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
16 Ideas For What to Do in Cologne, Germany
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 […]
Read More12 Ideas For What to Do in Freiburg, Germany
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 […]
Read More15 Unmissable Things to Do In Cyprus
Cyprus is a stunning Mediterranean island that offers visitors sun, sea and incredible sightseeing. It’s friendly locals welcome you with a smile, and the pace gets turned down a notch, allowing you to simply kick […]
Read MoreThe 11 Best Secret Sunny Holiday Destinations in Europe!
If the idea of a summer spent basking in the sunshine on sandy beaches, sipping a refreshing glass of white wine, and dining on exquisite seafood is a dream we all need to make into […]
Read More14 Unforgettable Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city that leaves anyone who visits here dazzled. Not only is it strikingly beautiful with its modernist architecture and Roman archeological sites, but it’s also a melting pot of different cultures and […]
Read More13 Hidden Gems in Seville To Get off The Beaten Path
Seville, or Sevilla to the locals, is a beautiful city in the South of Spain, and according to a large majority (including me), it is one of the most vibrant cities in the country. Known for […]
Read More17 Unmissable Things To Do In Madrid
Madrid is the Capital of Spain and 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 […]
Read MoreGuide to Chianti Towns: Driving The famous Italian Wine Region
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 […]
Read More11 Exciting Things To Do In Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a Northwestern Italian region that offers crystal clear waters, laid-back coastal towns with picturesque, colorful homes, amazing hikes, and great food. It’s famous for its centuries-old villages that are surrounded by rugged […]
Read More15 Stunning Places to Visit in Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is a province in Italy that has mesmerized travelers for years. It’s famous for its vineyards and wineries, Roman history, renaissance architecture and artwork, delicious food, and friendly locals – what’s not to love? […]
Read More16 Amazing Things to Do in Florence, Italy (Insider’s tips)
Get our insider tips on the best things to do in Florence, as well as where to stay, eat, drink, shop, and explore.
Read More20 Exciting Things To Do In Edinburgh!
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and is famous for its literary heritage, historic landmarks such as the famous Edinburgh castle, and scotch whiskey. It’s a buzzing city with something happening on any corner, and not […]
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