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
Complete Guide: Best eSIM For International Travel
eSIMs are becoming more and more popular as people become more and more mobile. But with so many eSIM providers and apps to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the best for your needs. This comparison guide will help you find the best eSIM for...
Perfect 2 Days In Cologne Itinerary
Planning 2 days in Cologne? Cologne is the perfect destination for a city break, with scenic parks, beautiful architecture, and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It is also very compact, so you can get around easily on foot without any need to use public...
Cancun VS Tulum: Where Should You Go?
When it comes to deciding whether to visit Cancun or Tulum, many people find themselves wondering which one is better. Both destinations offer stunning beaches and plenty of activities, but some key differences can make one or the other more appealing depending on...
Best Day Trips From Tulum
Tulum is a beautiful and mystical place, but sometimes you just need to get out of the town and explore the area. In this guide, we'll discuss the best day trips to take from Tulum so that you can plan fun excursions during your holidays. 1. Chichen Itza This ancient...
How Many Days In Tulum Is Enough?
If you're planning a trip to Tulum, you might be wondering how many days in Tulum is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you're there. If you're interested in exploring the Mayan ruins, we suggest spending at least two or three...
Complete Guide: Backpacking Tulum On A Budget
There are many things to consider when planning a vacation. How much money do you want to spend? What is your destination? What type of activities do you want to participate in? One of the most important factors for many people is how much the trip will cost. Here are...