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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…

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

Rosario Islands: Worth the hype?

Having been on many beaches across the world, most of which have been private, I’ve turned into a beach snob (but in the best...

Eating healthy while traveling solo

Being on the go can take a toll on your body, especially if you’re not eating healthy, not staying hydrated, and skipping exercise. As...

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...

Where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia

I might be a bit of a snob. But in the best way, I promise! At some point, I got a taste of the suite...

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...

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...

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...

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...
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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