I haven't kept up with all of the models of digital cameras - it's almost a full time job!

My advice would be to get whatever camera well in advance of your trip. This will give you plenty of opportunity to use it and get comfortable with it. You wouldn't want to have to look at the manual all the time as with a brand new camera - and if you hit the wrong buttons you could delete your pictures. Also, you may want an extra battery - you may have options for recharging it on your trip but they might not be as convenient as being at home. Plenty of memory cards too, prices have really fallen with them in the last several months.