Cultured Black Pearl follows the travel musings of a solo female traveler. Enjoy the intimate journey across land and sea, one destination at a time.
Be inspired, engaged and entertained by authentic, immersive experiences, travel tips, GPS-enabled travel guides, and more on the blog.
A big thanks to many of you who aren’t comfortable commenting publicly but send emails in private asking for advice. You motivate me to keep sharing, and I’m glad you are here!
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Safe travels!
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Videos from my solo trip to Bali
I’m back from wonderful Indonesia. It was an amazing journey. Here are a few videos of Bali, Indonesia from my solo female trip. Enjoy...
Seychelles Islands should be on your bucket list – NYT Travel...
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSo0G40P9AI]
Seychelles are some of the most beautiful islands in the world and a favorite destination as a solo female traveler.
The fastest way to...
Seared Cod & Summer Succotash
Seared Cod & Summer Succotash is simply irresistible. This Blue Apron recipe doesn’t call for much seasoning yet packs a punch full of flavor....
Cooking Couscous Stuffed Zucchini
Back in the kitchen with another Blue Apron recipe. This time I'm making Couscous Stuffed Zucchini with Goat Cheese and Summer Squash Salad. The...
Where to stay in Athens, Greece: Crowne Plaza
Looking for a budget-friendly hotel while in Athens? Then check out the Crowne Plaza in Athens City Center. It’s the perfect choice for affordability,...
10 tips to shatter fears and travel solo
When it comes to traveling there are many obstacles that can get in the way of you getting to your destination. Some of those...
Walled City of Cartagena
Strolling through the streets of Old Town Cartagena with no agenda is surely the best way to experience the Walled City. The main attraction...
The Buccaneer: St. Croix, Virgin Islands
November is my birthday month and I travel a lot during this time. Each year, I set out to find a relaxing and memorable experience...
i-to-i TEFL review
So last summer I decided to kick my job to the curb. I'd had enough of corporate politics, couldn't use my vacation time, and...
I’m going to Punta Cana
I'm going to Punta Cana and can't wait!
My travel plans for November were all over the map thanks to storms throughout most of the...
Spicy Peperonata Pasta
Cooking my first meal with Blue Apron was so much fun! The first dish was a savory and tangy Spicy Peperonata Pasta. Being vegetarian...
Things to do in Toronto
A snap decision and request for my presence landed me in Toronto for a fun-filled week of shenanigans. They say Toronto is the mini...
The New York Times Travel Show 2017
The New York Times Travel Show brings together travelers and industry professionals from around the world for a fun weekend of excursions in New...
North Sea Jazz Festival Curacao Review
Landed safely in Curacao just in time for the annual North Sea Jazz Festival.
Labor Day festivities kicked into high gear when I met...
CDC promotes healthy travel at the New York Times Travel Show
CDC promotes healthy travel at the New York Times Travel Show. Stefanie Erskine, M.P.H. shares 5 healthy travel tips in the short video above.
Staying healthy...
Periods, Snorkels and Sharks in Diamond Head Crater
My longest flight at the time (nearly 15 years ago) was to Hawaii. My mother and I embarked on a getaway to the Big...
5 Tips for Finding the Right Mission Trip to Support
Pray about your mission trip
A mission trip is different from other humanitarian work. Often faith-based. So, a good practice is to start, end, and...
Uganda Mission Trip 2017 (Trip Planning)
I’ve always had a philanthropic heart. Helping others at home or abroad brings me joy. And, I don’t serve for accolades. Being blessed to...
Post-trip debrief: Uganda Missionary Trip
Reflections of mission trip in Uganda
I volunteered in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa!
The opportunity to serve the community and vacate appealed to me. I...
How you can legally travel to Cuba + Trump’s Cuba Policy...
With travel rules to Cuba constantly changing, many confused American travelers are unaware of how to legally travel to Cuba. In this post, I explain...
Solo Female Travel in Kyoto (and Osaka + Tokyo)
Outside of cherry blossom viewing, my solo travel to Kyoto included a flexible itinerary.
Yearning to...
By Night in Havana with Meiby • Arts Immersion Experience
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VbNsyMDFw8]
The decision to spend Christmas in Cuba came as a shock to many friends...
Conrad Bali (a Hilton Hotel review)
Mixed reviews for Conrad Bali made me question staying at this Hilton property during my vacation...
W Bali Seminyak: Hotel Review
W Bali Seminyak Villa was beyond marvelous!
Arriving to such an astonishing and tranquil scene after a...
Bali: spiritual travel journey
The journey was long but the arrival was plenty. After a twenty-eight hour flight from...
I’m packing my bags for the following destinations, up next: Home in NYC
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