I also think York in England, and Ubud in Bali are great places to visit with friends.
Five years ago, I changed careers from a dental hygienist to a full-time travel writer. Since then, I've spent much of each year on the road, researching destinations and traveling internationally.
What I enjoy most, though, is planning and hosting trips for women.
Each year, I bring small groups together in destinations around the world, and certain places consistently stand out.
It's rarely the most trendy or Instagram-famous locations that resonate most. Rather, the trips women love are built around places that feel safe, comfortable, and easy to enjoy together.
These are the five destinations I recommend most often for girls' trips, and a few must-try highlights in each spot.
York is a great spot for a long weekend with friends.
Chantelle Kincy
York is perfect for a girls' trip because it's so easily walkable and has plenty to offer, from modern boutique shops and pubs to historic cobbled streets full of stories from the past.
The English city is also easily accessible by a short train ride from London or Edinburgh.
Stay at the Grand Hotel, considered the only five-star hotel in York. It offers incredible rooms, a delicious breakfast, a spa, and cooking classes.
Take in the beauty of the massive York Minster cathedral, both inside and outside.
Walk the Shambles, the most famous street in York, which is complete with historic architecture and fun shops.
Have afternoon tea at Bettys, a tea room that's been serving cuppas since 1936.
Pro tip: Book a historical walking tour with Mad Alice; she's phenomenal.
Ubud is a stunning destination in Bali.
Chantelle Kincy
Incredible outdoor experiences, restaurants, wildlife experiences, and temples are all within reach in this central part of Bali.
Ubud is also a great place for relaxation, as it's known for its first-class wellness resorts that still feel accessible, especially compared to similar retreats elsewhere in the world.
Stay at Goddess Retreats — it's my favorite place. Your group can stay in a private villa with its own pool, and partake in the retreat's wellness program.
Book a bike ride through local villages and rice fields for your very own "Eat, Pray, Love" adventure.
Go whitewater rafting down the Ayung River. The rapids are mild but thrilling, and the scenery is gorgeous.
Eat at Merlin's for dinner. Your multicourse meal is determined by cards drawn during a personalized tarot reading, and it's so much fun.
Pro tip: Hire a private driver while you're there, as traffic can feel overwhelming to navigate. Keep in mind that some resort packages, including several at Goddess Resorts, include access to a driver.
I highly recommend a trip to Santa Barbara.
Chantelle Kincy
With about 300 days of sunshine a year, first-class wineries, white-washed buildings, and a beautiful coastline, Santa Barbara is a great travel destination in California.
Its downtown is walkable and full of shops, and the newly revitalized Funk Zone is home to more restaurants, bars, and wine tasting rooms than I can count.
Stay at the Harbor View Inn for a walkable location and a view of Stearns Wharf.
Book a whale-watching tour with Condor Express to view marine life in the Santa Barbara Channel.
Rent a bike and ride the coastline trails for a unique way to experience the area.
Pop into any of the wine tasting rooms downtown — many are woman-owned, and all are approachable and easy to enjoy.
Pro tip: Take the Santa Barbara Trolley tour for a great overview of the city's sights and history.
There's something for everyone to enjoy in Scottsdale, Arizona.Horseback riding is one of many fun things to do in Arizona.
Chantelle Kincy
Scottsdale is easily accessible for a range of travelers as it's just a short drive from the Phoenix Airport. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, the city's natural beauty is also visible around every turn.
Hit the scenic nearby trails either by hiking or going horseback riding.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale to enjoy cute shops, wine tasting rooms, and wonderful restaurants.
Get a little dirty with an off-roading Jeep or ATV experience. I suggest going at sunset for the best views.
Pro tip: Eat brunch at Hash Kitchen if you want to enjoy Instagrammable surroundings and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
The Alsace region is wonderful to visit just about any time of year.
Chantelle Kincy
If you've ever wanted to feel ike you are the main character in a storybook, head to the charming Alsace region in France.
A short train ride from Paris will land you right in the heart of Alsace, and you can explore numerous villages and wineries with both German and French influence.
Each village has its own charm, but my favorites are Eguisheim, Obernai, and Ribeauville.
Base yourself in Strasbourg or Colmar and take day trips to smaller villages.
Be sure to try flammekueche, the regional specialty. It's a crispy flatbread with a cracker-like crust, usually topped with a creamy white sauce and thick-cut bacon.
The area's world-renowned wine route passes through many villages, and can be done on your own or on guided tours.
Pro tip: Go during December to see the villages come alive with Christmas markets — it's magical!