I'm in the same boat. I'm going to Machu Picchu this summer and only taking one lens. I already own the 28-300 and really like it, but I do worry about the lack of a wider view. In my other travels, it hasn't really affected me, but it does nag at me a little. I think right now it's that you don't miss what you don't have.
I'm going to a Tamron-sponsored photo class in a couple of weeks. I've asked the camera store to make sure the Tamron rep has Pentax gear along with the boxes of Canon and Nikon gear they're sure to have. I specifically asked for the 18-250. I may get a wild hair and buy it then.
I've really been happy with my 28-300, though. I think the shots rival the ones I've taken with my DA50-200, except I have more reach. Mine's an older version that's full frame, so maybe I'm experiencing the digital "sweet spot" on this lens. However, except for a little softness at 300mm when viewed at 100% resolution, i.e. pixel peeping. When printed at 8x10 or viewed full screen, you can't see the softness.
Another factor is that I found my 28-300 new for $140. There's something about a bargain lens that makes me like it even more. The 18-250 will have to go some to beat it in my book, but from the Pop Photo review, it looks like a nice super zoom. We'll see, hopefully.
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