CRAIG MAKEPEACE - FOUNDER
Craig Makepeace is a dynamic blogger, photographer, content creator, and entrepreneur, who is the co- founder of two online brands: This is Raleigh, a platform for anyone looking to explore the best of Wake County, and YTravelBlog, one of the world’s most influential travel blogs.
Craig has worked with the biggest brands in the world and has been featured by notable sites such as the Today Show, Conde Nast, and FOX Business, USA Today, Travel & Leisure, Forbes, National Geographic online and My Carolina CBS17. In addition, Y Travel Blog has received a Modern Ontrapreneuer award from Ontraport for “Best Online Publisher” and has been recognized by the White House… twice!
Craig was invited to the White House in 2014 as a top global travel influencer to attend the first travel summit. And he received a green card in 2020 for yTravel’s extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging and for his contributions to the growth of tourism in the USA.
Before becoming an online entrepreneur, Craig played Professional Rugby League for six years in Sydney with the North Sydney Bears. Originally from Australia, Craig and his wife Caroline have been exploring the world together ever since they met in 2000. Together, they have visited over 56 countries and have lived in five countries.
They traveled full time with their daughters for seven years, which included an 18-month road trip around Australia and 11 months across the USA. He is an expert in family travel and running an online business from the road.
As a full time professional travel blogger since 2010, Craig has successfully worked with some of the biggest brands in the world including Lonely Planet, Airbnb, Canon, Amex, Ford, Nissan, Qantas, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Globus Tours, Allianz Travel Insurance.
Locally in Raleigh, he has worked with big brands and small businesses such as RDU- International Airport, Nextdoor, Kane Realty, Outer Banks Tourism, Blue Water Spa, and Harris Teeter.
Craig is also a fully licensed drone operator and, aside from shooting images for This is Raleigh blog and social channels, he has captured images for the Carolina Hurricanes, Ocracoke Island and Outer Bank Tourism, North Hills (Kane Realty) and more.
Craig’s passion for travel, combined with his expertise in digital marketing, has enabled him to create a successful online business that provides travel advice, inspiration, and resources to thousands of people worldwide.
Craig has presented at the Raleigh Rotary Club, Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and keynoted at the NC Public Relations Society of America Conference.
In addition to running his blog and social brand, Craig calls his work a personal mission to inspire and empower others to travel more and create a life they love. He’s proof that travel can be a lifestyle, and he’s passionate about helping others achieve the same level of freedom and fulfillment.
Craig first moved to Raleigh in 2004 and fell in love with the City of Oaks. He’s a travel addict, sports fanatic, beach lover, and passionate craft beer drinker.
ALL ARTICLES WRITTEN BY Craig Makepeace
50+ of the Best Gifts for Someone Going Traveling
Looking for gift ideas for travelers? This list of the best travel gifts includes gifts for women, kids, electronics, packing essentials and more! Written from 20 years of travel experience! We know travel essential!
Read MoreThe Best Family Travel Resources, Websites & Apps
When it’s time to start planning a trip, finding the best deals and discounts is not an easy task, especially with the amount of travel resources out there. As long-term travelers as a family, we’ve […]
Read MoreHow to Travel in Australia on a Budget
Traveling on a budget in Australia? Yep. We show you how it’s possible. Don’t miss these ways to save.
Read More15 Best Beaches in Melbourne to Visit And Escape The City
Who knew there were so many beautiful beaches in Melbourne other than St Kilda and Brighton? It’s amazing what you can discover when you spend a bit of time in the city and you decide […]
Read MoreThe 15 BEST Restaurants In Tasmania You Need To Try
I wasn’t expecting Tasmania to be such a foodies paradise. I knew it had the cleanest air in Australia, an abundance of native wildlife, and unspoiled scenery, but nothing prepared me for the restaurants in […]
Read MoreWhat Is Street Food & Why You Should Try It?
As travelers we want to experience all that we can from a country, from learning about the way of life to trying the local cuisine. You may have traveled to a country and noticed vendors […]
Read MoreThe 8 BEST Carry On Suitcases For 2024
Planning a short trip or simply want to save money on checked baggage fees? Then you may be in the need for one of the best carry-on suitcases. If you are like us and have […]
Read MoreSee why Whangarei Falls is The Most Photogenic in New Zealand
The 24 metre high Whangarei Falls is known as the most photogenic waterfall in all of New Zealand. Because of its ease of access, picturesque bush setting, and guaranteed 365 days per year flow, it […]
Read MoreIs Australia Expensive To Visit? The Complete Cost Of Travel To Aus
The cost of travel in Australia seems to be getting higher by the second, it’s crazy! As Australians living in America, we are always being asked; is Australia expensive to visit? How much does it […]
Read MoreA Memorable 6 Day Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Vista
Want to see what it’s like to take a 6 day Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Vista? Carnival Vista is a ship by Carnival Cruises, a family orientated cruise liner who sails all over the […]
Read More10 Incredible Things To Do In The Seychelles
The Seychelles Islands are pure paradise. For many, a visit to The Seychelles is a dream come true and a bucket list holiday destination. When people think of this island haven, they think of soft, pure […]
Read MoreThe 11 BEST Travel Suitcases For International Travel In 2024
When it comes to buying the best travel suitcase, you gotta be smart about it, my friends. It’s not just a box to lug your stuff around; it’s your trusty travel buddy. There are so […]
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