I'm all for the pop ups, especially for those starting out. It gives you a sense of true camping and having some comforts. It allows you to do it without breaking the bank as well. If you are lookign at new pop ups, don't look at the larger ones. Some of them are pretty heavy nowadays (accoridng to pop up standards). Spend the least amount on one (but get a decent one) you can and save the rest of the money for the trip. I would recommend looking around for a very well taken care of used one. If you decide you don't like it and want to sell it, it will have a good resell value. Depending on location, they can be difficult to find.
The good thing about a pop up on a trip like yours is the ease of towing and it's simplicity. Less time having to spend on something that stops working. I imagine you probably plan on using bath houses. Make sure you do get one with A/C.
