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: Best Travel Cosmetic Containers
Ideal for trips away, visits to the gym, or day-to-day use, a good set of travel cosmetic containers is a must! Far cheaper than buying mini versions of your favorite toiletries, travel containers for creams, lotions and cosmetics are washable and refillable - so they...
Expat Guide: The 5 Best Places To Live In Thailand
Thinking of moving to the land of smiles and wondering where to live in Thailand? This post is for you! Thailand is often a top consideration for those looking to take up the expat lifestyle. There’s no doubt that the country is an ideal holiday destination, but is...
Should I Move To Another Country: Explore These Reasons
I’ve been living abroad for several years now - in a bunch of different countries. If you’re thinking of moving to another country or if you wish to experience something new, you’ll love this post. Below, you’ll find the best reasons to move to another country...
Dating A Foreigner: What You Need To Know
Over the years, I lived in several countries and I met people from all around the world. I’ve dated foreigners and it wasn’t always easy. In fact, there are several challenges when dating a foreigner. Think of the clash of cultures, the language differences, and more....
Bali Scooter Rental: What You Need To Know
Renting a scooter in Bali is easy! In fact, if you’re feeling confident about driving around the island, it’s the best way to explore what Bali has to offer. Imagine driving across Bali, stopping on the way to appreciate the exotic vibes, a beach, or the rice fields....
Perfect 2 Days In Niagara Falls Itinerary, USA
Niagara Falls is an iconic attraction many people want to visit or have already visited. Niagara Falls has two sides - it sits on the Canadian border, with things to do in Canada and New York state in the United States. The more popular side is the Canadian...