Need help choosing a lens

[saffron]

I'm new to the forum (hi everyone!), and I'm also a bit of a photo novice. I have a Minolta Maxxum 5 - which is an ok camera for me - but the stock Minolta zoom lens it came with is kind of crap. I want to buy a versitile zoom, but I need help selecting one. I'm going on a trip to Europe next month, and I want a lens that I can use all day so I don't have to lug around a spare. I only want to spend up to $200, but I don't mind buying used for higher quality and lower price.
I used to have a Minolta Maxxum 7000, but I bought it used and it got old and stopped working. That camera took significantly better photos than my new one. It has a 50mm Minolta AF lens that thankfully works on my new body. So I guess I'm looking for something that's comparable to the quality of the old lens, but zoomy.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Saffron

 

[joseph]

Not sure what type of mount your camera takes, I use the Tamron 24-135, a great walking around lens, $330 new. The Tokina 24-200 is a bit heavy but also a great walking around lens I think its around $200 new. I used both lens with satisfactory results.

 

[jack]

im not familar with your camera system
but if you want to use that zoom 'all day' (handheld)
try and get one that has F3.5 as its widest aperture.