I am buying a Nikon 5200.  Should I purchase a pkg with the Nikon 18-55 VR and the 55-300 ED VR or buy the body and a Tamron 18-270 Di ll VC PZD?  The two options are within $100 of each other.

It's your choice and your preference may vary, but personally the 18~55 is a decent lens that is small and light and that is the lens I'd have as mu daily lens. I'd take the longer lens when I needed it rather than all the time. I would not want to carry a big lens with me all the time.