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
Why We Need More Travel Bloggers (but not the annoying kind)
When I left for my first trip to India my father pulled me aside and said, “Some of the most important moments in history have been recorded on film or written down by travellers. Make […]
Read More5 Reasons Why Traveling with Kids Creates a Better Experience
Do kids enhance the travel experience for you. Here’s 5 Reasons Why we think Traveling with Kids Creates a Better Traveling Experience
Read MoreTravel Planning 101 – How to Save Money and Time!
Last week we spoke about how to choose your travel destinations. If you’re having trouble deciding where to visit this year, go and read that post first. Now that you know your destinations for the […]
Read MoreThe Luxurious Soneva Kiri Beach Resort on Koh Kood Thailand
Looking for luxury family resort in Thailand? The Soneva Kiri Beach Resort on the island of Koh Kood is just the place!
Read MoreWalking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge (it’s Free)
A few months ago Savannah and I were in Sydney and found ourselves with an hour to kill. It was morning, the sun was shining, and I felt like stretching my legs. So I thought […]
Read More7 Days, 7 Highlights – our road trip around Australia has begun!
One week down already on our big road trip around Australia. Our first day on the road last week was a long time coming, and filled with much anticipation and excitement. I haven’t had that […]
Read MoreHow to Find Cheap Flights – 19 Tips and Best Websites
Would you like to know how to find cheap flights online? The first thing you need to do is learn about the best websites for searching deals, and to know the general trends to be aware […]
Read MoreLearning to Scuba Dive at Shelly Beach, Sydney
Learning to scuba dive at Shelly Beach in Sydney with Pro Dive was awesome. It’s a perfect dive spot in Sydney for beginners and you’re right near Manly!
Read MoreTravelling South America with a baby – Would you do it?
This is a guest post from Kylah from Intrepid Monkeys Travelling through South America with our baby boy we encounter the affectionate terms “qué lindo” and “qué hermoso” (‘how cute / beautiful’) almost daily. Ollie […]
Read MoreThe Luxurious Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, Whitsundays
Queensland is making it a habit of blowing my mind – most recently it was on Hayman Island in the Whitsunday Islands. Each time I visit a new destination in Queensland it becomes my new […]
Read MoreStand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) in Port Douglas, Queensland
Haven’t you always wanted to try Stand Up Paddle Boarding? In Tropical North Queensland? On a picturesque river? With no crocs in sight? I know I have. Especially the no crocs bit. How about visiting […]
Read MoreI want to know your Secret
“What is your secret? How do you get to do all these amazing things?” I was asked this question recently when I announced on our Facebook page I was flying to Dubai as a guest […]
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