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
Tips For Visiting New York City In Winter
Wondering what to do in New York in Winter? This vibrant city really comes alive at this time of year and there are many iconic experiences to enjoy, from seeing the beautiful Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center to visiting snowy Central Park and reliving moments...
The Best Travel Jokes
Looking for the best travel jokes? We got your back! Traveling seems like a walk in the park, and it often is, but there are times when it can get stressful, tiresome, or downright annoying. From plane cancellations to being stranded in dodgy destinations, conflicting...
Tips For Visiting Vail In Winter
Are you looking for exciting activities in Vail in winter? Whilst it may be popular as one of the finest skiing destinations in the world, Vail, Colorado, has so much more to offer - especially during wintertime. From snowmobiling and snowshoeing to pelting down the...
Perfect Day Trip To Cozumel Itinerary
Planning a day trip to Cozumel while in Mexico? In this guide, you’ll find information about Cozumel, how to get there, and more importantly, how to organize the perfect day trip. We’ll discuss the best things to do in Cozumel so that you can plan a fun day trip. That...
The Best Places To Live In Brazil
Thinking of moving to Brazil? Searching for the best places to live in Brazil? In this guide, you'll discover the best spots where to live. Being such a fun, diverse and beautiful country, Brazil is on the list of places to live for many digital nomads and expats....
Buying Guide: Best Travel Soap Cases
When you are traveling, one of the most difficult items to take with you is bar soap. Whilst it is fine straight out of the packet, once it's used it becomes wet and messy, potentially affecting the other items in your toiletry bag. The solution is to use a travel...