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
Adventure Holidays In The South Of France
If you’re after an adventure holiday in Europe, there are many countries to pick from. I simply have to think about Slovenia, Switzerland and France to start dreaming about Europe again! France does have a lot of amazing options for those who like to play outside! In...
Complete Guide: Free Camping Australia
If you’re planning the perfect camping holidays you should pick either Australia or New Zealand to do so! After experiencing both I can highly recommend Australia as the perfect camping destination! Did someone say something about camping for free in Australia? After...
Solo Trip In Paris Cost
Going to Paris alone doesn’t have to be boring. Even though Paris can be quite a romantic destination, there are plenty of things to do on your own! Here are my top ideas for solo travelers in Paris that shouldn’t break the bank! My first ever solo trip was to Europe....
Perfect 3 Days In Ubud Itinerary
If you're planning your holidays in Bali, you might want to stop in Ubud at some point. Here's what to do in Ubud in 3 days (or more) and where to stay while you're there. We all know that Indonesia is one of my favorite countries out there and if I’d have to be more...
7 Places To Discover Near Bordeaux
If you’re planning on traveling to the Bordeaux region make sure to visit some of these charming places near Bordeaux. These destinations in New Aquitaine might help you plan the perfect road trip in the southwest of France. Have you ever heard of New Aquitaine (or...
Guide: Backpacking South Of France
If you're wondering where to go in the South of France, don't look any further. Here are my top suggestions to create the perfect travel itinerary in the South of France! I had never heard of Occitania before. It is apparently in the South of France. When the tourism...