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
The Most Romantic Cabins In Ohio
If snuggling up with a warm blanket and hot chocolate in front of the fire while the trees turn white outside sounds idyllic, you'll surely love a cabin getaway in Ohio. Although it's cold out, there's plenty of beautiful winter scenery to explore in Ohio, including...
Complete Guide: Best Banks For Digital Nomads
Searching for the best banks for nomads? Whether you’re a digital nomad or a long-term traveler, you may be on the hunt for a great banking solution. It’s no secret - banks for travelers and nomads can be a nightmare. We simply need to think about ATM fees, currency...
Complete Guide: How To Get To Cozumel
If you’re searching for the best way to get to Cozumel, this guide is going to help you. Cozumel is a beautiful island only a ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen. There are two main ways to get to Cozumel: By ferry By plane If you’re not already in Playa del Carmen,...
Perfect 4 Days In Rome Itinerary
Italy's capital is a fascinating place - busy, noisy, and vibrant in some areas, peaceful and quaint in others. There's an enormous variety of things to do in Rome, with some of the most historic architecture in the world and a fascinating culture influenced by...
Wise Vs Revolut: Which Is Better For Travelers?
When searching online for money transfer services, two of the first companies you’ll find are Wise and Revolut. Both providers offer similar services and make exchanging currency, receiving international payments, accessing cash abroad, and sending money overseas all...
How To Look After Yourself And Keep Healthy On The Road
When you’re constantly on the go, traveling from one location to the next, it can prove difficult to stay healthy. And when we say healthy, we mean mentally as well as physically, even if you are living out your dream, traveling the world. Living out of a suitcase can...