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
Jasper National Park Travel Guide
Spanning more than 4,200 square miles, Jasper National Park is the largest national park within Alberta's Rocky Mountains. Home to elk, moose, and grizzly bears - plus thousands of plants and insects - it has such a diversity of wildlife that it is part of UNESCO's...
The Best Advantages Of Living Abroad
Living abroad comes with advantages as well as downsides. While I believe there are more advantages to living abroad, I do have lots of experience living overseas. I left Canada in 2014, and I’ve been living in several different countries ever since. This post will...
Perfect 3 Days In Lisbon Itinerary
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, is one of Europe's most culture-rich, historic cities. Lisbon is frequently voted Europe’s best city-break destination, and for a good reason! The climate is pleasant, there are many things to do and see, and the city is easily...
Car Camping Essential Packing List
If you are planning a camping trip but thinking of foregoing a tent, then you may be wondering what to bring for car camping! If so, you've come to the right place - this car camping gear guide looks at all the cool products on the market to make your trip as fun and...
What To Do In Sintra For A Day
Sintra is a delightful, historic town located on the foothills of Portugal’s ‘Serra de Sintra’ mountains. It is famed for its medieval palaces and castles and its majestic beauty. Sintra is the perfect Portuguese town to experience the country’s rich culture and...
What Castle In Sintra Should You Visit?
Located amid the pine-covered hills of the Serra de Sintra, the charming town of Sintra is a historically and culturally important site that has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and impressive views of the Atlantic...