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 Campervan Games
Whether you live in your van full time or just take it out on vacation, campervan games are a great way to relax and have some fun in the evenings. There are so many options out there that finding the best games for RV owners might seem like a daunting task. Don’t...
Complete Guide: Best Hostels In Tulum
Heading to Tulum, Mexico soon? Backpackers have plenty of options when it comes to finding hostels in Tulum. In fact, you’ll find great hostels for just $10-15 a night. On a budget? Don’t worry - you can book a bed in a dorm for as low as a few dollars per night. Keep...
Complete Guide: Easy Hikes In Oahu
Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian island and the third largest. Oahu attracts millions of tourists and travelers every year who come seeking the island’s perfect balance between activity and relaxation. Hiking trips are one of the most popular activities to do in...
7 Best Water Parks In Las Vegas
There is so much more to do in Las Vegas than gambling and exploring some of the world's best casinos. If the hot days in the desert are getting to you, there is no better way to cool down than in one of Las Vegas's fantastic water parks, which have some of the best...
Tips For Visiting Santorini In Winter
The weather may not be good enough for sunbathing or a dip in the sea, but winter in Santorini may be one of the best times to visit. Traveling to Greece in the summer means you'll likely encounter a lot of other travelers. Visiting Santorini in the winter means you...
Complete Guide: Traveling To Barcelona In Winter
Barcelona in winter is the perfect place for a fun-filled getaway. The temperature is mild, the rainy days of autumn are over and the summer crowds are gone. Yet there is still lots to both see and experience, including everything from shopping in the Christmas...