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
Complete Guide: The Best Provinces To Live In Canada
Canada is one of the most welcoming countries in the world for immigrants. Thanks to its working holiday visa scheme, it’s easy for young people to live and work here. However, as a large and diverse country, you will probably find yourself asking where to move to in...
Complete Guide: Best Bulgaria Beaches
The beautiful Bulgarian coast runs for 378 metres along the Black Sea and has become more and more popular as a destination for sun-seekers during recent years. Whatever you are looking for in a beach holiday, you will find it here, from family-friendly resorts with a...
Complete Guide: Best Places To Live In Ontario
Looking for the best places to live in Ontario? Ontario is perhaps the most favored province for working holiday-makers and expats in Canada. This is no surprise as Ontario is home to Ottawa’s capital city, the dynamic metropolis of Toronto, and the magnificent...
Best Christmas Markets In France
If you plan to be in France during Christmas time then a visit to one of the country's many Christmas markets is an essential part of the festive fun. There are so many to choose from that you are spoiled for choice, so here I've put together a list of the very best...
Hiking VS Trekking: What’s The Main Difference?
Most people think of hiking and trekking as the same thing, and you will often see the two terms used as synonyms. However, there is a stark difference between hiking and trekking. Once you know the distinction, you’ll realize that a hike and trek are actually two...
Best Christmas Markets In Luxembourg
If you plan on traveling to Luxembourg in winter, then a visit to the Christmas markets is a must. Whether you are looking for unique gifts, mouthwatering foods, or just want to be part of the bright and happy spirit that pervades the country at this time of year,...