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
11 Places to Stay near Duke University, Durham, for a Campus Visit
If you’re planning on visiting Duke University in Durham, you’re not short of accommodation near Duke’s leafy campus to use as your base. However, Durham isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. You can wake up in a grand, historic inn with polished wood floors or in a sleek boutique hotel that feels more like an art gallery
The Best Events in Raleigh in July 2026: Summer Fun has Begun!
Summer is really happening now! Big Raleigh events and festivals are much quieter in July, but live music, theatre, and concerts are in huge demand! People are flocking to cool down at our nearby lakes, and a little further to our NC beaches, and the sunflowers are getting ready to bloom! The World Cup soccer
Sizzling Summer Vibes in North Hills: Your Guide to Fun, Food & Family Events [2026 Update]
If you’re craving summer vibes that sizzle, North Hills is where it’s at. No need to complain it’s too hot, because not only does Midtown Raleigh have plenty of things to enjoy inside, plus outdoor spaces with cooling fans and mists, there’s frozen treats to turn down the heat! Whether you’re planning a date night,
Raleigh’s 4th July Events: Where to see fireworks + other activities!
We figured out quickly after moving to the USA and Raleigh that July 4th is the biggest day of the year. Especially in 2026, which marks America’s 250th birthday, so celebrations are going to be bigger than ever (if that’s even possible). It’s a day for celebration with those you love, coming together to eat
Getaway to Danville & Pittsylvania County, Virginia: a getaway guide for Raleigh Weekenders (90 minutes away)
We didn’t plan to fall for Danville. We drove up to this small city on the Dan River just over the border not really knowing what to expect. What we found was a layered little city with a tobacco-and-textile past, a civil rights story most people in Raleigh have never heard, a river trail that
Dive Into These 21 Best Places To Swim Near Raleigh (Lakes, Pools, Parks & Beaches)
Good news for Raleigh locals this summer; you don’t need to venture too far for cool waters to gain respite from the scorching heat! It turns out, there are several places to swim in Raleigh. When summer comes around, we all know how the temperatures soar and the humidity rises, which is why we all
Where To Watch Soccer In Raleigh (football to Europeans)
If you’re a fan of soccer (football to Europeans) then you might be wondering where you can watch the big matches in Raleigh. Although not the most popular sport here, there’s no shortage of places to watch soccer in Raleigh – in fact, this city embraces all sports, so no matter your interests, there will
Where to watch the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh: Best watch parties
The sirens are back. Red shirts on every patio. The flag in our front yard hasn’t come down since the Canes swept Ottawa, then Philly, then ran through Montreal in five. We watched the Canes lift the Cup in 2006 and took that memory back to Australia with us. Told the story more times than
The Best Events in Raleigh in June 2026: Fun Month ahead!
Summer is finally here! Whether you’re planning to hit the beaches, cool off in the mountains, or stay in Raleigh and enjoy all the incredible summer festivals and events and things to do, we’re here to help with lots of ideas on our blog and social channels. Down below we’re sharing what we think are
Chester Hills Apartments, A Local’s Review (Live near the best of Raleigh)
I spent an hour working from a private coworking room at Chester Hills Apartments last week. Craig was outside flying the drone over the pool. The coffee was good. The vitamin-infused water was a small surprise I didn’t know I wanted. A follower of our Facebook page walked past, stopped to say hi, and shared
Indoor Things To Do On A Rainy Day in Raleigh: 24 Top Indoor Activities!
Rain rain, go away! It can be frustrating when the weather won’t play ball, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop, there are plenty of indoor things to do in Raleigh when it rains. If you’re new to Raleigh, it’s important to understand our environment isn’t this lush in the summer without a
Enjoy a Blissful Solo Wellness Getaway in Duck, NC
Are you seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of Raleigh and want to find a place immersed in natural beauty that slows down time and helps you find inner peace? Then you might want to look towards Duck, North Carolina, a serene oasis nestled on a quiet section of the Outer Banks barrier
Independent Bookstores in Raleigh: Where to Go for Indie, Preloved & Unique Books
Despite being a capital city, Raleigh still retains a beloved independent shop scene that feels quietly local. We’re big fans of exploring the labyrinth of bookshelves in Raleigh’s independent bookshops, which are often overstuffed with new and preloved books, and usually offer more than just books. Indie bookshops in Raleigh have books as their anchor,
Ultimate Guide to Fenton, Cary (Eat, Shop, Play & Live)
Fenton in Cary is a polished, walkable district that blends Southern ease with cosmopolitan flair. It’s where you can sip craft coffee while drifting into boutique shops, or spend your evenings clinking glasses on rooftops with twinkling lights. It’s more than a shopping district, it’s a place for lingering on days off, or catching up
12 Awesome Things to Do in Ocean Isle Beach, NC
We have plenty of amazing white sand beaches on the North Carolina Coast, but none are more breathtaking than the pure white sands of North Carolina’s Ocean Isle Beach. Although famed for its blissful beaches, there are many things to do in Ocean Isle Beach, from zip line experiences to turtle conservation experiences, there’s so
Best Sushi Restaurants in The Triangle (picked by locals)
Beneath our shaded oak trees and laid-back Southern streets, there is a wave of skilled chefs who are slicing, shaping, and serving some of the best sushi in Raleigh, elevating the Triangle region as one of the most exciting destinations for Japanese cuisine in the Southeast. From intimate omakase counters to lively neighborhood hotspots and
12 Record Stores in Raleigh to Grow Your Music Collection
One of my all-time favorite hobbies is record collecting. It was ignited by a present, a Victrola vintage style record player, and I’ve been playing records on it non-stop for over a decade now! The good news is that avid record collectors like me can find some great record stores in Raleigh. It doesn’t matter
The Best Events in Raleigh for May 2026: Your Fun Guide!
The pollen is over, and the trees are in full bloom. It’s Marvelous May in Raleigh when environmental conditions are perfect for celebrating outside. In this post we’re sharing what we think are some of the of the best events in Raleigh for May! And tell us in the comments at the bottom what you