the latest models generally have reasonable image quality and functionality
ignore megapixels anything over 8 megapixels will be fine - too many pixels and low light capability is compromised - perhaps aim for 12mp
much more important is the brightest aperture of the lens as the brighter it is, the more it can be used in low light such as indoors or evenings - an aperture of f/2.0 allows almost 4x as much light in a f/3.9 and thus one should buy an f/2.0 lens if possible
another important lens feature is the zoom range, although perhaps more important still is how wide it can get as on travel snapshots, wide is generally used far more often than telephoto. If you can get a lens that is wider than 28mm (in 35mm camera equivalence), then all the better.
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GPS can be useful for travel photography
predictive capture or “Pro-Capture” mode can automatically record a burst of images PRIOR to shutter release if the shutter is half-pressed first - this gives you a better chance of capturing the perfect timed action shot
4K video
timelapse
high frame rate video for slo-mo video
field sensors can add to the experience - record air temperature, camera direction, barometer as well as GPS tracking
WiFi smartphone connectivity can be very nice to have for travel when you are not likely to have a laptop handy, although most smartphones allow SD memory cards to be directly attached and the photos transferred without WiFi.
WiFi smartphone apps can sometimes be used to control the camera which can be handy