From my earliest touring days I have been drawn more and more to gravel and fire roads for the beautiful scenery they traverse and the usual lack of vehicular traffic. When I ride on pavement I look for the more remote routes if possible. Overall I find this approach more mentally relaxing when I can concentrate on the scenery, photography or nothing rather than vehicles.
I long ago changed from a classical touring bike to a bike suited to any road or non-road. My equipment load is much lighter yet more effective and easier to push uphill on the unrideable portions of a gravel or single track routes.
Adventure Cycling calls this bikepacking I understand. An apt term for bicycle backpacking.