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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…

Uganda Travel: Sipi Falls Things to Do

Making fresh coffee in Sipi Falls, Uganda Time to get away from the city and explore the mountainside. So, I headed to Eastern Uganda for...

YouTube Travel Videos

https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js YouTube travel videos highlighting my travel journey! Velassaru Maldives Water Villa Fresh off a month long birthday vacation in Maldives and the Velassaru Maldives villa exceeded...

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 to make the most of a 4-day layover in Paris

The Parisian experience is one to be had. It's overwhelming to take in with only four days to spare, but doable! When my eyes...

Start Here: Getting around Cultured Black Pearl

Welcome to Cultured Black Pearl! Cultured Black Pearl is a new digital platform featuring my perspectives from around the world as a solo female traveler. Be...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Bali perspectives after the trip

Bali perspectives after the trip offers a glimpse into my experience. My travel journey to Bali was beyond surreal. The culture, people, and food were all amazing....

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...

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...

How I prep for solo female travel

Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason. I get the urge for travel, pick a destination, and head for the hills or sea. When getting...

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...

Planning solo trip to Bali, Australia, and New Zealand

It’s Bali time! I cannot believe how quickly time ticks. When I agreed to meet a college friend in Indonesia a year before, I didn’t...

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...

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...

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...
solo female travel • editorpicks
kyoto gold pavilion

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 Hotel Review Cultured Black Pearlvideo

Conrad Bali (a Hilton Hotel review)

Mixed reviews for Conrad Bali made me question staying at this Hilton property during my vacation...
W Bali Seminyakvideo

W Bali Seminyak: Hotel Review

W Bali Seminyak Villa was beyond marvelous! Arriving to such an astonishing and tranquil scene after a...
Bali: a spiritual journey

Bali: spiritual travel journey

The journey was long but the arrival was plenty. After a twenty-eight hour flight from...

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I’m packing my bags for the following destinations, up next:  Home in NYC

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