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
Introducing Achill Island, Ireland’s largest Offshore island (See, Eat, Do)
Even though I lived in Ireland for 12-months back in 2003 that included a lot of weekend getaways and a full 2-week lap of Ireland taking in many of the top points of interest, I’d […]
Read MoreEscape To Binna Burra Lodge, The #1 Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation
If you thought the Gold Coast region of Australia was all beaches and theme parks, allow me to introduce you to the diversity this region has to offer. Yes, there are fantastic beaches on the […]
Read More50 Amazing Things to Do in Western Australia
Western Australia is home to some of the best landscapes, beaches, food, and wine experiences Australia has to offer – not to mention sunsets that will blow your mind! From unique rock formations to wildlife […]
Read MoreGuide to Whale Watching In Hervey Bay, Australia
Hervey Bay, Queensland, is a spot that is well known as the whale-watching capital of Australia. The Hervey Bay whale watching season runs pretty much the same as the rest of Australia, from June to […]
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to The Great Beach Drive Road Trip
Of the 55,000 kilometres we drove around Australia on our 18-month road trip, only once did we venture onto the beach in our vehicle. We didn’t have a four-wheel drive, therefore beach driving wasn’t an […]
Read MoreHighlights of an 8-Day Ireland Tour with Globus Journeys (Green With Envy)
20 years ago, I lived in Dublin for 12-months with Caroline not long after we got married, and to this day the year 2003 holds some of our most cherished life and travel memories. My […]
Read More13 Exciting Things To Do In Noosa, Queensland!
Noosa is a resort town in Queensland that offers sun, sea, and a laid-back atmosphere. The stunning Noosa National Park is one of the major reasons to visit, which is home to several hiking trails, […]
Read More34 Things to Do in the Gold Coast for Families
Our list of 28 things to do in the Gold Coast for families has activities and adventure for kids (and parents) of all tastes and all ages.
Read More21 Unmissable Things to Do in Darwin + Tips For Visiting
Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and is well known for its incredible sunsets, hippy atmosphere, and close proximity to stunning national parks and nature spots. It’s also one of the best places […]
Read More9 Unmissable Things To Do In Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
Darwin locals are fortunate to be within relatively easy reach of some of my favourite national parks in Australia. In less than 90-minutes drive, you can be within some of the most outstanding nature spots […]
Read MoreThe 10 Best Springbrook National Park Walks: The Green Behind The Gold Coast
Visiting Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia Don’t forget to visit Twin Falls and stay at the Mouse House Retreat
Read More16 Awesome Things To Do On Fraser Island (K’gari)!
Discovering all the incredible things to do on Fraser Island was a highlight of our road trip around Australia. Here are our top 12 highlights on this stunning Queensland island including beach driving and dingo watching!
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