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
21 Exciting Things to Do in Perth, Western Australia
I’ve been raving about how much we loved our six-month trip through Western Australia and that anyone visiting Aus needs to head west and not just stick to the east coast of Oz. And that […]
Read More11 Amazing Things To Do In Exmouth, WA
Exmouth is a town on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, a 15-hour drive north of Perth. It’s a small town with a laid-back atmosphere, incredible beaches, and is the gateway to the world heritage […]
Read MoreNew York Accommodation: 35 Best Hotels in NYC (From Budget To Luxury)
The best New York City accommodation from budget to luxury, from hotels to apartments. I’ve done the research for you to save you time figuring out where to stay in New York!
Read More9 Beaches in Margaret River You Must Set Foot On
Margaret River is not all wine tasting and gourmet food you know. These beaches Margaret River are some of the best beaches in Australia, even the world. Oh and the wine is good too!
Read MoreExploring the Valley of the Giants + tree Top walk
A walk amongst nature is always near the top of my activities list, whether I’m at home or on the road exploring new places. The fresh air, the peacefulness, and the escaping of crowds do wonders […]
Read MoreGo Swim at Elephant Rocks & Green Pool Denmark, Western Australia
Just when we thought Western Australia’s coastline couldn’t get any more stunning, Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, Denmark WA turned it on for us. These are Western Australia’s most iconic beaches and are known for […]
Read More14 Exciting Things to do in Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world, but you’ll find there are plenty more things to do in Napa Valley, California than just wine tasting and vineyard tours. It sits […]
Read MoreGuide To The Gordon River Cruises in Strahan, Tasmania
The waterfront village of Strahan is the major town on Tasmania’s west coast and the starting point of the famous Gordon River cruise through the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Surrounded by nothing but […]
Read More13 Exciting Things to do in Armidale NSW
I really enjoyed Armidale in northern NSW. In a way, I kind of knew I would, considering it’s a university town located in the picturesque New England region of NSW. It has a laid-back vibe, […]
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