You might enjoy a "travel zoom" compact. Here's a comparison test:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/TRAVELZOOM/TRAVELZOOMA.HTM
There are a few compacts that would have higher image quality and a few other advantages, but they do not have a zoom range like the travel compacts, and they are designed with an advanced shooter in mind (but they can be used on auto like a P&S). The recently discontinued Canon S95 should be within your budget.
I'm looknig to get myself a new digital camera for the foresseable future. I'm pretty much a total novice when it comes to camera's so I don't want anything complicated, just a point-and-shoot, which is high quality.
I'm going on a Safari in April, but other than this, most of the pictures I'd be taking will be on holiday of friends and family rather than animals in the distance.
Budget of around £300 ($500ish), any advice would be really helpful!

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