February's theme of 'budget' proved to be quite controversial. Many shots we received were of people and their lives in poor countries and there was much debate among the travel team as to whether it was correct to term their existence budget. Budget for Western travellers yes, but perhaps not for locals.

Let us know what you think.

In the meantime, David Meredith's shot of the Grand Hotel in Scarborough was chosen by our independent judge Natalie Mayer as the winner. Her sporting and travel photography experience is immense, encompassing everyone from ID magazine to Adidas.

She said: "I choose this one as my winner because I think it makes a very interesting contrast to all the other 'budget' images taken in poorer countries. How well off is Britiain, if a hotel looking like this, and costing probably a years wages in some parts of the world, can be considered budget!
I also think it is technically proficient and the photographer has taken real care with the white balance and exposure. Perhaps a little more attention could have been taken to enhance the symmetry of the hotel - unless it was the photographers intention to have it slightly off balance like this. Either way, I think this is a very eye catching image."

Congratulations to David who bags himself a blown-up canvas print of his winning image, courtesy of Point 101. Take a look around our gallery of this month's shortlisted entries.

Photo of the month hall of fame: see previous winners

Entering the photo of the month competition

March's theme is road trips. Sometimes there's only one thing to do when the credit crunches - and that's hit the road. From epic journeys across the USA, to a little meander through the English countryside a la bridget Jones, there's nothing quite like the open road to capture the true spirit of travel. But can you capture it on camera? Perhaps your travelling companions personify the journey for you. Or maybe the scenery is enough to sum it up. Then again, it could all just end in a bust-up engine.

To be in with a chance of winning take a look at our guidelines, then forward your snaps to been.there.photos@guardian.co.uk.

You don't have to be an expert to enter the competition - all travel photos are accepted as long as they're at least 435 pixels wide (for landscape shots) or 455 pixels high (for portrait format). A shortlist of the Been there team's favourite entries will be published as a gallery each month on the travel site.