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
Best Things To Do In Soller
There are many things to do in Soller, Majorca - Beach bumming, hiking, and simply relaxing should take most of your time. Everybody was talking about Sóller. I simply had to see for myself. It would be another long journey by bus. (This would have been easier to rent...
Is Malta Expensive? What You Need To Know
Between the blues, colorful vibes, and baroque architecture, Malta is the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean sea. The perfect destination to avoid cold weather, it’s also where you want to swim during summertime! Lagoons and perfect blue bays won’t disappoint your...
Is Living Abroad Right For You?
I’m a free spirit. My life fits in my backpack (unless I go on a short holiday, then I steal my boyfriend’s suitcase). My life also fits in 2 or 3 draws and a box that is waiting for me with all my winter clothes and some fancy underwear. Moving...
Solo Backpacking Tips
There you are. Traveling solo has never been more accessible (and yes, I also refer to female solo travelers). You're delighted. You’re ready for what could be the greatest adventure of your life. Bonus; You have succeeded. You managed to compact your life into...
Perfect 2 Days In Thrace Itinerary
When I think about Turkey I think of Istanbul, hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkish coffee, and tea. I imagine a big terrace where I can play Backgammon at night while drinking tea or even smoking shisha. When they invited me to join the World Tourism Forum in...
Is Istanbul Safe Or Dangerous?
Wondering if Istanbul is safe? In 2022, Istanbul is considered to be a safe (ish) destination. That said, it hasn't always been. I visited Istanbul twice (in 2013 and in 2017) and the first time didn't go well at all. In fact, I had to leave the country because my...