Be heard!

Budget Travel magazine has made a name for itself in the travel industry, not only by presenting great ideas on how to travel well on a budget, but because it listens to its readers.

For its 10th anniversary issue in May 2008, it was filled with readers contributions (including photography of New York City by yours truly to accompany the article "50 Reasons You Love New York City"); and the magazine has long had regular features where readers directly contribute.

If that's not enough, their website features a comprehensive section called "My Budget Travel" where you can share your pictures and travel reviews, a la sites such as IgoUgo.com and Yelp.

So for their October 2010 issue, Budget Travel is featuring a Readers Choice poll. Head over to their website to contribute your thoughts; topics will change over the next few months (current topic is "Best food city in America"). My choice? Chicago, of course.