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.
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Safe travels!
latest from my travel blog…
what folks are reading now…
Cayman Islands + Solo Female Travel Tips
Cayman Islands remain my favorite go-to destination in the Caribbean. After traveling the Caribbean Sea, I'm home in Grand Cayman.
Sade sang it’s never as good...
Win a travel getaway
Here's your chance for a travel getaway on us!
So many people think they can't afford to travel and we get it, travel can be...
London Eye
The all-seeing London Eye was a fantastic ride. This Ferris wheel is the largest in the world and offers spectacular views of London. You...
How to travel to Cuba right now and tips from a...
In this travel article, I share my experience visiting Cuba over the holidays and a few tips to help you kickstart your Cuban getaway.
Finally,...
The irony of trying to pee straight after a Brazilian bikini...
My first Brazilian bikini wax experience and what happened next...
It was a typical hot summer day in New York City. I walked down 3rd...
Things to do in Cali Colombia
Going back to Cali, Cali, Cali!
Had a blast in Colombia for a trip that wasn't planned. Cali reminded me of San Diego. It was safe and...
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...
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...
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...
Blissful nights at Hotel Spiwak: Cali, Colombia
Recently, I had a chance to stay at Hotel Spiwak while in Cali on my Colombian vacation. I loved the hotel! It was centrally...
Traveling with friends • Is that drama on the road?
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known your friends when it comes to traveling on the road for any period of time even the...
Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours at The New York Times Travel Show
The New York Times Travel Show took place this weekend in New York City at the Jacob Javits Center. Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours was...
Simple Hiking Tips for Every Season
There are several good hiking tips in the blogosphere. In this post, I focus on seasonal hiking tips:
Seasonal Hiking Tips for Summer
Hike before...
Riu Ocho Rios Hotel Review
In dire need to relax, I was glad to arrive at Hotel Riu in Ocho Rios since that would force me to sit still....
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...
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...
Basque Style Cod and Freekeh
Basque Style Cod with sweet pepper, tomato sauce and Freekeh is my latest Blue Apron creation
basque style cod
Blue Apron continues to expose me to...
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...
Pampered Travelers Escape to Ani Villas for Luxury • NYT Travel...
The New York Times Travel Show returned this year with record-breaking attendance for the longest-running trade and consumer travel show in North America. The...
Things to do and see in Barbados
No sleep in Barbados!
The longest work week fell upon me. Working 18 hour days was for the birds. The busy season never seemed to end...
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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