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
Climbing the Jiankou Great Wall of China Off-The-Beaten-Path
There are at least 5 major sections of the Great Wall of China near Beijing and each section of the wall is different in character, and attracts a different type of tourist. When climbing the […]
19 Exciting Things To Do In Alaska For Your Bucket List!
The count down is on until we start our 2 year USA road trip and we want you to help shape our journey. Today we want you to help us create our things to do in Alaska bucket list.
Tuk-Tuks are for Tourists: Secrets for Getting Around Thailand
Exploring Thailand is relatively easy, but its easy to get overwhelmed by the numbers of options when it comes to getting around. Depending on where you are in Thailand, you may choose a unique and […]
21 Unmissable Things To Do In Northern Ireland
Are you thinking about exploring the enchanting land of Northern Ireland, where captivating landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality combine? Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, there is no […]
15 Unmissable Things to Do in Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is the vibrant and captivating capital of Serbia, nestled at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. It’s a treasure trove of cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and an electric atmosphere that will leave […]
11 Key Reasons to Visit Transylvania This Year
Have you ever wandered about what a journey to Transylvania would be like? This mysterious land, shrouded in mystery and folklore, is best known for its gothic castles, pristine natural beauty, and enchanting history. Nestled […]
21 Amazing Things To Do In Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is famous for its vibrant arts scene, fascinating history, electrifying nightlife, and beautiful urban parks. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or somewhere different and exciting […]
The 9 Most Beautiful Czech Republic Cities To Visit This Year
Eastern Europe is a destination that has been intriguing many travelers over the past couple of years, with more and more people recognizing it as a destination of undeniable natural beauty, a unique culture, stunning […]
Why You Should Travel To Eastern Europe This Year
For many, a trip to Europe is a bucket list moment in their lives, but Eastern Europe doesn’t get the same buzz that Western Europe does. Is it because of pop culture and plenty of […]
23 Amazing Things To Do In Phuket!
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is a tropical paradise that attracts millions of tourists every year. Needless to say, there are plenty of things to do in Phuket to keep any traveler […]
The 7 Best Food Tours in Rome Italy
When you think about the food you might eat on a visit to Italy, most people think about gelato and pizza. I wasn’t any different. What I learned from a food tour in Rome is that […]
The Best Weekend Trip To Denver Itinerary
Denver is one of the most unique cities in the USA and is packed with things to see and do. The mile high city is known for its incredible mountain views, buzzing sports culture, fascinating […]