I am a novice with digital camera's and usually only take family photographs, I am going abroad in Sept and would like to take some good scenery pictures and would appreciate any pointers
It sounds like a decent enough camera for the price, but at the end of the day it's not the camera that makes a good photograph - it's the photographer!
__________________ "I might join your century, but only as a doubtful guest"
The Lumix is a good point and shoot camera - and you're going to have a lot of fun with it.
Learning? Check Photography related sites and their forums - you'll find answers to basically any question you might have.