Lisa Langell from Arizona does photo shoots/classes all over the US with small groups. For example she holds a hummingbird shoot two times a year in Southern Arizona, while also doing a bear adventure shoot/class in Alaska. Not knowing your budget or location I thought I would mention this in case this would be of interest. These are geared more toward wildlife and outdoor photography, as learning and hands on adventures.
My wife who is not photo savvy at all has the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 - and absolutely loves it. It is rugged - water and dust resistant. It is simple to operate and she gets about 200 photos per battery charge. The Big Box membership store recently had these in yellow and blue. For under $200.
I just returned from Alaska doing both land tours and a cruise. I carried my Canon T5i and both a 18 - 250 and 100 - 400 Sigma lens. Also I carried a lightweight monopod. I was glad I had all of these items. We took a side trip whale watching and also one for eagles while in port and really needed to monopod to help with steadying those shots of the whales.
In Ketchikan we found an awesome private tour that took us out to where 100’s of eagles fly which got me some of the best and closest shots I could ever hope for. No matter what you carry - Alaska’s scenery is awesome most everywhere you go. Good luck.