Just adding to the above comments.
Off the beaten track is just a term for somewhere that not many tourists visit. There can be a number of reasons why somewhere is off the beaten track. It may be expensive/difficult to get there, there may be complications e.g. permits needed or there may just not be a whole lot there for tourists hence why it is not visited. Getting a bus to a random place seems a little risky. How do you know you are not going to end up somewhere with nothing to see and do and with suitable infrastructure to find a hotel? Believe me there are not too many places left that at least a few tourists have not visited, so just have a read about the countries you are interested in going to see, see what places appeal and leave yourself lots of flexibility for if someone on the ground does suggest some awesome place that is not in any of the guidebooks. At the same time there is a reason why a lot of places are on the beaten track and that is because they are very good!
Interacting with locals is very culture specific. In some countries you will be approached by friendly locals that want to talk to you. Other countries are a little more shy/conservative. Generally just be friendly, respectful and show an interest in what they want to talk about and you will be fine. Treat them how you would want to be treated (e.g. don't run up to them, shove a camera in their face and try to talk to them if they are obviously busy). Learning just a few phrases in the local language (e.g. hello, thankyou, please, my name is etc) can earn you big points with the locals however bad your pronounciation.
Nature depends on the place. Some places you can just walk round. Other places may require a permit to get in and guide.
Safety is not as simple as country a is safe, country b is dangerous. Government websites are not always the best, however your travel insurance may be void if you travel to these areas so you need to check that. It also depends on your views. For instance there are a lot of bombings in Pakistan recently, however these are to do with the political situation and not aimed at tourists. While it is unlikely you would be in danger, there is an increased risk that you could be. There has also been a recent kidnapping in Pakistan, however, it was in the countryside, where there is more risk of that kind of thing. Personally I wouldn't take the risk, but I certainly could understand someone going and I'm sure 99% of people have no trouble while there. Other places may have safe areas and dangerous areas (e.g. Sudan is ok to travel in but some areas such as Darfur should be avoided). Although I would agree Iran is 100% safe the don't travel there is just politics.
