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
A Unique Pedway Tour in Chicago for a different view
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper. The world’s first skyscraper, The Home Insurance Building, was built in the city, marking a turning point in Chicago’s urban history. As more and more skyscrapers were built, […]
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding The Mossman River in Port Douglas, QLD
There are not many waterways, rivers and lakes in Tropical North Queensland that are croc-free, but the picturesque Mossman River in the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest outside Port Douglas is one place they are less […]
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4 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary: The Best Of The North & South Rim
It’s no secret that the Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic landscapes in the USA. It’s one of the seven Wonders of the World, spans for 277 miles, and sits inside The Grand […]
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15 Unmissable Things to Do in New York City For First Timers
New York City has an energy like no other city in the world. All the attractions (food, theater, art, parks) are world-class, and you’ll never run out of exciting things to do in NYC. Although […]
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The 15 Best Things Do in Washington DC For First Timers
Anyone visiting the United States of America cannot miss a chance to visit the Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C. It’s a popular tourist destination for those looking to see architectural wonders and explore some of the […]
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20 Places to See Before You Die: The Ultimate Bucket List
We’ve all got a travel bucket list; it’s the ultimate list of places to see before you die. While there are many great places to travel in the world, there are some that you have […]
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13 Unmissable Things to Do in Chicago For First Timers
Chicago is a wonderful place to visit to see world renowned architecture (with one of the best skylines in the world), world-class museums and public art, beautiful parks, taste amazing food from around the world, […]
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18 Amazing Things to Do in Honolulu, Hawaii For First Timers
There really isn’t anywhere in the world quite like Honolulu. Not only is it the capital of Hawaii, but it’s the gateway to exploring this majestic island chain, known for its palm fringed beaches, WWII […]
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20 Fun Things To Do In Melbourne With Kids
Melbourne is one of the most vibrant and captivating cities in Australia, and offers a host of wonderful attractions and activities for tiny humans. From wildlife parks to kid-friendly museums to educational attractions, there are […]
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15 Unmissable Things To Do in Pittsburgh, PA For First Timers
Pittsburgh is a beautiful and historic city with a rich sporting culture and vibrant art scene, offering a plethora of things to do and places to visit. As far as cities in the Midwest go, […]
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Key Reasons to Visit Byron Bay with Kids + Things To Do!
Byron Bay is famous for its beautiful beaches and alternative surfer lifestyle. While it’s known for attracting the young, backpacker crowds and surfer communities, it’s also the perfect destination for your next family holiday. When […]
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18 Family-Friendly Gold Coast Restaurants We Fell In Love With
You will never run out of places to eat on the Gold Coast. It may be known for its theme parks and sandy shores, but it’s culinary scene is not to be scoffed at. If […]
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