I just returned from a week in Mexico and was glad I did not bring my tripod. We used boats and buses to travel to several small towns, so had only carry on luggage. Keep it light!
My kit: 7D, 17-55, 70-200, 400mm and a G10 + mini-Gitzo tripod
I knew I would be doing some birding, hence the 400mm
Since it is a vacation, I don't want to drive my GF crazy, waiting for me to set up / break down a tripod. Yet, I would NEVER leave my DSLR behind when traveling.
