I've had no experience with web building/maintaining/hosting. I would like something simple so I can spend the majority of my time learning/seeing/taking pictures to share with others.

There are a number of easy services to give you what you want. Blogger is pretty good on getting you where you want but depending on the number of pics you may want to use something like flickr or http://multiply.com/.

Take a look and have fun on your trip.

A blog would be perfect. It's easy and free.

It's easy. Try using a source such as Yahoo 360, or Bravenet. These websites offfer many free ways to express your ideas. They are also very user friendly.