Craig Makepeace - Founder
Craig Makepeace is a dynamic blogger, photographer, content creator, and entrepreneur, who is the 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, YTravelBlog 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 and Outer Bank Tourisms, 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
Q&A with Max Trujillo & Matt Weiss, Hosts of NC Food & Beverage Podcast
Today we chat with Max Trujillo and Matt Weiss, the founders, producers and hosts of the NC Food & Beverage Podcast and hospitality industry veterans. This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community. Where did
Q&A with Bethany Perkins, founder of Midtown Olive Oil
Today we chat with Bethany Perkins, the founder of Midtown Olive Oil right here in Raleigh. This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community. Where did you grow up and go to school? How long
Q&A with Kevin Barrett, founder of Dram & Draught
Today we chat with Kevin Barrett, the founder of Dram & Draught, one of the best neighborhood bars in Raleigh especially for whiskey lovers! This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community. Where did you
Q&A with Tom Mukoyama, owner of Tonbo Ramen in Raleigh
Today we chat with Tom Mukoyama, co-owner of Tonbo Ramen in downtown Raleigh. This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community. Where did you grow up and go to School? How long have you lived
Q&A with Sara Abernethy and Chris Borreson, owners of Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing in Raleigh
Today we chat with Sara Abernethy and Chris Borreson, owners of Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing in downtown Raleigh. This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community. If you know us, you know we love
Q&A with Greg Hatem, owner of the Pit Authentic Barbecue & Empire Eats
Today we chat with Greg Hatem, owner of The Pit Authentic Barbecue located in the Warehouse District and founder and owner of Empire Eats which owns a total of 9 restaurants in Raleigh. This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to
Q&A with Ramy Bahgat, owner of Raleigh Rolls
Today we chat with Ramy Bahgat, the Managing Partner at Raleigh Rolls located in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh. This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community. If you haven’t been to Raleigh Rolls
Q&A with Maggie Kane from A Place At The Table Cafe
Today we chat with Maggie Kane, the Executive Director at A Place At The Table in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh. This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community. We also interviewed Maggie on
He Said, She Said: Our favorite Raleigh Spots
Ok guys, whilst Caroline and I have similar tastes when it comes to food, drinks, and experiences we like to have at home here in Raleigh, we don’t always see eye-to-eye when it comes to making decisions. Let’s face it, deciding where to grab a coffee, go for lunch or an evening drink are important
Q&A with Noelle Scott from Sassool Restaurant, Raleigh
Today we chat with Noelle Scott, one of the owners of Sassool Cafe along with her sister and father. Noelle is the District Manager. This Q&A is a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community! Where did you
Q&A with Todd & Jenessa from Parkside Restaurant, Raleigh
Today we chat with Todd and Jenessa, owners of Parkside Restaurant in downtown Raleigh as a part of our series called interviews with locals where we interview local Raleigh business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story with our community! If you haven’t eaten at their restaurant yet, we featured them in our guide to
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