Lens Upgrade for Nikon D3100? - 1

What's a good lens upgrade for a Nikon D3100? Last December, I bought my first DSLR, which was the Nikon D3100.It came with a kit lens, the 18-55mm lens. I got hooked on the portrait side, also, I like taking pictures from afar.

So I was wondering what lens is good for an upgrade? I'm thinking of buying the 18-105mm, or the 55-200mm, but the 55-200mm is somewhat too close for normal pictures of people and stuff like that. Also, I find the 18-200mm really nice but out of the budget range. Is 18-105mm a really nice lens and would it be compatible with my D3100? Thank you.

P.S. I also like traveling around the country, so consider that, as well.

Try not to replicate the range you already have (18-55)

the 18-105 is another kit lens that you get with the $1000+ model cameras.

since you want to do portraits, look at getting a 50mm prime lens, either the f/1.8G or f/1.4G.

Nikon 55-300mm lens is very light weight and handles easily. Even in combination with the camera body you hardly know it's around your neck. Amazon had a great deal on this lens and I opted for it over the 55-200 lens (better reviews). The light weight does make the lens feel "cheap" but it doesn't perform "cheap". I took over 1500 shots using this lens and the results where everything I hoped for. Because of the slow lens speed there are times it wouldn't autofocus. I just turned the autofocus off and manually focused the lens. The pictures came out just great. I think the extra 100 mm is worth the money.