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
14 Ideas For What to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is one of the most captivating destinations in Guatemala. It has a unique blend of colonial charm and natural wonders, making it a dazzling sight to witness no matter when you visit. From walking […]
Our Hot Air Balloon Over Atherton Tablelands Experience
The Atherton Tablelands in Tropical North Queensland was the setting for our early morning hot air balloon ride from Cairns. Before arriving in Tropical North Queensland, I was of course, familiar with it being the location […]
10 Unmissable Things to Do in Orange, New South Wales
If you’re looking for a destination that’s famous for its gourmet wineries, award-winning restaurants, and picturesque rolling countryside views, then head to the town of Orange in New South Wales. Despite being a small town […]
Is It Worth Visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo Zoo)?
Staying overnight in Dubbo Zoofari Lodge at Dubbo Zoo was like being on a real African safari. It’s an open air zoo best experienced on a bike or on a Zoofari!
7 Handy Tips for Driving in Australia
Australia is the sixth biggest country and is also one of the most diverse. With every state and territory, there is such a different landscape and climate from the next, the best way to see […]
11 Unmissable Places To Visit In Australia
As Australians who travel extensively, we are always meeting other travelers who are curious about exploring our homeland, and one of the questions we always get asked is “what are the BEST places to visit […]
How to Deal With Baksheesh In Egypt (& How To Spot it)
“Hey, a little something, give me 1 Pound, eh eh eh eh, come on.” This is the familiar choice of persuasive words, researched and practiced over years to perfection, that you will encounter a lot […]
How To Travel More In Your Local Area
One of the biggest pieces of advice we give to those wanting to travel more but don’t have the funds for a big trip, is to simply travel in your own backyard. Traveling in your […]
18 Unmissable Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington travel tips on what to do in Wellington from an insiders perspective.
23 Unmissable Things To Do On New Zealand’s North Island
New Zealand’s North Island, also known as Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Waipounamu, is where you’ll find the country’s capital city, Wellington, as well as some of the country’s most beautiful nature sites. It’s the largest of […]
22 Fun Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch is the gateway to New Zealand’s South Island and is well known for its spectacular scenery, food scene, and art scene. The city was hit by a major earthquake in 2011, reaching a magnitude […]
14 Best Things To Do In Antarctica To Do On Your Expedition
If ever given the chance to visit the seventh and arguably the most enchanting continent of Antarctica, take it!