I own a decent enough point and shoot (Fujifilm s5700). I'm a novice and just beginning to step away from Auto mode for the first time.

I'm going travelling soon and want to try and improve my photography skills before I leave. However, I don't have much time and going full Manual seems beyond me at the moment. Can anyone give me some solid tips for using Aperture and Shutter modes to good effect, particularly for shooting outdoors at different times of day? I'm really asking for the basic stuff here. I am able to take fairly decent close up macro shots using low f-stops for depth etc albeit with varying success. But I know little beyond this.

I should add, I own Photoshop and know how to make enhancements quite well. I've been using it to improve my shitty shots to an extent but I want to start improving my actual skills at last