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
Iceland Self-Drive Itinerary
Iceland has been on my list for ages. It seems to be the perfect place for lost-in-nature and active vacations! Pretty interesting in terms of hiking, waterfall chasing, and volcano watching, it simply has to be on my list! If you’re reading this, I’m assuming...
Backpacking Slovenia Itinerary
Thinking of backpacking Slovenia soon? Do it! Slovenia is a wonderful country whether you're on a budget or after a fun outdoor holiday. The best time to visit Slovenia is now. It’s a gem! The truth is that most backpackers/travelers haven’t discovered it yet....
Best Things To Do In Aruba
Don’t you have a bucket list? You might call it the secret wish list, the crazy fun things to try at least once in a lifetime or even the-try-something-new-every-day-kind-of-list. If you think Aruba is just another resort destination, you got it all wrong. ...
Best Things To Do In Rockport MA
When I got an invitation to visit Rockport. Without hesitation, I said yes! I was looking forward to discovering a hidden vacation spot in the US. Rockport is not too far away from Boston. You can easily access it by car (64 km from Boston) or hop on a...
Hamburg In One Day Itinerary
Hamburg is located in the North of Germany (not too far from Denmark) and is actually the second-largest German city. Known for its massive port, University, and music scene, there is a lot more to discover. As I’m not the luckiest person on Earth, I didn’t have...
Fun & Best Paris Walking Tours
The hidden Paris - Rediscover Paris with Interkultur Tours. This company offers unique tours in Paris to show you hidden gems and the best of Paris! Paris. Always a good idea. I don't go to Paris for a simple visit anymore. I go, just to enjoy a cool holiday...