WRT the 70-300 AFP: Up until recently I had the not-so-nice 55-300DX lens, and my wife the 70-300 AFS-VR, which was vastly superior (DX cameras for both). After reaching maximum frustration with the 55-300's execrable AF performance, I sprung for the new 70-300AFP in the FX version (I like switches). It was not surprise that it was vastly better, but it was "more better" than I'd expected. So then I raced it against the older VR lens, which is reasonably sharp and fast focusing, and it beat it hands down. The AFP is measurably sharper, especially at the long end, and on average it focuses about twice as fast.
You may not need that and the FTZ for the planned trip, but if you're looking for a bargain tele zoom, it's worth thinking about.