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
Hiking Guide: 7 Best Hikes In Lucerne
Looking for the best hikes in Lucerne? Situated on a picturesque lake surrounded by impressive mountainous scenery in central Switzerland, you'll find the Alpine city of Lucerne. The beautiful blue Lake Lucerne is only one of the highlights of this Swiss town. Lucerne...
Complete Guide: How To Elope In Vegas
It's common to hear the word elope and immediately think of going off to elope in Vegas. With around 120,000 ceremonies a year, Las Vegas is the number one wedding city in the US and the 2nd in the world. While the legendary nightlife, Elvis officiants, and epic...
Complete Guide: How To Elope In Big Sur
With its rugged mountain ranges and stunning coastlines, it's no surprise if thinking to elope in Big Sur is on your list of possibilities. From grand redwood trees to beautiful open meadows, this beautiful coastal stretch in California will not...
Complete Guide: How To Elope In Yosemite
Yosemite is a famed national park widely known for its grand sequoia trees, jaw-dropping mountain views, and plunging waterfalls. With all the fantastic sites this park offers, it's no wonder many couples decide to elope in Yosemite. If you’ve been...
Here’s How To Prepare When Relocating With Your Family
Relocating with your family can be an exciting but also stressful time. There are a lot of things to think about and organize, from finding a new home and school for your children to packing up all your belongings and making sure everyone is settled in the new place....
Complete Guide: How To Elope In London
Are you dreaming of royalty and thinking about heading off to elope in London? London is filled with royal gardens and elegant architecture, offering some awe-inspiring venues to make your wedding day picture-perfect. This historic city is filled with vast...