If a trip to Philadelphia is on your mind, chances are a visit to the Liberty Bell is on your list. The Liberty Bell is actually part of an amazing complex that includes Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and an open air exhibit on the history of slavery. It's a must-stop activity that every visitor should do at least once... provided you have the mettle to brave the crowds. And the lines. And then more lines! So if you're waiting around for the lines to dissipate or looking to experience a less hectic history experience, I have just the thing - about 200 meters around the corner. 

Sequestered at the corner of Trinity College and College for my final days in Dublin, I planned on doing a lot of writing and a lot of neighbourhood exploration. This tourism mecca, home of the famous Molly Malone statue, would surely be the perfect location for another 200 meter challenge.

When you travel to Dublin it seems that all paths lead to Trinity. While O’Connell Street is the most significant street, it seems like every bus I take, every path I walk, every sign I follow leads me to this bustling corner in the city center. I’m certainly not alone.

​Hundreds of thousands tourists converge on this part of Ireland every year, eager to see the fabled Book of Kells, Molly Malone, and many other nearby attractions. Surely, amid this well-trodden tourism path there would be a little nook or cranny worthy of the 200 meter challenge. Confident in success of my task, I eagerly took on the challenge the next day, vowing to leave no pub or park unturned until I found my prize. 

Nothing says “London” to me quite like Trafalgar Square. As a student studying in the UK, I had plenty of occasions to be there, visiting the National Gallery (which I absolutely love) and the National Portrait Gallery (which I appreciate but truthfully find a little creepy). The fountains and statues of the square, along with the interesting ‘characters’ – both locals and visitors alike – all contribute to its vibrant energy. I could easily pass a day here, popping in an out of the galleries and sitting by the water, watching the world go by. If you're looking for London's best hidden attractions, start at Trafalgar Square. 

Inspired by our past success with the $200 Challenge, I was eager to take on a new travel trial. For those new to the concept, the $200 Challenge was built on a simple premise: can two people travel for two days on just $200? The answer was a resounding yes! We've had two very successful trips, in Vermont and in Algonquin Park, and even more planned for the future. It’s been so exciting to prove that wonderful, enriching, luxurious travel can be achieved on a shoestring budget. Chalk one up to great value!

Taking On A New Challenge 

But there’s more to great travel value than money and I am just as passionate about getting the best possible value for my time. I want to enjoy every experience, I never want a to waste a minute (I’m looking at you, long lines!) and I want to squeeze a lot of enjoyment out of a short trip, while never feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or missing out. I want to see beyond the most popular attractions and step a few feet off the beaten path.