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
The 11 Best Secret Sunny Holiday Destinations in Europe!
If the idea of a summer spent basking in the sunshine on sandy beaches, sipping a refreshing glass of white wine, and dining on exquisite seafood is a dream we all need to make into […]
22 of the Best Queensland Beaches to Set Foot On!
When it comes to finding the best beaches in Australia, you can’t miss the Queensland beaches. The Queensland coast stretches over 7,400 kilometres, and features over 1,700 beaches (not including the tropical island beaches off […]
23 Experiences to Have In Ireland (for 1st time visitors)
For me, travel is about accumulating memories and moments, and if you don’t know what to do in Ireland to create those memorable Ireland travel experiences as a first-time visitor to the Emerald Isle, I’m […]
Escape To Binna Burra Lodge, The #1 Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation
If you thought the Gold Coast region of Australia was all beaches and theme parks, allow me to introduce you to the diversity this region has to offer. Yes, there are fantastic beaches on the […]
Highlights of an 8-Day Ireland Tour with Globus Journeys (Green With Envy)
20 years ago, I lived in Dublin for 12-months with Caroline not long after we got married, and to this day the year 2003 holds some of our most cherished life and travel memories. My […]
6 Reasons to Stay at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale
If you follow us on social media, or on the blog, you might have seen that our stay at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale was to surprise my visiting family from Australia. […]
Moment 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 […]
5 Travel Photography Tips from a National Geographic Photographer
Award-winning, global travel photographer Susan Seubert has agreed to give us a few preparation photography tips for taking beautiful photos while traveling the world. Susan is a National Geographic Photography Expert and in addition to […]
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 […]
7 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 […]
I 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 […]
5 Tips to Get Out of Debt So You Can Travel More
Bucket list destinations, travel planning for that next trip, family vacations, quitting your job to travel – we all have our travel dreams and goals. Since we love all travel let’s talk about how to […]