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
5 Best Places To Live In New Zealand
Though New Zealand is a popular travel destination, many want to move and start a life there too. And if that's you, you may wonder where to live in New Zealand. If you’re planning on moving there, you need to consider these best places to live in New Zealand! ...
Complete Guide: The Best 10 Person Tent
If you are planning a camping trip with your extended family or a group of friends, then you will want a tent with enough space to keep everyone comfortable, along with room for all their gear. This guide to the best 10 person camping tents will help you find just the...
Buying Guide: 5 Best Chairs For Backpacking
A good backpacking chair should be an indispensable part of your travel gear. At the end of the day, it's so important to be able to sit in comfort as you discuss your adventures and enjoy some wonderful games around the campfire! But there are lots of different...
Complete Guide: Fun And Romantic Camping Ideas
Romantic getaways are not limited to hotel stays and private pool villas. If you love nature and prefer simplicity over luxury, you will surely enjoy romantic camping with your other half. While you may not think of a campsite as a romantic vacation destination,...
Complete Guide: 5 Best Sleeping Bags For Hammocks
Sleeping in a hammock in the warm weather is a wonderful way to enjoy camping in the great outdoors and brings you about as close to nature as you can get. But when the temperatures drop, things can get pretty chilly unless you are well prepared. This guide is...
The Best Van life Essentials
Living in a van is one of the most freeing (and cheapest) ways to live. There are no mortgage or rental contract ties, and you don’t have utility bills to pay each month. What’s more, you can move around as often as you want and change up the scenery outside your...