Founder
Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.
She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.
To learn more, head to our About page.
Planning your trip to Northern Thailand? If you have a limited time, you may be wondering if you should visit Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai (or both?). In this post, we compare both cities so you can make your decision according to your preferences. Note that if you have 4...
Thinking of visiting Chiang Rai while in Thailand? Known for its beautiful temples, Chiang Rai is located in the Northeast of Thailand. If you’re visiting Chiang Mai during your stay in Thailand, why not add one day to visit the famous temples of Chiang Rai. ...
Updated for 2025 – Everything you need to know about Airalo, how it works, which devices support it, and if it’s worth it for your next adventure. Quick Verdict: Airalo remains one of the most affordable and user-friendly eSIM providers worldwide. But is it still...
Are you looking for an easy way to stay organized and maximize the space in your luggage? Packing cubes are a great solution. These handy containers come in various sizes, allowing you to organize all of your clothing items in one place. Not only will they help keep...
Already abroad? Did you realize you left without travel insurance? Or did you forget to renew your travel insurance? Finding travel insurance after departure can be tricky. Many travel insurance companies don't allow you to buy insurance once you have left. We found...
Traveling is exhilarating, and there's nothing like exploring new landscapes, getting to know new cultures and embracing art, architecture, food, and festivities from around the world. There’s almost no downside to time spent traveling, except one - waiting around in...
Heading to Chiang Rai soon? Looking for the best hostels in Chiang Rai? Finding the right hostel can be challenging. When it comes to backpacking, we all have different standards. This post should help you find the perfect Chiang Rai hostel for your needs. Still...
When you picture the Yukon, what do you see? Lots of snow. Lots of skiing. Lots of cozy evenings nestled up to a fire in a chalet. Fair enough, but there are so many other awesome things you can do in Whitehorse, the capital city of Yukon. Whitehorse is considered one...
Heading to Thailand soon? Wondering if you need travel insurance in Thailand? In this post, you’ll understand why you need travel insurance and I’ll be recommending my favorite travel insurance company. We all heard travel nightmares and crazy things happening abroad...
Thinking of renting a scooter in Thailand? It will transform your Thai travel experience - it’s an excellent way to see more, explore further, and create fun memories. Driving a scooter is one of my favorite things, but there’s a lot to know about scooter rentals in...