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
Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Local Raleigh Products & Services Moms will love (2026)
Not sure what to buy the mom in your life for Mother’s Day? For some, this question may feel complicated. For me, I think moms are easy to buy for. On this special day when we celebrate our life givers, know that all they want is a little pampering, a little serenity, and a little
Kerr Lake Camping: Serenity only an hour from Raleigh!
I’ve been surprised at how many Raleigh locals have not heard of Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in North Carolina. Located just 45 miles from Raleigh (less than an hour’s drive), it’s the ideal place to go for a weekend camping trip without driving too far. We have been on a Kerr Lake camping trip
Best Bike Trails, Bike Clubs & Bike Events in Raleigh [Don’t Miss For Bike Month!]
Every year in May, Raleigh shifts into a lower gear for Bike Month, a time when the city’s streets and greenways fill with the steady rhythm of two spinning wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned cycling enthusiast or you just fancy dusting off your old childhood BMX for a weekend, there are plenty of bike trails
14 Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day in Raleigh: Events, Activities, Days Out
Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate the one person in your life who loves you unconditionally and you can always turn to for advice, supportive words, and fierce hugs. If you want to celebrate your mom with a special day out, we’ve put together some of our top ways to spend Mother’s Day
How to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Raleigh (May 23–25)
When Memorial Day weekend arrives in Raleigh on the third weekend of May, it’s the time when the city feels its first bright pulse of summer — but it’s not a time to rejoice, rather a time for reflection and retrospect. On this cherished three-day weekend, given to us by the public holiday, Memorial Day, on
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club: A Hidden Gem in the Duke Forest
There’s a funny thing about living somewhere for years – you can completely miss what’s right under your nose. For years, one of our oldest friends has lived around the corner from the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. We’ve been going to her house since 2004. We even lived with her for a month,
Cap Tosses + Photo Opps: Your NC State Grad Guide to Hillsborough Street
Time to celebrate Your Pack Pride in style. Graduation season in Raleigh is one of the most exciting times on NC State’s campus for Wolfpack students, and Hillsborough Street is the heartbeat of the celebrations! Whether you’re the proud parent of a graduating NC State senior, or a student wrapping up years of hard work,
The Best Events in Raleigh in April 2026: Your guide to a Fun month!
The weather is getting warmer and the festivals have begun, and if you’re looking for fun things to do in Raleigh in April, read on down below as we’ve got you covered. We always love the energy of April: filled with good hope and the enthusiasm for embracing the vibrant Raleigh lifestyle we all love. After
A Complete Guide To The NC Museum of Art (Raleigh’s Best Art Museum)
Everyone raves about the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and how it ranks as one of the best free museums in the city, but I was skeptical. As a lifelong global traveler and professional travel blogger, I’ve heard the word “world-class” get thrown around like wine in a sommelier’s glass – rarely does the
18 Strawberry Picking Farms near Raleigh (Wake County & Beyond)
Who doesn’t love the sweet taste of strawberries in the spring? They’re even sweeter when you pick them yourselves, and fortunately for us Raleighites, there’s plenty of strawberry picking farms in Raleigh where you can do just that! It’s not just Raleigh either – there are some great strawberry picking farms near Raleigh and further
Guide To Attending Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, Cary
As the warm weather starts to warm up with the budding season of Spring, we see the return of our lush, green forests and blooming flowers and that celebratory mood is enhanced with fun festivals and events. One of my favorite events to celebrate the Spring is the annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival in
Your Spring Guide to North Hills: Shopping, Dining & Events Not To Miss!
When the first buds of spring shoot out of the ground, there’s no better place in Raleigh to soak it all in than North Hills. From fresh fashion finds to blooming patios and outdoor events that celebrate the sunshine, this Midtown hot spot is buzzing with energy, color, and good vibes. We’re especially loving all
Best Antique and Thrift Stores in Raleigh for Second-Hand Treasures!
Tucked between strip malls, century-old neighborhoods, and warehouses turned into breweries, you will find hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Raleigh’s antique shops and thrift stores are for those who have the patience to rummage, to adventurers’ spirit to delve deep, and those who value quirky and weird over trendy and contemporary. I’ve spent years
Favorite Health, Beauty & Wellness Businesses in Raleigh
Taking care of your body, mind, and confidence looks different for everyone. For us, it’s a mix of movement, relaxation, healing, beauty, and even finding clothes that help us show up confidently in our everyday lives. Over the years, we’ve discovered some incredible local businesses in Raleigh and the Triangle that have become part of
The Burger Village Difference: What makes it Something To Rave About
Of course, you want to find delicious burgers made with grass-fed beef, locally sourced ingredients, and cooked with care and attention to detail. What I love about living in Raleigh is there’s no shortage of burger joints to rave about, but one that has left a taste on our tongue is Burger Village on Glenwood
Gardens of Historic Oakwood: A Springtime Tour You Can’t Miss
We’ll take any excuse to wander through Historic Oakwood in downtown Raleigh and pretend – for just a little while -that it’s our own neighborhood. And what better way to keep up the illusion than by strolling through its enchanting gardens in spring? Of course, reality sets in quickly when I remember my black thumb
Top Things To Do In Raleigh in Spring: Top Events and Attractions
Time to fold up those sweaters and trade beanies for sun hats, because it’s warming up and daffodils are blooming, which can only mean getting out to explore all the wonderful things to do in Raleigh in the Spring! Spring is one of the best times to get outdoors and enjoy the vibrant Raleigh lifestyle.
Where to find Spring blooms in Raleigh: The best flowers and foliage
Violets, daisies, azaleas, and roses – the fragrant season is here and beautiful blossoms and flowers are in bloom all across Raleigh and the Triangle region. Spring is a colorful time of the year in the City of Oaks, and after a harsh winter of snow and cold fronts, the warmer sunshine and fresh aromas