About Melissa
Hello, I’m Mel!
I’m a Canadian travel blogger who has been traveling and living abroad since 2014.
Learn more about my story below.
Life before blogging
I’m originally from Quebec, Canada. Back in the days, I used to be a social worker. I used to travel once a year for about a month and I was always spending my summers in Europe since I was 20 years old.
In June 2014, I started my journey around the world at the age of 25.
Life on the road
I first started my journey in the Canadian Rockies, where I hitch-hiked my way around. Then, I moved to Australia for two years. I started A Broken Backpack in July 2015. Back then, I was working on a farm in Australia and needed something to stay entertained. Quickly, A Broken Backpack became popular.
After Australia, I decided to go on a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia. Later, I moved to the UK for less than a year.
In October 2017, I decided to move to Southeast Asia. Bali became my home for about one and a half years.
In 2019, I was based mostly in Thailand.
In 2020, I moved to Bulgaria.
In 2022, I moved to Thailand, and it became my main base.
Of course, I do plan occasional trips in and out, but since I’m running an online business and a few successful blogs, I prefer slow travel.
This brings me to you
A Broken Backpack offers excellent travel tips to help you stay on the road longer. I left Canada with less than CAD 2,000 in my name (and many student debts).
I’m living proof that you don’t need tons of savings to make your travel dreams come true.
I learned how to travel on the very cheap, volunteered when I needed to, and created an online business to support myself abroad. I share all these tips here on A Broken Backpack.
I’m now in my thirties, and my travel style has evolved. I’m not all about budget travel anymore, and I now travel with my husband (we met in Thailand).
So, A Broken Backpack is not just a budget travel blog anymore. You’ll find all the travel tips needed to plan your dream trip no matter your travel style, budget, or interest.
Pick Your Travel Style
Living Abroad
Backpacking
Camping
Hiking
Digital Nomadism
Volunteering
Read my latest blog posts
How To Travel As A Student
Most students look forward to college as a new adventure. Aside from gaining freedom, they also get the chance to travel. Traveling is an excellent way to release the stress that students feel because of their studies. It also gives them the opportunity to...
Complete Guide: How To Elope In Costa Rica
Are you dreaming of eloping in a tropical paradise? If you and your honey decide to elope in Costa Rica, it might just be the perfect destination for that kind of environment. Costa Rica can bring your picture-perfect elopement to life with luxurious beaches, lush...
Revealed: The Best Beach Destinations In France
The French coast extends for more than 621 mi (1000 km) and is incredibly varied. The best beach towns in France offer visitors everything from picturesque ports and glitzy resorts to tranquil beaches and surfing spots. There is nothing better than spending time...
Revealed: The Best Portugal Beach Towns
One of the most wonderful things about Portugal is that you don't have to choose between visiting its best towns and its best beaches. That's because the majority of the country's most popular towns are actually also the best beach towns in Portugal! The scenic...
The Ultimate France Bucket List
Need some ideas to add to your France bucket list? When most people think of France, they envision Paris and its iconic landmarks and charming ambiance. However, while the famous sights in the capital city are a worthy reason for a trip to France, the country offers...
The Ultimate Ireland Bucket List
Writing down your Ireland bucket list? When you think of European countries, Ireland is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious and intriguing. It is famed for its beautiful countryside scenery, rugged cliffside vistas, rich culture of music, food and beer, folklore...