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
Perfect 2 Days In Cardiff Itinerary
The Welsh city of Cardiff is the youngest capital city in Europe, only recognized as such in 1955. In its past, it was also one of the world’s largest ports, exporting more coal than anywhere else across the globe. But its industrial past has largely given way to...
Experience The Romance Of Paris With A Flight From French Bee
Get ready to experience the magic of the City of Love with a flight to Paris from the French bee. With its stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, Paris is a city that captivates visitors from around the world. Whether you're strolling...
Six Side Hustles To Live A Digital Nomad Life
Are you dreaming of an adventurous and carefree life, traveling from place to place while still making enough money? A life with no ties or responsibility except for your well-being, the dream of a digital nomad. It's now easier than ever to turn your dreams into...
How Many Days In Yellowstone Is Enough?
Planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park soon? You might be wondering how many days in Yellowstone is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you're in the area. If you're interested in hiking and really exploring the region, we...
Is Koh Tao Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know
When you think of a Thai island, you likely envision paradise; white sand beaches, pristine waters, a relaxed pace of life, and friendly locals. As someone who has visited Koh Tao, I can say this tiny Thai island is just that. Unfortunately, however, Koh Tao has...
Is Bangkok Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know
Bangkok is one of Asia's biggest, busiest cities, full of action, entertainment, and Thai culture. Most tourists traveling around Thailand stop in Bangkok, even if just for a few days. But being a huge metropolis, it's normal to wonder, "is Bangkok safe to visit?"...