"touring bikes" should have fittings for fenders and racks and multiple water bottles, geometry that allows for stable handling when loaded and that allows heel clearance with rear panniers, clearance for relatively wide tires, etc. Brakes should be suitable for loads. Gearing should be appropriate for varied terrain - triples are common. Should be set up so that the tourist is able to ride comfortably all day. "Touring" is a descriptive term for bikes that has been around for decades. The label "road bike" has come into use only relatively recently and is somewhat ill-defined. A touring bike would be quite different than a road-racing bike but a road bike isn't necessarily a racing bike. Confusing, isn't it? A classic touring bike would look quite unlike a mountain bike - but some folks tour on mountain bikes - or even hybrids. How about a recumbent touring bike? Makes sense to me.