Touring - Newbie need help

Ok I just up and decided one day that tourin sounded like fun. So I was all like yeah I'm gona build a great bike etc.. ok I've decided to spare the rambling, point being, whats a good sturdy first timer bike thats not too expensive. Just so I dont go out and blow alot of money on a bike to find that it really isn't my thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have freinds who started the same way you are.
and some of them are in love with bike riding, and a few never will ride agian. bikes come in all price ranges and like people each one is driffrent. you must first ask yourself. how much I plan on riding? how mush I want to spend? what type of riding I will be doing. (maynot be in that order). Until you can answer some of them borrow a friends bike or rent one. see if you like it.
but beware when thebike riding bug bites you, you are hooked.

If by touring, you mean self supported, camping expeditions, then these will do the job:
The cheapest decent touring bike would be from REI.
Next up is Trek 520, but you need to change the gearing down on that one.
The Bruce Gorden BLT is a highly respected model, from a touring specialist, built to compete with the Trek on price.
If you are more into hostel touring with lighter loads, then a lighter wight bike will do, such as http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/aurora02.html


Above this price, you are looking at buying a stock frame (sometimes with optional brazed-on fittings) from a framebuilder, and getting your local lightweight bike shop to assemble some sound components.
If stock frame geometries dont agree with you, then a custom geometry frame, made just for you is the ultimate touring bike.