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
30 Top Things To Do In OBX (Outer Banks, NC)
When we want to escape city life in Raleigh, we’re grateful we have this awesome coastal destination just over 3 hour’s drive away. Known for its blissful beaches, wind-swept state parks, wild mustangs, and unspoiled barrier islands, there are so many things to do in Outer Banks that make it the perfect destination, no matter
Bites inside the beltline: Fun Places To Eat in Raleigh [58 Top Options!]
Nestled in Raleigh’s heart, where oak-shaded streets are brimming with history and high-rises, the dining scene tucked inside-the-beltline of Raleigh is making itself known. Within the loving arms of the  I-440 freeway, there are so many fun places to eat, you’ll find a tasty treat on every corner. From barbecue joints smoking with tradition to
Complete Guide to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) isn’t just where a journey begins and ends; it’s a gateway to the world, and one of the best international airports I’ve come across (and I’ve traveled to over 50 countries, so I know a good one). Located next to the Research Triangle Park, RDU is well connected to the main
Where To Eat The Best BBQ in The Triangle
Ok guys, we all know that Raleigh is the state capital, so when you’re looking for mouth-watering North Carolina-style barbecue, you can be sure to find some of the best BBQ in Raleigh! You won’t be short of restaurants serving up this flavorful and satiating cuisine, so it’s only fitting that we narrow down the
9 Best Outer Banks Beaches For Sun, Sand & Seclusion
As an Australian who grew up by the beach, I can’t recommend beach life enough. If you’re looking for a beach getaway to experience some sun, sand, and seclusion, then one of the best places to go is the Outer Banks, since the Outer Banks beaches are only a 4-hour drive from Raleigh! The Outer
Where to eat the best breakfast in Raleigh (20+ local hot spots)
Rise and shine, the coffee is freshly brewed and the doors to the best breakfast in Raleigh have opened. What better way to start the day than with an irresistible plate of hot cakes overlooking the sleepy, sun-dappled streets waking up. We love to go out for breakfast and enjoy a hearty meal as a
Locals Guide on Things to Do in Downtown Cary (Eat, Drink, Play)
Once a sleepy railroad stop, the town of Cary has seen a modern revitalization in recent years, especially its lively downtown district, which sees brick-lined sidewalks and historic storefronts and murals bursting with color, breweries humming with laughter, and cafés buzzing with creative energy. Downtown Cary doesn’t try too hard to impress — it just
24 Coffee Shops in Downtown Raleigh (The Locals Love)
If you’re in need for a caffeine boost, then you’ll find many great local coffee shops in downtown Raleigh where you can get your espresso or latte fix, catch up with friends, or get some work done. The coffee scene in Raleigh has definitely upped its game in recent years, and it continues to get
9 Top Breweries In Downtown Raleigh For Craft Beer Fans!
Raleigh’s craft beer scene is always on the up, and Downtown Raleigh is the district that’s speerheading this growth. Amidst the city skyline you’ll find a handful of downtown Raleigh breweries that are more than just places to drink – they are urban gathering spots, music venues, community venues, and where the biggest beards and
North Hills Gift Guide – 25 Places to Shop This Holiday Season!
It’s time to start your Christmas shopping – I know, it’s the most stressful time of the year! I know shopping for holiday gifts can be overwhelming, especially when you want to show someone you truly care this holiday season, but fortunately you don’t have to wander too far in the City of Oaks to
18 Top cities near Raleigh to visit on a quick getaway
Although Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina, it’s not the only great city worth visiting in this state. We’re so blessed to have many incredible cities near Raleigh, and each of them are so unique and vibrant, they make for wonderful weekend escapes. And they’re not just in North Carolina either! Within a
Guide to Living in Mordecai: One of Raleigh’s Best Neighborhoods
Thinking of moving to Raleigh? If you’re looking for a neighborhood that blends old Raleigh charm with modern walkability, Mordecai might just be your perfect match. This historic gem sits less than a mile from downtown Raleigh and radiates community, character, and convenience — where you can grab coffee, meet neighbors on the sidewalk, and
16 Amazing North Carolina Christmas Experiences & Things To Do!
When the first dusting of snow sprinkles its magic across North Carolina, it can only mean one thing. The state becomes a Carolinas-wonderland during the Holiday season. The mountain towns glisten like a Hallmark card, and the cities are draped in ribbons of twinkling lights – there is no better state to spend the festive
18 Fun Day Trips from Raleigh NC (within a 2-hour drive)
While we love Raleigh and everything it offers, but we also love its position in East-Central North Carolina, because it means there are so places to go to on day trips from Raleigh. Whether you want to visit small towns, mountains, lakes, or even the coast, you can find it in less than a 2-hour
17 Blissful Beaches near Raleigh (within a 3 hour drive)
Although Raleigh is a land-locked city, one of the reasons I love living here is that there are many incredible beaches near Raleigh that are all within a 3-hour drive. We’re beach lovers at our core. Growing up by the coast in Australia, we were always by the water, so when we moved to Raleigh,
12 Fantastic Museums in Raleigh (most of them FREE)
Raleigh may not be known for having big ticket attractions, but it does have some fantastic museums! It’s not referred to as the Smithsonian of the South for no reason. What I love about the museums in Raleigh is that many of them are free to enter and run on donations, making them accessible to
Where To Find The BEST Sandwiches in Raleigh? 19 Sandwich Spots To Try!
Some people chase waterfalls, other people chase dreams, but the truly wise chase sandwiches! Raleigh might just be the promised land for the perfectly stacked, sour doughed, sauced, and soul-satisfying sandwiches. While Raleigh is known for its authentic NC BBQ, that succulent meat is best served between two slices of bread, so if you’re looking
19 Local Raleigh Breweries for a Great Pint (and good vibes)
If you’re on the hunt for the best craft beer in the City of Oaks, then it’s high time you start checking out a few local Raleigh breweries, to which there are many! Raleigh is home to over 40 breweries (there are many more when you consider the whole of Wake County and surrounding towns),