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 Many Days In Split Is Enough?
How many days in Split do you need if you are visiting for the first time and want to see the very best the city has to offer? Located on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast - and the second-largest city in the country - Split has a rich cultural heritage and one of the...
How Many Days In Dubrovnik Is Enough?
If you are planning your very first visit to the city you may be wondering how many days in Dubrovnik you will need to see its major sights and attractions. When you visit the beautiful city of Dubrovnik you will quickly see why it is often referred to as the 'Pearl...
How Many Days In Stockholm Is Enough?
If you are planning your very first visit to Sweden's capital, then you may be wondering how many days in Stockholm you will need to get a real feel for the city and see the best of its attractions. Stockholm is one of those unique places that allows you to enjoy the...
Complete Guide: Caving In Peak District
Whether you're seeking adventure in the Peak District or just looking for some caves to see on your hikes, we're here to share the best spots for caving in Peak District. You may know the Peak District in the UK to be a tranquil hiking destination, but did you...
6 Best Spots For Hiking Sintra
If you plan on hiking Sintra, most of the best hiking trails in Sintra are short and easy routes passing by the ancient monuments with scenic mountainscape in the background. However, read to the end as we've included a unique and special trek that we highly...
How Many Days In Oslo Is Enough?
If you are visiting the city for the very first time you may be wondering how many days in Oslo is enough to see all of its highlights and feel as if you've truly experienced its culture for yourself. Beautifully located - with mountain and sea views - Norway's scenic...