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: How To Elope In Banff
This national park is packed with magnificent destinations. From turquoise waters to stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, it's no wonder so many couples decide to elope in Banff. If you’ve been dreaming up a Banff elopement, you have come to the right place....
Buying Guide: Best Blackout Camping Tents
Blackout tents, also known as dark room tents, are perfect for improving the quality of your sleep on camping trips. If you are looking to find the best blackout tents you're in the right place! In a standard tent, you're pretty much forced to get up as soon as the...
Buying Guide: Best Backpacking Rain Ponchos
If you are stuck in a downpour when hiking or backpacking, a regular poncho just won't do! The best backpacking ponchos are designed to keep both you AND your gear dry, with the durability you need for rugged, outdoor use. In this guide, I've put together a list of...
Complete Guide: Best Backpacking Bras
Looking for the best backpacking bras? A bra for backpacking is an essential part of your kit when you hit the trail. It should give you great support without cutting into your skin at any point and should be made of a fabric that is comfortable to wear, even in very...
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Water Transport
It's no secret that the world is increasingly becoming a more and more connected place. It's easier than ever to get from Point A to Point B – no matter where in the world you happen to be. One of the popular modes of transportation is water transport, which has a...
Hiking In The Dolomites, Italy
Wondering what are the best hikes in Dolomites, Italy? If you're traveling through Italy and looking for a hiking paradise rich in nature, look no further than the Dolomites Mountain Range. Situated in northeastern Italy in Belluno province, the Dolomites form part of...