I can't provide an expert opinion but my advice would be to only go for a DSLR if you know, or are prepared to learn, a bit about photography. Otherwise you won't get the best out of it and might even find that your pictures are worse than you were getting from a decent compact camera! The other thing with a DSLR is that to be able to take a full range of photos you'll probably need more than one lens so that has to be factored into the costs. A bridge is obviously the interim choice but if you think you might get into photography "properly" then you might find it restrictive compared to a DSLR.
I speak from the experience of someone who thought she'd like to take better pictures, got a DSLR and couldn't cope with it so ended up back with a trusty compact Panasonic TZ8
I did get a bridge camera when I went to Ethiopia and I found that fantastic for the purpose but I got rid of it when I came home as it didn't suit me for everyday use.
Whatever you buy, I'd suggest you keep a little compact because there will be times when it isn't practical to take a bigger camera with you or won't have the right lens. A compact is great for the spontaneous snaps or for slipping in a pocket when you're out and about.
A good website for reviews of DSLRs and bridge cameras is dpreview.com.