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
Go Swim at Elephant Rocks & Green Pool Denmark, Western Australia
Just when we thought Western Australia’s coastline couldn’t get any more stunning, Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, Denmark WA turned it on for us. These are Western Australia’s most iconic beaches and are known for […]
Guide To Bruny Island Cruises in Tasmania
I wanted to visit Bruny Island off the southeast coast of Tasmania as soon as I heard it was the ultimate wilderness experience to have in Tasmania. Not only is there abundant coastal wildlife, but […]
14 Exciting Things to do in Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world, but you’ll find there are plenty more things to do in Napa Valley, California than just wine tasting and vineyard tours. It sits […]
Guide To The Gordon River Cruises in Strahan, Tasmania
The waterfront village of Strahan is the major town on Tasmania’s west coast and the starting point of the famous Gordon River cruise through the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Surrounded by nothing but […]
15 Amazing Beaches in Tasmania You Must Set Foot On
For a small state, Tasmania has a lot going for it, especially when it comes to nature. Some of the most amazing nature sites I’ve seen, have been on one of the best beaches in […]
Guide to Visiting The Bay of Fires, Tasmania
The Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s biggest attractions and needs only a few words to explain how magnificent they are. Situated on the northeast coast of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires is a region […]
How to Walk The Dove Lake Walk Beneath Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Tasmania has a list called “60 Great Short Walks,” and one of the top walks on that list is the walk around Dove Lake beneath Cradle Mountain. We love to walk and hike but our […]
Guide To The Famous Wineglass Bay Walk, Tasmania
You’ve probably seen a photo of Wineglass Bay in a tourism advertisement for Tasmania, it’s one of the most photographed beaches in all of Tas. The shimmering crescent of white sand meeting the turquoise water […]
15 Best Things To Do In Brisbane, Queensland
Planning a trip to Australia and not sure what to do in Brisbane? Despite being a stopping point for exploring other parts of Queensland, there is actually a lot of things to do in Brisbane. […]
8 Exciting Things to do in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
When it comes to finding unspoiled and breathtaking nature in Tasmania, you won’t find anywhere more beautiful than Freycinet National Park. Despite being a national park, there are plenty of things to do in Freycinet […]
15 Best Things to Do in Coffs Harbour NSW
If you’re planning a visit to Coffs Harbour, you’re probably heading there to visit the beaches and grab a selfie with the Big Banana monument. But there are plenty more things to do in Coffs […]
15 Best Beaches in South Coast NSW, Australia
Although I haven’t been to every beach in Australia… yet, I’m pretty confident the South Coast NSW has some of the best beaches in the country. We spent three weeks in this region, and I […]