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
Best Hong Kong accommodation options – from budget to luxury!
Need advice on where to stay in Hong Kong? I’ve created a short list of the best Hong Kong accommodation options for 3, 4,and 5-star hotels, plus apartments and hostels. There are literally hundreds of places […]
Read MoreBest Melbourne accommodation options from budget to luxury
There are literally hundreds of places to stay in Melbourne and to save you some time, and hopefully some money, I’ve researched the best Melbourne accommodation options and narrowed down your choices to a few select properties. If […]
Read More15 Exciting Things to do in Sydney with Kids
The list of things to do in Sydney with kids could be endless. Caz and I both grew up an hour north of Sydney and have visited Sydney countless times as kids ourselves and now […]
Read MoreA Helpful Resource for Georgia Tips and Highlights
Welcome to our things to do in Georgia bucket list. This is your hub for all the best places to visit in GA, including top Georgia attractions, cool cities and small towns, unique outdoor adventures, beautiful beaches […]
Read MoreMoment of Gratitude for the Royal Flying Doctors Service
Me: “What would you do if it was your child?” Doctor: “If it was my child….long pause….I would drive straight to Townsville”. Not what I wanted to hear, considering Townsville was a six hour drive […]
Read MoreA bucket list of Colorado tips and highlights
Welcome to our things to do in Colorado bucket list. This is your hub for all the best places to visit in CO, including top Colorado attractions, cool cities, unique outdoor adventures and ski vacation fun. You’ll find […]
Read More5 Important things to plan when moving overseas
Written by Adley Burrows Young people are well renowned for globetrotting and settling in almost every crevice of our glorious planet. However, after they have found themselves on their spiritual quest, its back to their cosy […]
Read More5 best accommodation in Sydney CBD – from budget to luxury
Looking for a place to stay on your visit to Sydney? We have researched the best accommodation in the Sydney CBD to save you time! Let us know what you choose.
Read MoreA Romantic Getaway to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Looking for a romantic getaway in Queensland that doesn’t involve islands, scorching temperatures, and sand following you back to your cosy cabin? Consider the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It’s not often Caz and I get away […]
Read MoreIntroducing the Anti-Chafe Boardshorts by NoNetz
This post is sponsored by NoNetz swimwear I grew up five minutes from the beach and currently live across the road from one of the best family beaches in Australia – Burleigh Heads – so I’ve […]
Read More12 Natural Wonders of Australia
What is Australia best known for? What excites me about travelling in Australia and sharing it with others? In my mind when I think of Australia and places to suggest to others to explore, I […]
Read MoreBest Things to Do in Maui on a Short Break
If you only have a short amount of time, these are the best things to do in Maui. You won’t want to miss any of them. Named for the mythological demi-god of Polynesia who is […]
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