Next Step Camera - HELP!

Hello

I'm looking for a new camera as I've recently started doing more travelling and my ratio of 50/700 pictures taken that are usable isn't too good!

I've got a pentax W60 waterproof camera but want to buy a new one - it needs to be small, reasonably robust (I'm really clumsy!) and easy to use ,although I am going on a course to help me use it, with a good battery life and quite light .

I want to be able to (excuse the phrase) whip it out and take pictures quickly and effortlessly but be able to do a bit more if I have time.

I don't want to spend much more than £300 and the Nikon Coolpix P510 or Canon Powershot G12 have been suggested - I haven't got a clue it's really freaking me out with all the details and specifications - I just want a good camera that won't go wrong and will take good pictures!

Can anyone help me the reviews are just so confusing

Thank you