CAROLINE MAKEPEACE - FOUNDER THISISRALEIGH.COM
Caroline Makepeace is the co-founder of two successful online publications: : 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.
Caroline 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 ABC Radio. In addition, YTravelBlog has been recognized by the White House… twice!
She was invited to the White House in 2014 as a top global travel influencer to attend the first travel summit. And she received a green card in 2020 for her extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging and for her contributions to the growth of tourism in the USA.
Caroline has written two ebooks, How to Create a Travel Life you Love and 12 Steps to Sacredness to help people lean into the life they really want and create epic memories. She also created a course, “6 steps to move from Blog to Business,” to help entrepreneurs make money from their love of blogging and a 6-week online program “30 days to Money Mindfulness” to help people improve their relationship with money (and create more of it!)
Her most recent creation, in partnership with her good Entrepreneur friend, Christina is the Empowered Women’s Collective, a mindset-focused membership designed for female entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who are ready to break free from self-doubt and limiting beliefs, take bold action, and create more success with clarity and confidence.
Caroline and Craig created an in-depth training guide on how to travel the USA for foreign teachers living in the USA, and a webinar to help Australians travel through Idaho. They are currently creating an in-depth training guide on relocating to Raleigh.
Caroline regularly speaks at conferences around the world on various topics such as global travel, family travel, social media, influencing and entrepreneurship.
She has keynoted some of the world’s biggest travel conferences like TBEX and Women’s Travel Fest. She has also presented at conferences such as Problogger, New York Times Travel Show, and the Travel and Adventure Show.
Locally in Raleigh, she has presented at the Women’s Social Club, Raleigh Women in Marketing, City Club Raleigh, The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and keynoted at the NC Public Relations Society of America Conference.
Caroline is also a licensed real estate agent in the state of North Carolina. She partners with a high-quality, successful broker to help people relocate and settle into their new life in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is currently creating an in-depth moving to Raleigh guide.
In addition to running the blog and social brand, Caroline calls her work a personal mission to inspire and empower others to travel more and create a life they love. Her family is proof that travel can be a lifestyle!
Caroline has made travel the core focus of her life since 1997. She’s lived in 5 countries, traveled to over 60, traveled 7 years full time with her two daughters, and has been a full-time professional travel blogger since 2010 working with some of the biggest brands in the world including Lonely Planet, Airbnb, Canon, Amex, Ford, Nissan, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Globus Tours, Allianz Travel Insurance.
Locally in Raleigh, she 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.
Caroline also goes by the name of Caz Makepeace- the shortened version of Caroline (it’s an Australian thing!) Caz is the flighty Libran of the Makepeace family, bringing harmony to the family through crystals, meditation, and downward dogs (and the odd glass of wine at 5pm). It’s all about the balance, right?
ALL ARTICLES WRITTEN BY CAROLINE MAKEPEACE
Guide to Downtown Parking in Raleigh: Where To Find The Best Spaces
Navigating parking in downtown Raleigh doesn’t have to be difficult if you know your options. To help you figure out where to park your car, this guide covers everything you need to know about street parking, parking lots, parking garages, and where to find accessible spaces and EV charging points. Street Parking Street parking is available
21 Awesome Music Venues in Raleigh: Where To Find Great Gigs!
Raleigh’s music scene is one of the best in the state. You’ll find concerts and gigs happening almost every night of the week in the City of Oaks, and there’s no shortage of awesome music venues in Raleigh. If you’re looking to let your hair down and rock out to big-name touring artists or local
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary: A Comprehensive Guide to this Local Treasure
Looking for a unique music venue in Wake County? One that’s a cultural gem connecting locals and visitors with high quality entertainment, community, and a picturesque setting synonymous with the City of Oaks. Say hello to one of our favorite music venues in the Raleigh region, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, in Cary. It may be outside
24 Hours in Greensboro: Music, Eats, and Downtown Vibes
Your favorite artist playing in Greensboro? I know you may be disappointed that it’s not just down the road at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, but sometimes you’ve just got to put fuel in the car and drive an hour for the music you love. My youngest daughter, Savannah, and I packed our bags for an
Where To Find The Best Bar Food In Raleigh: 9 Tasty Options
When you’re feeling a bit hungry, but don’t want to get dressed up or spend a fortune at a sit-down restaurant, then finding a place that serves great bar food in Raleigh will satisfy those tiny cravings. Bar food tends to go hand-in hand with catching a game with friends, one of my favorite social
How to Prepare for a Hurricane in Raleigh
When the winds start howling and the clouds gather ominously, it’s time for us living in Raleigh to gear up and batten down the hatches! With Hurricane Debby closely approaching, Raleigh is getting ready for a few days of heavy rain. Do you panic, get prepared, or become too blase as you’ve been here before
45 Essential Things to Know Before Moving to Raleigh, NC
Raleigh keeps expanding and is currently the 10th fastest-growing city in the country, and it’s hard not to see why so many people are moving to Raleigh, NC. As the capital city of North Carolina, the City of Oaks is well known as a great place to live, work, and play, and earn a decent
The Best of Raleigh and Beyond: Where to take Visitors to Raleigh
When my parents flew in from Australia for a three-week visit, we set out to explore the best that Raleigh and the surrounding regions have to offer. This was their fourth visit to Raleigh, and they’ve always really liked it. But on previous visits, we’ve spent most of our time exploring other areas in the
A Memorable Stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront [Review]
We’ve just returned from another overnight trip to Wilmington – this time with my parents visiting from Australia. This was our third stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton on the Wilmington Riverfront, and each time I walk away saying how impressed I am with this Hilton hotel. I’ve stayed at an Embassy Suites hotel
Luxury Seaside Escape: Sanderling Resort, Duck, NC (review)
Renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, isolated serenity, and abundance of amenities, it’s no wonder why travelers from far and wide flock to the mid-luxury Sanderling Resort nestled along the pristine shores of Duck, North Carolina. When I recently needed a solo wellness break, I headed straight to the Sanderling Resort. It’s hard to find
Staying At The Historic Beaufort Inn, SC [Review]
Beaufort is known to be one of the most beautiful and historic Southern towns in the USA. For that reason, you’ll want to make sure your accommodation is a little more than a standard hotel room 3-miles out of town. If you want to stay somewhere unique and full of history and charm, then the
Sheraton Raleigh Hotel Review: The Heart of Downtown Convenience
When visiting Raleigh, whether for a conference, a concert, or simply to explore the vibrant city, finding the right place to stay is crucial. When it comes to location, you cannot beat the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel on Fayetteville Street in the heart of downtown. This 17-story hotel offers an unbeatable location, being within walking distance
Fun Hang Gliding Adventures with Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks [Review]
It’s not all surf, sand, and scrumptious seafood on your Outer Banks vacation! All good family vacations need a dose of adventure, so if you’re looking for a chance to step out of your comfort zone and create a story to share forever, then consider hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites! Hang gliding with Kitty
How To Have A Date Night at Crawford & Son Restaurant, Raleigh
When it comes to finding the perfect date night restaurant, you won’t find a more sophisticated and intimate setting than Crawford and Son, a fine dining establishment in the historic Oakwood neighborhood in Raleigh. We picked Crawford and Son as our date night location because it had a curated, ever-changing menu, but still has a
Traveling for Pet Owners in Raleigh: How House Sitting Can Make Your Travel Hassle-Free
Are you a travel enthusiast but find yourself conflicted between exploring new places and leaving your cherished pets behind? As fellow animal lovers and relatively new pet owners, we understand. Luckily, there’s a solution called pet sitting or house sitting. This strategy allows you to roam freely while ensuring your furry friends are well taken
How to Enjoy a Night at the Durham Bulls Baseball
Swing batter batter. Who’s ready to enjoy a fun family night out at the Durham Bulls Game? Only a short 30-minute drive from downtown Raleigh, and you’ve landed yourself at Durham Bulls Baseball field, an iconic USA baseball experience! In case your new to the Raleigh area – or just visiting – and aren’t aware,
How To Enjoy A Mountain Getaway to Roanoke from Raleigh: Escape To Virginia’s Blue Ridge
If you’re thinking it’s time to pack up your trunk and hit the North Carolina mountains, then you’ll want to start the car and head a short three-hour drive northwest to Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. With its lush mountain landscape and valley location, you are spoilt for choice for outdoor activities to make the
bartaco Raleigh Review: A Restaurant Upping the Vibrancy of Raleigh
We found ourselves eating at bartaco Raleigh after randomly meeting the general manager, Brian Gibson, while celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary at another restaurant in Raleigh. I love how chance encounters can lead you to meet not just cool people, but exceptional dining experiences you WANT to share with others. So here we are! We’ve