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
2 Day Sydney Itinerary: The Best Way To Spend 48 Hours
Two days is not a lot of time to spend in a city as pulsing and exciting as Sydney, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most out of only 48 hours! With so […]
14 Things To Do In Las Vegas with Kids For Whole Family Fun!
Las Vegas may not be the first destination you think to go as a family, but you’d be surprised by how much there is to do with kids! From zip-lines to theme parks to kid-focused […]
11 Best Things to do in Port Douglas with Kids
Port Douglas is one of our favourite coastal towns in Australia because it’s packed full of things to do! We just love it in Far North Queensland – it’s tropical living at its best and […]
Where To Stay In Hong Kong [A Neighborhood Guide]
If it’s your first time visiting Hong Kong and you’re not sure where to stay, don’t worry, because we’re here to help. Although Hong Kong is not a big country to visit, the neighborhood you […]
Where to Stay in London [A Neighborhood Guide]
Wondering where to stay in London? Check out this London accommodation list of the 5 best hotels, apartments, and hostels – from budget to luxury!
12 Exciting Weekend Getaways From Brisbane, Australia
Whether you’re looking for beaches, tropical islands, mountains or wineries, there are many incredible weekend getaways from Brisbane that offer relaxation or adventure – or both! Brisbane is a city on the move, and it can […]
Our Experience Sleeping In The Daintree Rainforest at Cape Trib Beach House [Review]
Fancy sleeping in the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world? That’s exactly what we did at Cape Tribulation, our favourite part of the Daintree National Park. Staying at the Cape Trib Beach House […]
The Ultimate Honeymoon in South Africa: Itinerary & Tips!
South Africa is the perfect destination for honeymooners – stunning beaches, natural beauty, and great wine. Why wouldn’t you honeymoon in South Africa?
13 Best Things To Do In Esperance, WA
Esperance had been high on our Aussie bucket list for so long. Everyone kept saying, “You just have to go there. Wait until you see the beaches around Esperance, you’ll be blown away!” Having spent […]
7 Most Unique Boutique Hotels In Miami, Florida
Miami is an explosive mix of eclectic cultures, unique experiences, and world-class entertainment, so when choosing a place to stay, you’re going to want an accommodation that matches the vibe. Sure you can stay in […]
The Luxurious Soneva Kiri Beach Resort, Koh Kood Thailand [Review]
Looking for luxury family resort in Thailand? The Soneva Kiri Beach Resort on the island of Koh Kood is just the place!
Fiji For Families: Things To Do + Tips For Visiting
Picture this: crystal-clear turquoise waters gently lapping against soft, white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, and lush green landscapes that seem to stretch on forever. This is the quintessential scene […]