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…
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Sunsets & Strolls: Santorini, Greece
Sunsets, strolling, and cheese! My fondest memories of Santorini.
Roaming free through the towns of Santorini resulted in one of the most rejuvenating experiences of...
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...
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...
Hilton Curacao needs a Beyonce style upgrade
Hilton Curacao needs an upgrade, now!
As a Hilton Honors member, I made an exception to stay at Hilton Curacao hotel having heard it...
Club Meliá • Is membership worth the reward?
Not sure if membership in Club Meliá is right for you? Here's how the program works and what you should consider before making the...
A long walk in the park: Lincoln Memorial
My heart raced. I’d been here many times, but not like this. The stroll down Pentagon Row under the pale moonlight rekindled a series...
Traveling while Black in Jerusalem
After a 10-hour flight (the longest so far for my husband Will) our journey to Jerusalem started upon arrival in Tel Aviv. Out of...
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...
US Virgin Islands: St. Croix
Looking for a quick island getaway but wanting to stay in the US, I found myself in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. My friend from...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The Carlyle Penthouse • South Beach Miami Hotel Review
The Carlyle Hotel in South Beach Miami is in an amazing location.
Located in the center of South Beach on Ocean Drive right across from...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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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