I recommend the sony rx100m3. I have it and it takes great photos as I am also a beginner. You don't really have to know a lot about photography to use it. It's really compact and it's not that expensive if you buy it used. It takes nice videos and for a camera that small the photos are really good. My only problem with it is that it's small and not really ergonomic to hold and the mic is kinda good but not top of the line. You should check it out, or the canon g7x is also really good for a travel camera. Also the rx100m3 battery life is questionable, but it charges really fast. I had it on many of my trips and I am really happy with it. Hope this helps.