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
How Many Days In Mallorca Is Enough?
Planning a trip to Spain soon? You might be wondering how many days in Mallorca (or Majorca) is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you're on the island. If you're interested in fully exploring the island, we suggest spending at...
Is Coimbra Worth Visiting?
Coimbra is a riverfront city based in the Southern European country of Portugal. On the banks of the Mondego river, this charming city is known for being home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and was once the former capital of Portugal. Coimbra is uniquely...
Perfect 3 Days In Cairns Itinerary
In a country filled with beautiful destinations, the laid-back coastal city of Cairns stands out as somewhere special. Here you can see some of the most amazing scenery on earth, from the lush vegetation of the Daintree Rainforest to the natural wonder that is The...
Complete Guide: Best Phones For eSIMs
Are you looking for the best phone to use with an eSIM? In today’s world, eSIMs are becoming increasingly popular as they allow users to switch carriers quickly and easily. This makes them especially useful when traveling abroad. But finding the right device can be...
How Many Days In Oaxaca Is Enough?
Planning a trip to Mexico soon? You might be wondering how many days in Oaxaca you'll need. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you're in the city. If you're interested in exploring the region, we suggest spending at least two or three...
SafetyWing Vs Genki: Which Is The Best Insurance?
When it comes to selecting the best insurance, it can be a tough call between SafetyWing and Genki. Both offer top-notch coverage, but it’s important to make sure you get the right coverage for your needs. So let’s have a look at both companies and see which insurance...