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@Mr_Bump
Tips:
Work out what your max load is going to be including you, that way you can figure out properly the tyre sizes you want with regard to comfort over speed and the perfect pressures :o) check out http://janheine.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/science-and-bicycles-1-tires-and-pressure/
You don't need a frame with braze ons because a fair few racks these days will fit to none eyeletted frames and be perfectly steady, front panniers especially easy to get that attach to the fork legs. rear panniers can be attached via p-clips which I've done with very heavy loads for years.
I've used my commuter bike for touring (spesh globe pro) ally frame with CF wishbone/forks/seatpost/bars, which whilst not that easy to get hold of in that spec you can find bigger frames to suit easier (or make them suit even if a tad small) than steel touring frames. Also larger tyres are a cinch, I can get 42mm on mine with guards.
So unless steel is a specific requirement have a think about some of the better specced racing hybrids (Sirrus/Trek etc)
I happen to have a globe expert in a large for sale ;)
Gearing; I managed to do 3 cols in the Alps over 44 miles and 4.5 hrs cycling with a 26-25 low which was a bit daft tbh as I'm not a small fella and some medical issues (bordering on insane if you ask me now)
So make sure you have enough low down gears to get you up the steepest thing you think with your load, then add a couple more just in case.
A touring triple chainset maybe like a Sugino XD-2 @£35 from Spa cycles http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b17s109p2000&i=2284 (toyko fixed are £104 for effectively the same thing!!)
I've built up a 531ST frame last year to tour around with, it's running 50/36/26 but a 48 would be more than enough plus whatever you think you'll need sprocket wise.
A 105 long cage will handle a 26f/27r no problem though obviously straying into big big will cause issues. 28.6mm triple front derailleurs are still available for steel frames.
Stuff you'll know about but a gentle reminder...Make sure you have decent tools that don't weigh a ton, a pump you know will get the tyres you intend to use up to a reasonable pressure. Nothing worse than limping the rest of the day on 40 or 50 psi rear with a heavy load! Spare parts, so two tubes/repair kit, couple of cables, removable chain link plus other bits and bobs you can think of.
Depending on where you're going you might want to think where the nearest place could be to get fixed up should the worst occur so try to have a get out plan if things go tits up mechanically.
Have a look on the CTC forums, any specific questions regarding touring they'll know.
We're not all beardy sandal types...lol