A good approach is to borrow or rent a camera for the class first, then buy afterward. Early on, you may not yet know which features matter most to you, and a class is a great chance to learn that and try other students’ cameras.

If you do decide to buy, prioritize a camera that gives you manual control and lets you change lenses, since that will support learning exposure and technique better than a basic bridge camera. Interchangeable-lens cameras also give you room to grow as your interests develop.

For your budget and travel goals, look for an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera with a kit lens. That will usually balance portability, image quality, and ease of use. Older beginner DSLR models were specifically suggested in the answers as good examples of the kind of camera to consider.

In short: if possible, wait until after the class to buy. If not, choose a small interchangeable-lens camera with full manual controls rather than a fixed-lens bridge camera.