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
Buying Guide: Best Tents For Beach Camping
Are you searching for the best tents for beach camping? Camping on the beach may be one of life's greatest pleasures! Falling asleep under the stars to the sound of lapping waves and then waking to a beautiful sunrise brings you close to nature in the very best way....
Is Santorini Worth It?
Known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, Santorini is a destination on everybody’s bucket list. But, is Santorini worth it, and should you include it in your trip to Greece? Before we answer this question, let's start with some basics. Santorini is part...
Is Milan Worth Visiting?
Known as one of the most fashionable cities in the world, Milan probably isn’t the first city you think of when planning a trip to Italy. So is Milan worth visiting? Milan is famous for its fashion. However, it is more than just the home of Italy’s most famous...
Is Malta Worth Visiting?
Although this Mediterranean island is small in size, Malta is a breathtaking destination known for its warm climate, remarkable landscapes, and gorgeous blue waters. But, is Malta worth visiting, and should you include it in your trip? Apart from its stunning...
Is Athens Worth Visiting?
Most known for its ancient history, Greece is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Its capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities globally with origins dating back to 3,000 BC. But if you are eager to visit the islands, you may ask,...
Is Crete Worth Visiting?
Known as the largest and most populous island in Greece, Crete is known for its traditions, ancient history, stunning views, and amazing cuisine. But if you are short on time, is Crete worth it, and should you include it in your Greek itinerary? So why visit Crete? If...