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

USA SIM Card: Everything You Need To Know

USA SIM Card: Everything You Need To Know

Planning on visiting the United States soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a USA SIM card.  When visiting the USA, one of the first things you'll need to do is buy a sim card for your phone. This will allow you to make calls and use...

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Perfect 2 Days In Split Itinerary

Perfect 2 Days In Split Itinerary

Are you planning on spending 2 days in Split? Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and boasts one of the most beautiful promenades on the Adriatic coast.  It has a myriad of attractions to offer its visitors. You’ll find sweeping beaches for sunbathing, Roman...

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5 Best Places To Live In Austria

5 Best Places To Live In Austria

Are you looking for a peaceful and beautiful European country with a high quality of life? If so, why not consider all of the best places to live in Austria? While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of living in Europe, Austria is...

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The Best Places To Live In The UK

The Best Places To Live In The UK

Wondering where the best places to live in the UK are? The UK may be small, but no two cities here are the same. It's not only the contrasting landscapes, but each region's character is diverse. In the UK, you'll find everything from cosmopolitan cities with high...

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6 Best Places To Live In Switzerland

6 Best Places To Live In Switzerland

There are endless reasons why Switzerland is often rated one of the best countries to live in Europe. Inside this guide, you will learn about all the best places to live in Switzerland. Living and working here, you'll enjoy a high quality of life thanks to the high...

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Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?

Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?

Sorrento is a city located in the Campania region of southern Italy. Sorrento is known for its stunning location on the Gulf of Naples, as well as its centuries-old buildings and cultural heritage. If you're planning your trip to Italy, you may be wondering "Is...

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