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
The 5 Best Places To Live In Australia
Wondering where the best places to live in Australia are? Australia is a place that many people dream of visiting at least once during their lifetime. However, once you visit as a tourist and see how good the quality of life is, it’s easy to start imagining what it...
Complete Guide: Best Crystals For The Beach
When it comes to crystals, there are many that people believe can be helpful in various ways. But if you're looking for the best crystals to bring to the beach, which can help you enjoy your time there even more, then there are a few specific ones that stand out. In...
The 6 Best Places To Live In Malaysia
Are you wondering where the best places to live in Malaysia are? You're in the right place! Southeast Asia is well known for providing expats a comfortable lifestyle at a low cost. However, every southwest Asian country offers its own unique perks. Malaysia is...
The 6 Best Places To Live In Egypt
Wondering what the best places to live in Egypt are? You're in the right place! As one of the oldest countries in the world with a rich history dating back to 3500 BC, tourists flock to Egypt every year. The famous landmarks like the pyramids and the Great Sphinx of...
Is Cascais Worth Visiting?
If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, then Cascais is the perfect spot. Although it's only a short train ride away from the city, Cascais feels like a world away. This charming town is situated on Portugal's stunning coastline,...
Complete Guide: How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Malta?
Malta is a small island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its stunning beaches, historic architecture, and delicious food. If you've been trying to figure out how much money you'll need in Malta, you're at the right place. In this guide, we'll...