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: Hiking For Weight Loss
Is hiking good for weight loss? The answer is a resounding yes! Hiking is not only a great way to burn calories, but it’s also a low-impact exercise that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Plus, hiking in the great outdoors has numerous other benefits,...
The 6 Best Places To Live In Belgium
Are you curious about what the best places to live in Belgium are? Every European country has a unique charm and character, and Belgium is no exception. Although it has become a popular tourist destination for its delicious chocolate, mouthwatering waffles, and...
The 5 Best Places To Live In The Netherlands
Trying to figure out where the best places to live in the Netherlands are? If you've visited the Netherlands before on vacation, you'll know just how easy this country is to fall in love with. Many tourists dream about moving to this progressive and open-minded...
The 6 Best Places To Live In Finland
Wondering where the best places to live in Finland are? Do you dream of living in Lapland or want to wake up to beautiful landscapes of blue rivers and white-covered forests? Or maybe you're simply attracted to the Nordic countries' low living costs and high wages....
The 5 Best Places To Live In Cambodia
Curious about where the best places to live in Cambodia are? Keep reading! While the cost of living in some parts of Southeast Asia is slowly rising, Cambodia remains an all-round cheap destination for visiting and living. The country is also home to famous ancient...
Best Crystals For Camping And Outdoors
Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and can be a fun, relaxing experience or an exciting, adventurous one. No matter what your camping style may be, some crystals can enhance your time in nature and make it more...