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.

Melissa Giroux

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.

Melissa Giroux at Lake Louise

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.

Melissa Giroux at Holi Festival

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.

Melissa Giroux in Bali

Pick Your Travel Style

Living Abroad

Backpacking

Camping

Hiking

Digital Nomadism

Volunteering

Read my latest blog posts

Perfect 2 Days In New Orleans Itinerary

Perfect 2 Days In New Orleans Itinerary

Thinking of spending 2 days in New Orleans? This wonderful city in Louisiana is the perfect destination for a weekend break! Not only is it the jazz capital of the world, but it has incredible nightlife and some of the best food you will find in the US. If you visit...

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Perfect 2 Days In Thessaloniki Itinerary

Perfect 2 Days In Thessaloniki Itinerary

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What To Do In Berlin In Winter

What To Do In Berlin In Winter

Visiting Berlin in winter? Many European cities are magical in winter, and Berlin is no exception. It may be freezing at this time of the year, but Germany's capital oozes winter awe, especially around Christmas. From iconic festive activities to endless museums to...

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What To Do In Frankfurt In Winter

What To Do In Frankfurt In Winter

Look no further than Frankfurt in winter if you are seeking a German city with tons to do during this time of the year. This gorgeous, diverse city has a huge array of museums to explore when it's cold outside, a lively shopping district, and some iconic festive...

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How Many Days In Antalya Is Enough?

How Many Days In Antalya Is Enough?

If you are planning to visit this beautiful city, you might be wondering how many days in Antalya you will need to see the best of its attractions. Scenically located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya is the fastest-growing city in the country. A great mix of...

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US Visas: How To Get A Visa For The United States Online

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The United States is full of attractions! There is much to explore, from Disney to Malibu beach. You can have a romantic trip, family fun, or a solo adventure: you can always find spots and activities to please everyone and make this trip remarkable. But to fully...

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