"Direct" is also the way I plan most long-distance x-country flights. Draw a straight line and then "rubber band" your track around those places where you don't want to be. CTRs are not a problem per se, but I do try to avoid the ILS areas - this almost invariably means a crossing more or less perpendicular to the runway. Also avoid ATZ at less than 1500' AGL and if practical, I try to rubber band in a few navaids or very obvious VRPs for easier navigation.