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
19 Unmissable Things to Do In Cyprus
Cyprus is a stunning Mediterranean island that offers visitors sun, sea and incredible sightseeing. It’s friendly locals welcome you with a smile, and the pace gets turned down a notch, allowing you to simply kick […]
Seville off The Beaten Path: 14 Hidden Gems!
Seville, or Sevilla to the locals, is a beautiful city in Southern Spain, and according to a large majority (including me), it is one of the most vibrant cities in the country. Known for being the […]
16 Unique Ways To Enjoy A New York City Summer!
If you’re planning a New York summer, then you’re going to want to go in prepared, otherwise you’ll find yourself standing in long queues, exhausted by the heat, and frustrated by all the people. New […]
The Great Ocean Road Attractions In Order: The Perfect Itinerary
The Great Ocean Road is one of the best road trips in Australia. We share the top places to visit on the Great Ocean Road.
Experiencing Salamanca Market in Hobart, Tasmania
My favourite area of Hobart is the historic Salamanca Place with its Georgian sandstone buildings, warehouses, pubs, and cafes. But most importantly, I love it because it also plays host to the famous Salamanca Market, […]
Subterranean London: Attractions You Must See Below The Ground
Are you looking for a slightly different perspective of London? Although many of the city’s most notable sites are above ground, you will find that there is a lot of history, remarkable works of engineering, […]
The Ultimate 2 Week South Coast NSW Road Trip Itinerary
If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of Sydney and explore the road less travelled, it’s high time you embarked on a South Coast New South Wale road trip. The South […]
17 Unmissable Things To Do In Vilnius
Vilnius is the vibrant capital of Lithuania, though you wouldn’t think it when you arrive. This is a small and charming city, with only 500,000 residents, it boasts a small town vibe, but still has […]
17 Free (& Cheap) Things to Do on the Gold Coast!
Visiting the Gold Coast soon? Here is my list of free (or cheap) things to do on the Gold Coast for families, or non-families too! Packed full of resources to help you with your Gold Coast family holiday planning
51 Amazing Things to Do in Western Australia
Western Australia is home to some of the best landscapes, beaches, food, and wine experiences Australia has to offer – not to mention sunsets that will blow your mind! There are so many incredible things […]
12 Exciting Places Near Melbourne for a Weekend Getaway
If Melbourne is on your Australian itinerary, and it should be, once you’re done with the city here are 8 amazing getaways from Melbourne to visit!
How To Spend Two Weeks In Australia [5 Perfect Itineraries!]
If you’ve only got two weeks to travel Australia, here’s what you’d be mad not to include!