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
Is Capri Worth Visiting?
Is Capri worth visiting? This is a question that has been asked by travelers planning on visiting Italy. Is the isle of Capri worth traveling to, or is it just a place people visit because they must? In this article, we will explore the island of Capri and try to...
SIM Vs ESIM: Which Is Better?
There are two main types of SIM cards - the traditional SIM card, and the newer eSIM card. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, which one is ultimately better for you depends on your needs and preferences. In this guide, we'll compare the two types of...
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Air Transport
There’s no doubt that air transport has become an important part of our lives. It's the fastest and most efficient way to travel long distances. But like everything else, traveling by plane also has its disadvantages. In this blog post, we will list the advantages and...
Tips For Visiting Amalfi Coast On A Budget
If you're like most people, you've probably dreamed of visiting the picturesque Amalfi Coast at least once in your life. The problem is, that the cost of a trip to this Italian paradise can be very expensive. But don't worry! There are ways to enjoy the Amalfi Coast...
Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?
Cinque Terre is a National Park in Italy's Liguria region that has five of the cutest Italian villages. The towns Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are all perched on the cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The villages have...
Is Lake Bled Worth Visiting?
Traveling to Slovenia? You might be wondering if Lake Bled is worth visiting. Is it worth your time? Is it worth the money? Here's what you need to know: Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and there's a...