New destination for the New Year

Children leap into a tidal pool at Camps Bay beach in Cape Town, South Africa. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Recent upheavals and turmoil have made some tourist spots less attractive－but others even more alluring Where should you travel in 2017? Maybe you want to witness the US solar eclipse, take advantage of great exchange rates abroad or get in on the hoopla for big anniversaries in places like Alaska, Canada or Russia. Perhaps you're looking for a Zika-free beach or a destination unscathed by terrorism.

We look at events, trends and recommendations from travel agents, magazines, publishers and others, to compile this list of where to go in 2017.

Events and anniversaries

On Aug 21, a total eclipse of the sun lasting for more than 2 minutes will darken afternoon skies across a narrow strip of the United States stretching from South Carolina to Oregon. Nashville is one of the cities that will experience the phenomenon, along with a number of national parks. Hotels in many eclipse destinations are sold out.

In June, Bermuda hosts the America's Cup sailing race. Just don't think of Bermuda as the Caribbean. It's nearly 1,600 kilometers north of Puerto Rico and too chilly for ocean swimming in January. On the plus side, Bermuda is Zika-free, and its famous Hamilton Princess Hotel, aka the Pink Palace, is newly renovated.

Alaska celebrates the 150th anniversary of its transfer from Russia to the US in 2017, along with the centennial of Denali National Park..

Canada celebrates 150 years since its colonies were united under the Canadian Confederation, and Montreal marks its 375th anniversary.

Don't forget the country's national parks and wild places. The British Columbia archipelago Haida Gwaii was recently visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

In Russia, 2017 marks 100 years since the revolution that toppled the czar and led to the rise of communism. The date was once a major state holiday but today it's a divisive subject, no longer glorified as it once was.