Regardless of the kind of vacation a person has planned, one thing is constant: Nearly everyone wants to shoot photos while on vacation.

However if you're rock climbing in Wyoming, you may want a different type of camera than if you're sightseeing in Washington, D.C. If you have a few different cameras available for your next vacation, consider these tips for finding the perfect camera for your specific type of vacation.

• Hiking. Your choice will depend on how much equipment you want to carry. A small, point-and-shoot camera that will fit in a pocket might be perfect for your hiking vacation. "Tough" cameras are good for hiking, too, and there are some thin models available with large zoom lenses that would fit in a pocket. With a bigger camera, secure it in a backpack or a sturdy camera bag. Although you could wear a neck strap with your larger camera, it might bounce around a lot as your hiking, which would be uncomfortable.
• Outdoor adventure. Whether you're zip-lining or rock-climbing, you probably aren't going to want to lug a DSLR camera and its interchangeable lenses with you. Consider a camera that's easy to operate one-handed, if you're planning to shoot photos while involved in an activity. A "tough" camera that can survive a slight fall might be a good idea as well, if you're a little clumsy.
• Sightseeing. This type of vacation usually involves a lot of walking and riding -- pretty safe environments for cameras. You should be able to use a high-end, large zoom camera, because you can carry it comfortably in a camera bag. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it to keep thieves at bay. Additionally, select a camera with a long battery life or keep a second battery available, as sightseeing trips often take all day, preventing you from recharging the battery at your hotel room as needed.

• Swimming and water parks. Water and cameras don't mix -- unless you have a purchased waterproof camera -- so you might not want to expose expensive camera equipment on this type of vacation. If you want to bring an expensive camera to a water park or the lake, purchase a waterproof camera bag and use a sealable plastic bag to further protect the camera when it’s not in use.
• Theme parks. You may want to carry a small camera in your pocket at a theme park, just to make it easier for you to participate in the rides. Larger cameras can be a hassle at theme parks, as you'll often have to leave it behind -- either in a locker or with the ride operator -- when you're on a ride. However, if you don't mind the hassle, having a versatile lens with a DSLR camera can be advantageous at a theme park, where you’ll shoot a variety of close-up and photos over a distance.
• Underwater diving. If you plan to shoot underwater photos, you could try a point-and-shoot camera that's waterproof. However, such cameras tend to greatly limit the water depth and length of time in which they can be used. If you want more versatility, spend a little more on a DSLR camera that can be encased in a specific underwater housing unit, which should provide very good underwater protection for your camera.