What brands and what stores do you recommend for a digital camera? What qualities would I want it to have?

You can't go wrong with Nikon. Great quality, cool-looking, solid features. The Coolpix series are light and easy to hold, important when you are traveling. The features I usually look for are # of pixels (5.0 and above), speed (camera should be ready to take pictures when you turn it on--some digital cameras lag), and video feature with sound. Speed is also important between shots--you don't want to have to stand there and wait for the flash to recharge if you want to take two pictures in quick succession.

Definitely do some comparison shopping online, and find a deal with free shipping and no taxes (if the store is not located in your state). Have fun!

I have a sony have had it for 3 yrs, and I love it, use it all the time, and get great pics with it, its also very user friendly. But everyone is going to put their opinion on here, so look them up, maybe at pc world, or do a search on them, has to have the features you want on it, in your price range. Good Luck

check out digital photography review http://www.dpreview.com/

Canon/Best Buy