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: Easy Hikes In Sedona
The Grand Canyon is a very well-known destination, but the Arizona desert town of Sedona is a hikers paradise with many fabulous hiking trails as well. Here you can immerse yourself in the desert landscape of scenic canyons, glowing red rocks, and contrasting pine...
How Many Days In Rome Is Enough?
Wondering how many days in Rome is enough to make the most of your visit? Are 2 days in Rome enough to see all of the city's major landmarks and attractions or will you need longer? The answer is that it all comes down to whether or not you want to see Rome at a...
Perfect 2 Days In Seattle Itinerary
Seattle is one of the most favored cities in America, both for living and visiting. Its waterfront location and mountain surroundings make the city an ideal destination for outdoor activities. What’s more, its hipster cafe culture and quirky, artsy vibes attract...
Buying Guide: 5 Best Wool Blankets For Camping
Searching for the best wool blanket for camping? In this guide, we'll compare wool blankets that are ideal for camping trips. A wool blanket is an essential item for any camping trip. A good-quality blanket will keep you warm and cozy during cold nights and even...
Perfect 2 Days In Berlin Itinerary
Berlin is undoubtedly one of the coolest and most exciting cities in Europe. Berlin is a destination rarely skipped by those traveling around Europe and is a popular weekend getaway for Europeans. It is a relatively large city, and there is a diverse range of...
How Many Days In Venice Is Enough?
Wondering how many days in Venice to experience the very best of this beautiful city in Europe and see all its main attractions? Well, you should set aside at least 2 days for your visit - and ideally 3. Whilst it is possible to see all of Venice's highlights in...