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
7 Helpful Tips for a New England Road Trip in the Fall
If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know we love road trips. And a New England road trip in the fall has always been high on our USA bucket list. Back home in […]
Read MoreHow to Stay Cool and Protected in Summer with Columbia Sportswear
Thank you Columbia Sportswear for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Columbia, all content and opinions expressed here are my own. As we always say, travel does not have to stop once you […]
Read More9 Fun Things to do in Williamsburg VA (+ where to eat and sleep)
Looking for tips on fun things to do in Williamsburg VA? From theme parks, to living-history museums, to outdoor adventures, Greater Williamsburg Virginia is bursting with fun attractions and memory making opportunities. Its location makes […]
Read MoreGet Your Thrill On: 7 Adventurous Activities in Williamsburg VA with Kids
Greater Williamsburg is most known for its incredible live history experiences in Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. However, there are plenty of thrills and adventurous activities in Williamsburg VA waiting for you, and most in […]
Read More11 Places to Eat in New Orleans to Taste Some of the Most Delicious Food in the US
Wow New Orleans. You have been the best “foodie” destination we have visited so far on our travels in the USA since moving over from Australia. Seriously, we did not have a bad meal during […]
Read MoreThe 5 Best Family Resorts in Fiji Islands
Looking for a holiday destination that doesn’t just allow kids but is actually focussed on making their holiday fun? Then look no further than a Fiji family holiday. Fiji family holidays have long been a […]
Read More20 Amazing Places to Visit in Hawaii on a Family Vacation
Looking for beautiful places to visit in Hawaii on a family vacation? We’ve got you covered. Winter has arrived in the US and after returning home to North Carolina from a fantastic but COLD 12 […]
Read More3 Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation Options
When you hear the name Gold Coast, you probably associate the destination with golden beaches, theme parks, and nightclubs. After recently living in Burleigh Heads for 18 months and going inland and exploring the Gold […]
Read More7 Things to Do in The Bahamas That Will Make Your Bahamas Vacation Unforgettable
The sparkling sand and glittering ocean of The Bahamas Out Islands stretches out before you as you soar overhead. Island hopping throughout this glorious landscape is one of the best things to do in the […]
Read MoreIntroducing Prana Clothing – welcome additions to our travel wardrobe
To say Caz and I have been overdue for new additions to our travel wardrobe would be an understatement. My go to jacket has traveled with me all over the world for the past 10 […]
Read More11 Insanely Cool Things to Do in Memphis with Kids (or without)
This is not your typical things to do in Memphis with kids guide. Yes, you can visit Memphis with kids and still do adult stuff. When we travel we like to find a balance between […]
Read More15 Tips for Getting the Best Travel Insurance Policy
I know. We don’t like having to buy travel insurance either. And I don’t even like talking about it or having to do research and compare the best travel insurance companies. It’s never an exciting […]
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