Have you considered a gorilla podhttp://joby.com/gorillapod/slrzoom/?


I have have one and it goes everywhere with me...


On a recent holiday to Spain I took my gorilla pod and tripod and the tripoddidn'tget used once but the gorilla pod got used loads; long exposures; different angles (hanging from a tree!) and the holiday groups shots where with a remote release means you can be in the shot and not rely on other people to mess the shot up for you; also it has a different feel in public to a tripod, like inside places like churches where a tripod is bit frowned upon but a gorilla pod perched on the pew in front is a thing of curiosity...


Might be a bit of left field suggestion but if you're travelling (or just generally) I heartily recommend it, one of the best "camera" related purchases I have made


(I have no affiliation to joby!)