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
Backpacking Travel Planner
If you are planning on traveling the world on a budget, then this post will provide you with a practical budget travel planner with useful budget travel tips so you can save your money and spend it wisely during your exciting backpacking adventures! Low budget travel...
Travel Guide: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
There are many amazing waterfalls in Bali (especially in Northern Bali). Lately, I decided to hop on my scooter and check out the most beautiful Bali waterfalls. I knew Banyumala Twin Waterfall looked amazing, but I was absolutely impressed when I got there! It...
Complete Guide: Backpacking East Coast Australia
The well renowned East Coast of Australia has so much to offer. With perfect locations for kayak experiences, hiking, camping and more, it is no surprise that it is one of the world’s best travel destinations. The legendary East Coast of Australia is every...
Complete Guide: Where To Stay In Uluwatu
When it comes to finding the best places to stay in Uluwatu, you have many options to pick from. Here's a list of options for backpackers, travelers and luxury adventurers out there. You can find accommodation for any budgets in Uluwatu. This list also features...
Travel Guide: Munduk Waterfall, Bali
The North of Bali is known to be beautiful! So far, North Bali is one of my favorite spots around the island. Munduk is a quiet and lush area where not many people dare to wander. It’s a shame really because the area is breathtaking. Known for its scenic roads...
Travel Guide: Nungnung Waterfall, Bali
Bali is a dreamland when it comes to chasing waterfalls. There are so many waterfalls in Bali! If you want to explore Bali on your own, why not go on a Bali waterfall route/adventure? You could discover some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali. Once in a while, I...