Wondering where to go in 2008? Why not consider destinations that are celebrating special events or marking important anniversaries? Here are a few ideas from Canada, Mexico and Europe in the coming months:

EXPO IN ZARAGOZA, SPAIN

Zaragoza -- home to Roman ruins, an 11th century Muslim palace and several museums -- is gearing up to host World Expo 2008.

The event, which is expected to attract upwards of 2 million people, takes place June 14 to Sept. 14 on a 25-hectare site on the north bank of the Ebro River, close to the city centre.

The theme will be water and sustainable development and include attractions such as a 78-metre high glass water tower shaped like a water droplet; a pavilion that showcases the importance of water in the region, and a river aquarium highlighting ecosystems of the world's major rivers.

Zaragoza, Spain's fifth largest city, is a three-and-a-half hour drive northeast of Madrid. For more, check expozaragoza2008.es.

CULTURAL CAPITALS

Liverpool, England, and Stavanger, Norway, will be attracting more than their usual number of visitors in 2008. The two cities have been selected to share the designation of Europe's Capital of Culture this year.

In Liverpool, highlights include separate concerts by the two remaining members of the Beatles. Ringo Starr kicks things off Jan. 11 with a free open air show on St. George's Plateau and then returns on Jan. 12 with Eurythmic Dave Stewart, to open the new Liverpool Echo Arena with Liverpool The Musical. Sir Paul McCartney will perform with his band in a Liverpool Sound concert at Anfield Football Stadium on June 1.

For more information, see liverpool08.com.

In Stavanger, a city rich in cultural experiences and beautiful scenery, celebrations begin on Jan. 12 with a parade, music, theatre and more in the city centre.

Events in 17 categories including film, dance and music will be staged throughout the year (check stavanger2008.com for details). These include an outdoor performance of The Living Bridge, by British saxophonist Andy Sheppard, featuring 200 saxophone players on May 10, and a showcase of art and culture from around the world May 14-20.

There is no shortage of things to enjoy in Stavanger, which claims to be "one of the most exciting gourmet regions in Norway." The city also offers great hiking in the surrounding mountains, scenic drives on a coastline studded with white beaches and picturesque villages, and cruises through the Lysefjord!

BC RIVERMANIA 2008

The Fraser River was named after Simon Fraser, who explored this waterway 200 years ago this year. To mark the anniversary, British Columbia is staging an event called BC 2008 Rivermania.

Visitors can ride segments of the Fraser River along with a flotilla of boats as part of the great explorer's journey, or take in the festivities in participating communities along the way. These include Quesnel, Soda Creek/Williams Lake, Lillooet, Lytton, the Hope region, Mission, Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz, Sto'lo, Abbotsford, Fort Langley, Surrey, New Westminster and Delta/Tsawwassen.

The celebrations begin in Prince George on Aug. 24, and will follow the Fraser River to its end on B.C. River's Day in Steveston (Richmond) on Sept. 28. Events will honour the heritage of the Fraser River and the culture of people who have contributed to the area's economic growth.

For more info, e-mail fraser2008@vcmbc.com.

Heart of Frida exhibit

A collection of emotional and poignant letters and drawings of Mexico's most famous woman artist, Frida Kahlo, goes on display Jan. 11 through Feb. 24, at the Queretaro Art Museum in Queretaro, Mexico.

The Heart of Frida exhibit includes 37 intimate notes and letters and six drawings (four of which were on the backs of losing lottery tickets) that lay undiscovered in a lacquered box in Mexico City for over half a century. Composed during the last four years of her life, the original notes and letters (which are accompanied by an English translation) range in subject matter from Kahlo's pro-Stalinist politics, to the stormy relationship with her husband Diego Rivera, and the pain she endured from more than 30 major orthopedic operations.

For more information, check frida2007.com.