A steel framed touring bike is the most comfortable selection for long journeys carrying your own luggage. The British made Dawes touring bike is renowned for its reliability and Schwalbe Marathon tyres are puncture resistant and highly recommended. Waterproof pannier bags are essential and Ortlieb guarantee their products to be fully waterproof and they have never failed to my knowledge. A waterproof Ortlieb handlebar bag with fitted map case can be unclipped easily and doubles up as a 'valuables' bag when leaving the bike unattended. A good lock is essential and cages for two one-litre water bottles should be fitted. Lights are essential.
Cycling clothing is very much an individual's choice but, from experience, the touring cyclist is more comfortable with gear that is primarily functional and relatively modest in design. A cycling helmet is recommended and essential in some countries. Touring is far more than just cycling and appropriate wear for accessing travel terminals, shops, homes, cafe bars, places of interest, places of prayer etc (en route) is important. Being clearly visible on the road is essential and high visibility straps or vest an be easily slipped on and off as necessary and are essential wear at night time. 9 to 10kgs is about right for fully laden panniers and bar bag. Take only what you will definitely need and use most days.
A full set of tools and spares is absolutely essential and the cyclist should be practised in dismantling and reassembling bikes when travelling by air. Cardboard bike boxes can usually be obtained free of charge from bike shops (following receipt of new bikes into the shop) and boxes can be disposed of after arriving at the start point. Obtaining packaging to protect a bike on a return flight is inevitably going to be more complicated. Airlines have different standards of protection requirements for bikes (sports equipment) which must be considered in advance.
Bike computers incorporating GPS provide the means of planning stages in advance and give the cyclist complete confidence in following the road ahead. It allows freedom to enjoy the ride without constantly checking your position on the map. Finding places of accommodation become straightforward and navigating off the main highway is always an option. Garmin manufacture bike computers and free worldwide Garmin maps are available from OpenStreetMap. Portable chargers are compact and a back up for bike computers and mobile phone devices. Even with a GPS device a map is helpful in providing an overview and is always available if all else fails!