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!)

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

caz and craig in ugly sweaters

December Events 2023: What’s Happening in Raleigh This Month?

By Caroline Makepeace / November 26, 2023

Ring the Bells. The Holiday Season is here! It’s a massive month for things to do in Raleigh in December. I have to tell you; this is the most stressed I’ve been putting together these monthly events post for you. I nearly walked away because I was so overwhelmed with the number of events happening […]

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woman walking through vineyard with wine glass in hand smiling at camera

Cloer Family Vineyards: A Hidden Wine Tasting Gem in Apex, NC

By Caroline Makepeace / November 20, 2023

Did you know there is a winery near Raleigh in Apex? Like a legit vineyard with grapes growing on the vines? Neither did I until it popped out on the map when I was planning a bike ride along the Tobacco Trail. What? You mean I can ride 30 miles from Durham and stop off […]

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Aerial photo of a hotel with a pool out the front

Ocean Isle Inn Review: A Coastal Haven on Ocean Isle Beach, NC

By Caroline Makepeace / November 19, 2023

Nestled on the pristine shores of Ocean Isle in the Brunswick Islands of North Carolina, the Ocean Isle Inn stands as a charming beacon for travelers seeking a tranquil coastal retreat.  Ocean Isle Beach is one of the barrier islands in the Brunswick Islands and is famous for its family-friendly beach vibes, pristine white sandy […]

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chinese lantern festival cary nc 8 1

Guide to the Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary (2023)

By Caroline Makepeace / November 16, 2023

“Wow! I never expected this to be so great.” was my reaction as soon as I entered the gates to the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival and walked through a tunnel of white lanterns depicting a story of the Monkey King creating havoc in Heaven. And that was nothing compared to what was to come. […]

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Man and woman sitting at a high-top table drinking wine.

Sip and Savor: 14 Top Wine Bars in Raleigh (and nearby)

By Caroline Makepeace / November 13, 2023

Hey there, wine lovers! If you’re seeking the perfect spot in Raleigh to indulge in your passion for the nectar of the gods, you’re in for a treat. Raleigh’s wine scene has blossomed over the years, and I’m thrilled to share my favorite wine bars in Raleigh with you. And it’s not just bars I’ve […]

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a table filled with different types of mexican food on a plate, cartaco raleigh

Discover 28+ Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Raleigh (and nearby)

By Caroline Makepeace / November 11, 2023

Are you a gluten-free eater and struggling to find safe places to eat in Raleigh? Tired of searching on your phone for gluten free options near me and coming up with a salad? I know how you feel. I am not celiac, but I do react to eating gluten and have done my best to […]

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People sitting in a cafe drinking coffee and working on computers.

Why Fount Coffee + Kitchen Is our Favorite Coffee Shop in the Triangle (and beyond)

By Caroline Makepeace / November 8, 2023

It’s about time we shared a post on our favorite coffee in Wake County, I mean the Triangle area. And I also mean one of our favorite coffees in the USA, Fount Coffee + Kitchen in Morrisville. Big call I know. But we’ve traveled to 37 states and have drunk many cups of coffee. Sadly, […]

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Vegetarian burger with mushrooms, cheese, and lettuce on a bun.

Green Eats: 20 Top Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Raleigh (and Beyond)

By Caroline Makepeace / November 3, 2023

Raleigh and the surrounding areas are home to a vibrant and diverse dining scene, including a growing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Raleigh that offer extensive options for the non-meat eaters. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, pescatarian, or simply seeking delicious meatless meals, you’ll find a range of plant-based delights to […]

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Family of four in front of a Christmas tree in Raleigh, North Carolina

63+ Christmas Events in Raleigh for the Holiday Season (2023)

By Caroline Makepeace / October 31, 2023

Tis the season y’all. The Christmas events in Raleigh for 2023 are back in full swing this holiday season. However, the festive season is not just about Christmas, there are other fun holiday events like Jewish Hannukah, African American Kwanzaa, the Chinese Lantern Festival, American Indian celebrations, Thanksgiving, and of course, New Years’ Eve! It’s […]

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Giant float of a bear at a Christmas parade in Raleigh, NC

November Events 2023: What’s happening in Raleigh this month?

By Caroline Makepeace / October 31, 2023

Just when you thought things would begin quietening down in Raleigh after the busy September/October Fall months closing out the warm weather, November arrives and begins the Holiday Season! I am both excited and overwhelmed by all the fun events happening this month in Raleigh, most with some kind of Christmas or Holiday season vibe. […]

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A woman lying down receiving a salt facial from a medical therapist.

Discover the Benefits of a Salt Facial at Blue Water Spa (radiant + refreshed skin)

By Caroline Makepeace / October 27, 2023

Growing up in Australia, we had the luxury of having the beach and salt water on our doorstep. I think most of us could agree, a salty life is the best kind! When you live in tune with nature, there are some secrets you intuitively learn – no textbooks or intellectual discussions needed. One of […]

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Two burgers with egg, cheese, lettuce and peppers.

Burger Village, Raleigh: Organic, Grass Fed, & Exotic Burgers!

By Caroline Makepeace / October 20, 2023

The longer I sat down in the Burger Village restaurant in downtown Raleigh the more I liked it; the signs on the wall clearly stating this is my kind of place. Craig and I try to eat as clean and as healthy as possible. We cut back on some areas of our budget so that […]

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