We have travel Vietnam Airlines several times on business and holiday trips, both international and domestic within Vietnam. Their fleet is 50% new aircrafts, far superior to the major Australian airlines we had used before. They are punctual, professional, serve three different choice of meals, offer decent snacks and drinks, & have a multicultural selection of movies. Seats were comfortable enough for economy class. V.A. is good value for money. Once I had to travel earlier on another airline to the same destination as the rest of my family and their V.A. tickets were almost $1,000 cheaper than mine. The business lounge in Hanoi is smallish but has all the facilities you expect. One of our connecting flights was cancelled due to a late arrival of another plane and the check-in staff were very understanding and fair. They gave us money back, a meal voucher plus arranged a cheaper flight for later the same day. We were very impressed with the customer service, will use them again and highly recommend them.

Approximate cost: $1,100 return Sydney- Ho Chi Minh City during October school holidays

The magnificent views from the hotel room (day and night) were the highlight of our stay. Everything looked impeccable, the furniture was posh and the bed super-comfortable. The reception service was good and the location great. We could just walk nearby as there were plenty of sights to enjoy. Yes, the room was pricey but the view was priceless.

We have used Harvey World Travel in other suburbs and they're generally fine. But Jannali branch took their time getting back to us with quotes for a two-week tour in Asia; so we shopped around for quotes elsewhere. When they finally contacted us, the difference was over $2,000 with our own online elsewhere and several hundred dollars difference with other travel agents in the city. Their manner was angry when we told them of our alternative quotes. I really don't know how they're still in business.

This "service" has deteriorated from the fantastic business it was two decades ago. The "rewards" have lost value dramatically long before the GFC. They have time limits and restrictions everywhere, so if you don't use them or claim you lose the points. Yet, we can never get the flight itineraries or dates we want when we try to claim. We cannot get seats together on the same flight! My daughter wanted all her points redeemed into gift cards and could only do $30 worth of gift voucher every quarter! My sister wanted to give me all her points but was not allowed to do so as points have to be transferred in multiples of 5,000. So she lost her points for not travelling with them again. What a scam the Qantas frequent flyer Program is. We now avoid Qantas when we can.

I flew Cathay Pacific with my family to Hong Kong and it was a fine experience. The departure times were civilised, food was balanced and good quality, there was plenty of entertainment choices (movies for children and adults) and staff were very professional. Would use them again anytime.

Really, we get what we pay for. Their bargains are often not worth it. We're satisfied with the paints and wood and staff friendliness, but generally disappointed with the limited range of brands and quality of most items such as garden tools, bathroom fittings, Christmas lights, furniture, nursery plants, electric fans, etc. We only go back to Bunnings because there aren't many alternatives for DIY in Sydney. We keep returning products because they just are not of acceptable quality and fail during installation. I long for healthy competition from some other business. Monopoly can't be good.

The Jannali Centre of SGSCC is a great place to learn and brush up on all sorts of life skills. I attended a "transition to high school" seminar with my child where parents and children learned tips on how to adapt to the changes and how to manage time and homework efficiently. Staff were talented and entertaining and we were fed and advised for about 2 hours (all for $5 !). Their regular newsletter tells us about cooking lessons, fitness classes , vacations camps, language courses and many more, run day and evenings. Location is central and there was plenty of parking. Cannot ask for more, really.

We've been buying from this gourmet place for years because their salads, pastas and pies are so exotic and impressive. As we don't have all that much imagination for cooking, we love trying Relish's different combinations to supplement our home-made meals. They're a bit pricey but worth every cent.

A great little place for breakfast on the go, indoors or outdoors. I enjoyed the hearty vegetarian gourmet sandwich and Chai latte. Everything was fresh and the service was fast. The cafe is quiet despite being alongside crowds passing by in the morning. There was soft background music and I could still work on my laptop. Lots of little tables, so perhaps not appropriate for a work meeting but great for couples and solo customers.

Approximate cost: $11.60 for sandwich and latte

We loved the mixed entree, king prawn spring rolls and the chicken Pad See Ew. All so fresh and tasty. Real Thai flavours. The staff were prompt and friendly. It was just a little cosy and had traffic noise (like any place on Norton St) but I'd recommend it as great value for a quick bite.

Approximate cost: $28 for two entrees and one main course