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
20 Unique Things To Do In Japan
There is no doubt that Japan is one of the most unique and diverse countries in the world. You can explore centuries-old traditions still performed today, as well as witness the country’s high-tech, innovative side […]
Guide To Visiting the Bellingen Markets
Bellingen NSW is a cool little town located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane in the Coffs Harbour region. Although being a small town, it’s well known for the Bellingen Markets, one of Australia’s largest regional […]
Our Experience Of Auckland’s Sky Tower Walk & Jump
Jumbled up thoughts of fear and my trying to overcome that with bravery raced through my mind as I waited at the base of the Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest building, and home to the […]
12 Unmissable Things to Do In Antalya, Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
Located on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey is the stunning city of Antalya, known for its Roman and Greek history, blissful beaches, historic Old Town, and delicious foodie scene. Needless to say, there are plenty […]
The South America Bucket List: 16 Places To Rave About!
Hola Amigos! So you’re thinking of visiting South America! This colourful continent offers up a feast of great adventures, so if you’re looking for bucket list experiences, you’re not short of options. From hiking to […]
Guide To Visiting Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is arguably the most famous game reserve in South Africa and THE place to go on safari and see African wildlife in their own backyard. It’s known as one of Africa’s largest […]
10 Reasons People Don’t Travel Solo & How To Overcome Them!
Solo travel can be daunting, if you’ve never done it before. You’ve probably heard of the common reasons why people don’t travel solo, such as it’s too scary, you’ll be lonely, and organizing all the […]
A Unique Pedway Tour in Chicago for a different view
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper. The world’s first skyscraper, The Home Insurance Building, was built in the city, marking a turning point in Chicago’s urban history. As more and more skyscrapers were built, […]
Stand Up Paddle Boarding The Mossman River in Port Douglas, QLD
There are not many waterways, rivers and lakes in Tropical North Queensland that are croc-free, but the picturesque Mossman River in the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest outside Port Douglas is one place they are less […]
4 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary: The Best Of The North & South Rim
It’s no secret that the Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic landscapes in the USA. It’s one of the seven Wonders of the World, spans for 277 miles, and sits inside The Grand […]
15 Unmissable Things to Do in New York City For First Timers
New York City has an energy like no other city in the world. All the attractions (food, theater, art, parks) are world-class, and you’ll never run out of exciting things to do in NYC. Although […]
20 Places to See Before You Die: The Ultimate Bucket List
We’ve all got a travel bucket list; it’s the ultimate list of places to see before you die. While there are many great places to travel in the world, there are some that you have […]