FIVE PLACES every woman should go!

Author Stephanie Elizondo Griest hit the literary scene in 2004 with her acclaimed travel memoir, Around the Bloc: My Life in Moscow, Beijing, and Havana. Her book, 100 Places Every Woman Should Go, caters to women with itchy feet.

Griest shares some of her travel recommendations. Here are five of her favourite picks for women wanderers:

1. FOR INSPIRATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT - HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Goddesses reign supreme in Hawaii, and the most venerated is Pele, who presides over the volcanoes. Legend has it she secretly envies Poliahu, goddess of the snow, and the two quarrel often—especially over menfolk. Poliahu usually wins, causing Pele to erupt in fury, and Poliahu gets stuck cleaning the mess with her ice afterward. To see her in action, head to the Big Island. Linger till sunset to see why Hawaiians consider their homeland to be Earth’s connecting point to the universe.

2. FOR INDULGENCE - LINGERIE SHOPPING IN PARIS

Every woman should have at least one fabulous piece of lingerie tucked inside her drawers. To spice up your collection, fly to Paris, where they claim to have invented it. Herminie Cadolle went down in fashion history for by creating the world’s first bra. Even today, her Parisian boutiques remain among the finest places to buy one. For her ready-towear collection, visit 4 rue Cambon.

3. FOR PURIFICATION AND BEAUTIFICATION - THE BANYAS OF MOSCOW AND ST PETERSBURG

The Russian banya is a Slavic Eden: a steamy, womblike place that will tack years onto your life. According to folklore, these baths are haunted by mischievous spirits that bewitch clothing worn inside, so strip down all the way. (Most of the baths are gender-segregated.) Rinse off in the shower and enter the steam room. Repeat as many times as possible: your skin will glow afterward.

4. TO CELEBRATE STRUGGLE AND RENEWAL - ARTS AND VOODOO FESTIVALS IN BENIN

Travelling in West Africa is empowering for women—precisely because it is challenging. Visit the mayor’s office and ask for the local women’s group. Also explore the world of voodoo, a belief that natural forces like rain and wind have spiritual forces behind them. On National Voodoo Day—January 10—partake in dancing fuelled by copious amounts of sodabe (a local palm liquor) at the vibrant festivals in Ouidah. Look out for the Mami Wata worshippers, who dress in all white. Mostly women, they are considered very powerful and are often feared.

5. FOR WOMANLY AFFIRMATION - BELLY DANCING IN SAN FRANCISCO, NEW YORK

San Francisco is home to Fat Chance Belly Dance, a renowned tribal dance troupe. Take a class at their studio at 670 South Van Ness Avenue. In New York City, look up legendary teacher Morocco of the Casbah Dance Experience, or Sarah Johansson Locke of Alchemy Performance.