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…
Mystique: Luxury Collection Hotel
The luxurious Mystique hotel was a warm welcome after sailing hours across the sea from Mykonos. Possibly more attractive than the view is the luxurious affiliation...
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...
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...
Traveling while Black: Detained in New Zealand
New Zealand started off with a bang!
A few years ago, I met a lovely guy in Santorini who insisted I add New Zealand to...
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,...
Roasted Eggplant Pitas and Farro Salad
Roasted Eggplant Pitas with Tomato, Cucumber & Farro Salad, my latest Blue Apron creation
something new
Blue Apron exposed me to delicious vegetarian meals and spices...
Yacht Experience: Santorini, Greece
Add a private yacht experience to your list of things to do while in Santorini! We stayed at the lovely Mystique and there's a...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
Ports of Call Resort Turks and Caicos
Ports of Call Resort, located in the heart of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, was a great stay for my recent trip to...
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...
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...
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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