Help choosing bike for road trip

Just because you start with ‘no judgement’ doesn’t make your post magically non judgemental ;).

To OP: I would take the gravel bike. It’s just more versatile. If you want to run errands for example, it’s just easier. Plus I think it’s easier to explore your extended neighbourhood of the places you will go.

Have fun. Sounds like you have an awesome adventure ahead of you!