-offs..... for me (JMHO/YMMV and all).