I'm a fan of Panasonic Lumix compact cameras, they have nice optics (Leica-made) and a big zoom range, it's what currently travels in my tail bag when I go out...
That said, I think I'm going to go DSLR soon, that will be a Nikon, as I have used Nikons since the mid-70's... but there my interest is get back into black and white photography again, not for travel pix.
--sv