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!
latest from my travel blog…
what folks are reading now…
Mixed feelings after solo trip to Curacao
Many travelers rave about Curacao which peaked my travel addiction just in time for the annual North Sea Jazz Festival
Located among the ABC islands...
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...
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...
San Felipe de Barajas Castle
Some part of me blames Disney for creating a false perception of what a castle truly looks like. The illusion in my head resembled...
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...
How Brazilian wax in Hoboken led me to Blue Apron
Conversation topics during a Brazilian wax run the gamut. So, I wasn't taken aback when Blue Apron came up.
After all, you need something to take...
Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Credit Card
Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Credit Card is the perfect choice for my upcoming trip to Curacao and for anyone looking to earn Hilton...
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...
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...
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana Hotel Review
The week before Christmas I had the bright idea to get away to Punta Cana. I'd never had a desire to visit the Dominican...
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...
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...
Warung bejana • Restaurant Review
bejana is an authentic Balinese restaurant offering a journey through Indonesian Archipelago. Located in Badung, the open air restaurant is perfectly situated on a...
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...
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort
Even before arrival, Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort staff were working to ensure my arrival was perfect, memorable, and unique. To start, they worked...
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...
How to see Sydney in Two Days
Sydney, the land way down under. No one in their right mind travels to Australia to stay for just two days, except me.
Life is...
Why I’m not going back to Punta Cana
A few days in and I knew for sure I was enjoying Punta Cana. Then, the shit hit the fan in the most literal...
New York Times Travel Show 2017 opens tomorrow
The New York Times Travel Show 2017 opens tomorrow and Cultured Black Pearl has your coverage!
The largest consumer travel and trade show in North...
10 Hiking Tips for Your Next Trip
Planning ahead before hiking is essential for success. Spare yourself drama and consider these 10 hiking tips on your next trip.
Water. No brainer,...
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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