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
Your Guide To Visiting The famous Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay
I only started paying attention to Hyams Beach after seeing it splashed across a billboard at a train station in Sydney. In front of me was this pristine looking beach with incredibly clear water, powdery […]
Hiking the Gorgeous Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk with Kids
When you visit Byron Bay – and you MUST visit Byron Bay – one of our top recommendations for things to do is an early-morning walk to the Byron Bay Lighthouse. In case you didn’t know, Byron […]
A Stay At The Historic Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages, NSW [Review]
Enjoy a weekend getaway at the heritage listed Sugar Loaf Point Lighthouse in Seal Rocks, Australia.
11 Stunning Byron Bay Beaches You Must Set Foot On
The Byron Bay Beaches are legendary. It’s not just Australians and the surfing community who know about Byron Bay, but people all over the world. They draw thousands of international visitors from around the world […]
The Sensational White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay
Man, I loved this coastal walk. It’s one of those trails I could have just kept on walking (even with a 2-year-old strapped on my back). I’m putting the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum track in […]
29 Best walks in Australia: Short to multi-day walks
Our favorite way to explore any destination is on foot and during our 18-month road trip around OZ we were on a mission to discover some of the best walks in Australia. We love walking as […]
The 15 Best Cities in Chile to Visit!
Sometimes it’s the most underestimated cities and towns that leave the biggest impression on us as a traveler. While Chile is a top destination in South America for many, most people come to Chile for […]
How To Go Sand Boarding in Huacachina, Peru
Have you ever witnessed the raw beauty of a desert oasis? We hadn’t. We figured the only way to experience such a unique eco-system would be to travel to Northern Africa or the Middle East. […]
Which side of Iguazu Falls is better? Brazil vs Argentina
If you’re planning an epic adventure across South America and are lucky enough to visit Brazil and Argentina, then you must make sure to visit Iguazu Falls in South America. This is one of the […]
8 Unique Reasons to Visit Egypt!
You might be on the fence about visiting Egypt and that’s absolutely understandable, it doesn’t exactly have the best reputation as a travel destination. When I hear people talk about Egypt, they talk about how […]
Ethiopia Travel Advice: What to Do + Tips for Visiting
Ethiopia is one of the most vibrant countries in Northern Africa, known for its coffee trade, amazing scenery, fascinating history and unique tribal cultures. Those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in a totally unique and […]
15 Best Greece Islands To Visit!
Trying to decide what Greek Islands to visit? Here are the personalities of 7 Greek Islands you don’t want to miss. Which is your favourite?