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 Backpacks With Wheels
Trying to find the best wheeled backpacks for travel? Let’s talk about the things to consider when buying a backpack with wheels, as well as the pros and cons of a wheeled backpack. If you’re after a quick answer here - here’s my favorite pick (this one isn't a...
Complete Guide: Best Long Term Travel Insurance
As you’re planning the trip of a lifetime, you’re already getting excited about the destinations you’re about to discover. Now is when you have to spend money again on travel insurance. Depending on where you’re from, you might be aware of different travel insurance...
Complete Guide: New York Tips For First Timers
The Big Apple, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, empire state of mind... Whatever nickname or pop culture reference you cast across New York City, it’s a popular bucket list destination for almost everyone! There’s something about the Statue of Liberty,...
Complete Guide: Getting Around Thailand
You booked your flights to Thailand and you’re starting the planning session? Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to transportation in Thailand. Backpacking Thailand sounds fun, but getting around the country isn’t always super easy! (Sometimes, I wish I...
Travel Guide: Best Things To Do In Koh Tao
I had heard so many good things about Koh Tao that I had pretty high expectations for this tiny island! I wasn’t disappointed. Koh Tao (which refers to Turtle Island) might be small, but there are enough things and activities to do to keep you entertained. My main...
Dealing With Post Trip Depression
Here are 5 things you should do when your adventures come to an end. You know what they say – all good things must come to an end. And sadly, the same applies to your travel adventures. Whether you’re feeling down and out about the prospect of heading home or...