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
Best Smart Backpacks For Travelers
A backpack is every traveler’s most important companion, yet these travel essentials have significantly evolved over the years. Today, rucksacks have a super durable construction to protect your belongings from everything from rain to theft. Some also have high-tech...
The Best Things To Do In North Devon
Wondering what to do in North Devon? With beaches offering everything from sunbathing to surfing, lots of family attractions and some of the most incredible landscapes in the UK, this corner of England has plenty to offer its visitors. Here is my guide to the...
7 Short And Easy Hikes In Vancouver
There is so much more to Vancouver than the modern high rises in the city center. Vancouver is surrounded by beautiful nature waiting to be explored. If you’re in the city and want a break from urban life, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are many easy hiking...
China – One Of The Best Travel Destinations
China is one of the top travel destinations in the world. Many great locations and destinations usually provide a remarkable impression. These are the things the tourists never forget, and many want to achieve such an experience in their lifetime. China is located in...
Best Cameras For Backpacking And Hiking
How many times have you snapped a gorgeous sunset shot using your smartphone's camera to find that the photo doesn’t do the view justice? If you want to accurately reproduce the beauty of the nature and scenery you encounter on your hikes, you'll need a decent...
Complete Guide: Best Hostels In Cancun
Heading to Cancun, Mexico soon? Backpackers and budget travelers have plenty of options when it comes to finding hostels in Cancun. In fact, you’ll find great hostels for just $12-15 a night. On a budget? Don’t worry - you can book a bed in a dorm for less than $10 a...