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
First-Timer’s Guide to Watching the New York Liberty Play in Brooklyn
The main reason for our recent 3-night getaway to New York City was because my 14-year-old daughter Savannah is a die-hard WNBA fan. And when the New York Liberty schedule lined up with a game […]
8 Best NYC food tours for a taste of the Big Apple [2026 Update]
New York City is well-known for its culinary scene. From world-class restaurants to $1 hot dogs from street carts, everyone knows that New Yorkers love food. But for tourists visiting the city, it can be […]
18 Awesome things to do in Santiago, Chile [2026 Update]
Santiago is a large city with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s surrounded by the gorgeous Andes Mountains and is your gateway to wine regions, Patagonia, and even Easter Island. But don’t just use Santiago as a […]
19 Ideas for what to do in Cairo, Egypt [2026 Update]
Cairo is the bustling capital of Egypt, and it’s one of the most fascinating places on Earth. As the gateway to the Great Pyramids of Giza and home to many inspiring museums, it’s no wonder […]
19 Unmissable things to do in Marrakech, Morocco [2026 Update]
Marrakech is a vibrant and fascinating city in Morocco known for its historical landmarks, relaxing hammams and delicious food. It’s where history and modernity collide effortlessly, with souk market sellers still flogging traditional textiles, pottery […]
14 Unmissable things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands [2026 Update]
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a capital city that charms its visitors with palm-lined avenues, elegant plazas, and a striking mix of contemporary architecture nestled alongside historic streets, colourful markets, and volcanic landscapes. It’s a […]
15 Unmissable Things To Do In Amsterdam [2026 Update]
Amsterdam is one of the most unique European cities, famous for its winding canals and narrow houses, giving it the nickname “Venice of the North.” While most people associate Amsterdam with the Red Light District, […]
14 Unforgettable things to do in Barcelona, Spain [2026 Update]
Barcelona is a city that leaves anyone who visits here dazzled. Not only is it strikingly beautiful with its modernist architecture and Roman archaeological sites, but it’s also a melting pot of different cultures and […]
16 Ideas For What to Do in Cologne, Germany [2026 Update]
When it comes to German cities that are special and unique, you won’t find any more unique than the city of Cologne. With a history spanning back more than 2,000 years, it’s full of incredible […]
12 Ideas for what to do in Freiburg, Germany [2026 Update]
Located on the edge of Germany’s Black Forest is the bustling University city of Freiburg, also known as Freiburg im Breisgau. Known for its reconstructed medieval old town and surrounding natural beauty, it’s the perfect […]
Road Trip of the Chianti Towns: Italy’s famous Wine Region [2026 Update]
Chianti is a famous wine-growing region in Tuscany, Italy. Its rural location makes it an ideal destination to escape to if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the city. It’s one of the most beautiful settings that […]
17 Unmissable Things To Do In Madrid [2026 Update]
Madrid is a city of elegance, vibrancy, and luxury. Its streets are lined with expansive parks, bustling markets, boulevards full of art galleries, and designer stores. It’s a place where art lovers can get inspired […]