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
5 Great Hiking Spots In Dubrovnik
It’s a city that has been ruled by various empires and kingdoms over the centuries and has survived earthquakes and war. Hiking may not be what comes to mind when you think of Dubrovnik, but nature abounds in and around the city. While Dubrovnik’s popularity may...
Easy Ways To Make Going To The Match More Fun
Going to the match has gotten expensive. Because of the high price you pay these days to go and watch your team play, you need to make it an event. There are many ways to have more fun when you go to the game and get more value for money from the price of admission....
Perfect 2 Days In Naples Itinerary
Looking to spend 2 days in Naples? Often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Mediterranean’, Naples is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Europe. It is also one of the most unique, with a vibrant, chaotic atmosphere quite unlike anything you’ll experience...
Perfect 2 Days In Florence Itinerary
Looking to spend 2 days in Florence? This splendid city on the banks of the Arno River is often referred to as the cultural capital of Italy. This is where you’ll find streets lined with magnificent Renaissance buildings and incredible works of art by masters such as...
Perfect 2 Days In Palermo Itinerary
Thinking about how to spend 2 days in Palermo? Palermo has a distinctly unique feel to it, its culture and architecture are shaped by its fascinating history. It is located on the northern coast of Sicily, an island that was captured and ruled over by various invaders...
The 6 Best Places To Live In Alaska
Wondering where is the best place to live in Alaska? Alaska is known for its vast, untouched wilderness, abundant wildlife, and native heritage. If you dream of waking up to views of snow-capped peaks and spotting wild animals like bears and moose regularly, Alaskan...