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 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. […]
The Best Accommodation In Sydney CBD [20 Options From Budget To Luxury]
Looking for a place to stay on your visit to Sydney? We have researched the best accommodation in the Sydney CBD to save you time! Let us know what you choose.
A Stress-Free Stay At The Holiday Inn Express, Sydney Airport [Review]
If you have an early flight, or a night time layover, then you might be in need of accommodation near Sydney Airport that is comfortable and takes the stress of travel away from you. If […]
10 Undeniable Reasons For Travelling With Kids
Do kids enhance the travel experience for you. Here’s 5 Reasons Why we think Traveling with Kids Creates a Better Traveling Experience
Complete Guide To The Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland (Hidden gem)
The Bunya Mountains in Southern Queensland occupy an isolated portion of the Great Dividing Range and are known for having the world’s largest forest of bunya pines (araucaria bidwillii). Encompassing an area of 19,600 hectares, this […]
Carnival Spirit Cruise Review: What To Expect + Pros & Cons
If you’re planning to cruise from Seattle, Miami or Mobile AB, you might have your eye cast on Carnival Cruises 88.5K ton ship, Carnival Spirit. Carnival Spirit cruises typically sail around destinations in North and […]
Byron Bay Bluesfest: What To Expect & Tips!
Byron Bay Bluesfest is Australia’s most awarded music festival held over Easter long weekend. For more than 34 years, Bluesfest Byron Bay has been a beacon of blues in Australia, and is a true celebration […]