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 Keep Mosquitoes Away While Camping
Need to know how to keep mosquitoes away when camping? Read on to discover the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your campsite on your next trip. If there is one thing that can really take the fun out of a camping trip, it is coming under attack from...
Complete Guide: How To Elope In Colorado
If you've been dreaming of a Colorado elopement, we have you covered. With lush forests, turquoise green waters, and the massive rocky mountains, it's no wonder you want to elope in Colorado. Did we mention you can conduct the wedding yourself? Yup, no...
Complete Guide: How To Elope In Mexico
Whether you're dreaming of a beach elopement or imagining a sunset ceremony surrounded by vineyards, Mexico has a little something to offer everyone. It is especially beautiful if you are looking to elope in Mexico. While ditching the large wedding and opting for an...
Complete Guide: Best Mosquito Repellent For Camping
Nothing ruins a camping trip quite as much as being plagued by mosquitoes. They either buzz around your head and keep you awake or cover you in bothersome bites, so finding the best mosquito repellent for camping is vital to avoid constant irritation. A good mosquito...
Complete Guide: Best Mosquito Repellent Devices For Camping
There are lots of wonderful things about camping - but dealing with mosquitoes isn't one of them! If you need some recommendations for the best mosquito repellent device for camping we share those with you below. Swarms of bugs around your campsite can be annoying -...
The Ultimate California Bucket List
California is one of the most varied and most beautiful states in the USA. You will find more than you could imagine here, from pristine beaches and scenic coastal drives to majestic mountain ranges and world-class cosmopolitan cities. Therefore, it's no...