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
The Ultimate Utah Bucket List: Things To Do In The Beehive State
Utah is the land of striking landscapes, vibrant rainbow colors, and epic outdoor adventures. There are endless unique experiences in the state of Utah to add to your bucket list, and you’ll never run out […]
50+ Best Travel Quotes That Inspire Wanderlust
If you’re looking for some words of affirmation to add fuel to your love of travel, then you’ll find these inspiring travel quotes will do just that. The following quotes about travel have helped us […]
A New England Road Trip Itinerary [The Ultimate Fall Vacation]
There’s no better way to explore New England than on a road trip – the Fall foliage drapes overhead, the rickety bridges of Vermont creek under your tires, and the mountain peaks rise up in […]
The Best Places to Stay in Perth 2025 [Neighbourhoods & Hotels]
Find serenity, relaxation, and comfort, on your trip to the Western Australian capital of Perth. The city is blessed with so many vibrant neighborhoods and cultural landmarks, not to mention the natural magic of the […]
The Ultimate 3 week Hawaii Itinerary For Families With Kids
From sunsets on the beach to hikes up a dormant volcano, there are tons of bonding experiences to be had on a family vacation to Hawaii. We spent three weeks hopping around the Hawaiian islands […]
11 Best Restaurants In New Orleans to Taste That Creole Goodness
New Orleans has to be the best “foodie” destination we have visited on our travels. Known for its aromatic Creole cuisine, New Orleans is all about bold flavors, and even bolder experiences. If you’re looking […]
The 20 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Hawaii
From cascading waterfalls, pristine white sand beaches, verdant rainforests and craggy volcano peaks, you might be wondering what are the most beautiful places to visit in Hawaii. This island chain is not short of stunning […]
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Resorts In The Fiji Islands
Most people think of Fiji as a holiday destination four couples or diving enthusiasts, but it’s also a fantastic place to take the kids on a family holiday. With pristine beaches, cultural immersion experiences, water […]
12 Best Things To Do In Maui For First Timers
If you’ve never been to Maui in Hawaii before, you are about to be dazzled! Maui is one of the best islands in Hawaii to visit for your first time in Hawaii because it offers […]
The 3 Best Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation Options For A Rainforest Retreat
If you’re looking for a break from the golden beaches, theme parks, and nightclubs, then you might be casting your eyes towards the Gold Coast hinterland. This mountainous region is where rainforests meet verdant rolling […]
The 22 Best Accommodation Options In Melbourne From Budget To Luxury
Did you know that Melbourne has Australia’s largest hotel market, with over 26,000 rooms available? Well, it’s true! If you’ve found yourself getting overwhelmed and frustrated by the choices available, this may be why. It’s […]
12 Things To Do In The Bahamas For An Unforgettable Vacation
No doubt you already have pictures of the sparkling sand and glittering crystal clear turquoise waters of The Bahamas in your mind long before you visit, thanks to the TV adverts and global media coverage. […]