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
13 Unmissable Places To Visit In Estonia
If you’re planning a trip to Northern Europe, and are looking for something a little off the beaten track, yet still interesting to see, then Estonia is a must. With tons of history, both old […]
Insider Tips: What To Do In Vienna, Austria
Planning to visit Vienna? Want to know what to do in Vienna, Austria? We have some insider tips sharing the best things to do in Vienna, best places to eat and drink in Vienna and how to get around Vienna – plus many more.
17 Ideas For What to Do in Charleston, South Carolina
Looking for tips on what to do in Charleston, South Carolina? Then you’ve come to the right place. Charleston is famous for its historic sites, 18th century architecture, incredible beaches and nature sites, and warm […]
How To Travel The World By House Sitting
I had a dream and for a very long time, but that was all it was, a dream. I dreamt that I could travel the world by house sitting, which many years ago seemed like […]
38 Fun Things To Do In The Northern Territory, Australia
I’m always telling anyone who will listen that the Northern Territory, or Top End of Australia as the locals call it, is a different side of Australia. There are so many things to do in […]
14 Ideas For What To Do In Santa Fe, New Mexico
Need travel tips on what to do in Santa Fe, then who better to ask than a local who has lived there since 2004, like Billie Frank…
Guide to Visiting the Pinnacles in Western Australia
Western Australia is full of incredible landscapes, but perhaps one of the most special is the ancient limestone formations known as The Pinnacles. These rock formations are another example of how extraordinarily beautiful this state […]
21 Exciting Things to Do in Perth, Western Australia
I’ve been raving about how much we loved our six-month trip through Western Australia and that anyone visiting Aus needs to head west and not just stick to the east coast of Oz. And that […]
11 Amazing Things To Do In Exmouth, WA
Exmouth is a town on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, a 15-hour drive north of Perth. It’s a small town with a laid-back atmosphere, incredible beaches, and is the gateway to the world heritage […]
New York Accommodation: 35 Best Hotels in NYC (From Budget To Luxury)
The best New York City accommodation from budget to luxury, from hotels to apartments. I’ve done the research for you to save you time figuring out where to stay in New York!
9 Beaches in Margaret River You Must Set Foot On
Margaret River is not all wine tasting and gourmet food you know. These beaches Margaret River are some of the best beaches in Australia, even the world. Oh and the wine is good too!
Exploring the Valley of the Giants + tree Top walk
A walk amongst nature is always near the top of my activities list, whether I’m at home or on the road exploring new places. The fresh air, the peacefulness, and the escaping of crowds do wonders […]