My recommendation would be the cheapest digital camera you can get - almost equivalent to a disposable.

I've loved my Canon A300 / A310. Fixed lens, though no zoom. Works on AA batteries. Durable.

That said, where do you plan on touring and what kind of pictures do you expect to take?

Canon definitely comes out on top for build quality and picture quality. Their DIGIC processor does an excellent job interpreting data from the sensor.

I guess you should make a list - do you want:

{} Proprietary Batteries or AA
{} Waterproof
{} Zoom lens (how far)
{} High MP (price goes up)
{} Video function

Also, its important to keep in mind that the number one thing that will fail on a Point and Shoot will be the lens - most lenses that move tend to have some sort of failure in the motors, get stuck, or get broken.

Even with a waterproof (there are also some 'resistant' ones) camera you will still need a case to protect it from drops and impact.

Definitely go with Garandman on this one. Use Digital Photo Review as they are thorough and excellent.

You will definitely get more bang for your buck on used camera's, and anything over 4 MegaPixels will take decent shots - don't buy into the megapixel myth.