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…
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...
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...
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...
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...
Jazz Legend Al Jarreau Dead at 76
Jazz Legend Al Jarreau Has Died
The sudden news that Al Jarreau died this morning hit hard.
Rewind back barely seven months ago and I was...
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...
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,...
Not all who wander are lost
It is amazing how others perceive you when you express a desire to travel the world. The immediate thought is you must be crazy....
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...
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...
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,...
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...
Luwak Coffee Experience in Bali
Before I arrived in Bali, I said I wouldn't do it! Try a cup of Luwak Coffee that is...
They call it “cat poop” coffee and...
Things to do in Cartagena
Located off the Caribbean coast of Colombia is the lovely town of Cartagena. Its old charm hasn’t flooded with tourists yet, so, I highly...
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...
Traveling while vegetarian • quick meals
Traveling while vegetarian takes some planning but is getting easier as more establishments recognize the diverse dietary needs of travelers and tourists. I like...
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...
Touring Eiffel Tower
From New York to Paris!
It didn’t matter that we’d flown all night, lacked sleep, and couldn’t check into our rooms. The W was not...
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....
GPS Guided Travel Article: Turks and Caicos (Free Promotion)
gps guided travel article apps
Have you ever read a travel article and wished you could take it with you as a guide or itinerary...
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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