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
10 Incredible Things To Do In The Seychelles
The Seychelles Islands are pure paradise. For many, a visit to The Seychelles is a dream come true and a bucket list holiday destination. When people think of this island haven, they think of soft, pure […]
19 Exciting Things To Do In Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania surprised me; though it’s such a small state, it left a big impression. I guess the saying “good things come in small packages” fits well with Tasmania. Although Tasmania is famous for being quiet, […]
The 13 Best Backpacks For Travel In 2024
If you’re someone looking to ditch the suitcase and try a backpack on your travels, then you’ve come to the right place. When you’re traveling, flexibility is key. With a backpack, you can easily navigate […]
Everything You Need To Know About Wilsons Promontory National Park
Wilsons Promontory National Park, or as the locals call it – Wilsons Prom, is a gem waiting to be discovered. Located on the southernmost tip of Victoria, occupying a peninsula made of rugged, granite mountains […]
5 Towns On the Great Ocean Road To Visit, Australia
Don’t just visit the Twelve Apostles when you drive along the Great Ocean Road. Here are 5 towns along the Great Ocean Road to visit!
18 Fun Things To Do In Banff Town, Alberta
Banff is a stunning region in Canada in the winter and summer. Check out what you can do in Banff!
19 Awesome Things To Do In Vancouver
Vancouver is well known for its stunning natural beauty, whale watching and wildlife encounters, and vibrant cosmopolitan city vibes. It’s proximity to the North Shore Mountains makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, while city dwellers […]
25 Unmissable Things To Do In Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a city that captivates travelers with its vibrant energy and diverse culture. It has so much to offer, from mesmerizing examples of modern architecture, to world class museums, to a delectable culinary scene […]
What It’s Like Visiting Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong
Despite what the name implies, Chungking Mansions isn’t someone’s home and it’s by no means luxurious. Located in the bustling neighborhood of Tsim Sha Tsui, in Kowloon Hong Kong, this huge building complex was once […]
19 Exciting Things To Do In Shanghai, China
Shanghai is China’s biggest and richest city, and is where ancient traditions and modernity collide in a seamless way. Needless to say, there are many things to do in Shanghai, from strolling along the iconic […]
19 Amazing Things to Do in Beijing, China
Looking for travel tips on what to do in Beijing? Then you’ve come to the right place! Beijing is the bustling capital of China and is known for being a treasure trove of cultural landmarks, […]