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
27 Unmissable Things To Do In Bangkok, Thailand
There’s a reason that Thailand’s vibrant capital is the most visited city in the world. It’s a kaleidoscope of adventure, where gilded temples glisten and long-tail boats glide along winding canals, and the scent of […]
23 Exciting things to do in NYC with kids: Big fun in The Big Apple
From the first “whoa” moment of seeing the Empire State Building up close to the joy of riding the iconic carousel in Central Park, New York City has something for every little explorer (and grown-ups […]
13 Day Trips From Sydney: The Perfect Escape Just Around The Corner
Looking for suggestions on day trips from Sydney? These coastal and inland destinations are within 3 hours from Sydney, perfect for a Sydney weekend getaway
21 Unmissable things to do in Melbourne on your first visit!
Melbourne is much like the perfect flat white; it reveals its layers sip by sip. Tucked below high-rises and skyscrapers, laneways whisper stories in its ever-changing art murals, trams hum their way through grand old […]
20 Unmissable Things to do in Hong Kong
Dim sum-one say it’s time to visit Hong Kong? It’s high time you did, it’s a country that is unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s where grassy peaks jut through dystopian-looking skyscrapers, where double-decker […]
Rolling Down Under: 15 Best Road Trips In Australia For Adventure + Beauty
Where do you go on a road trip in one of the most beautiful (and vast) countries in the world? Start with one of these 14 road trips!
33 Unmissable Things To Do In Hawaii With Kids
If you’re dreaming of a tropical family vacation, Hawaii is as deliciously looking as the ripest pineapple on the tree — it’s sweet, sunny, and with just enough tang to keep everyone on their toes. […]
15 Phuket Beaches Not To Miss
When you’re picturing Thailand in your mind, no doubt pristine white sand beaches come to mind, and where better to find some of the best of the best than on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket. Kissed […]
19 Unmissable Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids
New Orleans is world famous for its jazz bars and nightlife, and is not the first place that you think of when you think of family vacations. I mean, how many other cities can you […]
Gift Ideas For Someone Going Travelling: Sentimental, Practical, Unique
Looking for gift ideas for travelers? This list of the best travel gifts includes gifts for women, kids, electronics, packing essentials and more! Written from 20 years of travel experience! We know travel essential!
26 Other-worldy places to visit in Utah
Utah is one of the most unique states, with a landscape unlike anywhere else on the planet. Known for its red, stone cathedrals, slot canyons, and deserts painted in stripes of red and gold. Most […]
17 Awesome Things To Do On K’Gari (Fraser Island)
Discovering all the incredible things to do on Fraser Island was a highlight of our road trip around Australia. Here are our top 12 highlights on this stunning Queensland island including beach driving and dingo watching!