I've got a squire strat.... it's travelled the world with me, and is always with me when I'm away from home. OK, it may not be the greatest guitar in the world, but it does the job nicely.

I recommend squire strats to all my students and anyone that asks about a first guitar - the standard range is exceptional for the money, even in the UK where they cost about twice as much! Mine has seen so much action it's started to look like a Rory Gallagher custom shop strat! :D