Sure, cities like New York, Barcelona, or San Francisco will always be the major urban destinations of the world for gay travelers. But for many, having been there done that, there are other cities rising as favorites in the gay travel world. They're cities quietly building gay hotels, hosting major gay events, or offering sunny days at gay beaches. In 2009, there are 9 increasingly gay-friendly cities for gay travelers to discover, and they are:

1. Zurich
   It's the host city of EuroPride2009 in May, while its street parties and gay bars are getting noticed.
   
2. Copenhagen
   The home of the World Outgames 2009 is stylish, laid-back, and its people are quite an attractive bunch. Be in town this year for the games in July, or show up at any time for one of the world's most gay-friendly cities.
   
3. Buenos Aires
   With cool new gay hotels, affordable prices, and an always attractive population, this is the hottest gay destination in Latin-America.
   
4. São Paulo
   It's home to the world's biggest gay pride celebrations, and 2009 will probably be another record-breaker.
   
5. Athens
   More vibrant than ever after the Olympics makeover, and the gateway to Mykonos, the world's gayest island.
   
6. Rio de Janeiro
   Life is a beach, a party, and made to show off your tanned and toned body. It's time to check out its several gay attractions, from the beach to the bars.
   
7. Lisbon
   Europe's biggest gay secret is slowly coming out of the closet. This year's special gay event will be the second edition of the waterfront "Sparkling Party" in the summer.
   
8. Brussels
   It's the capital of a country where gay marriage and adoption is legal. Naturally, it has quite a number of gay attractions, and this year starts with the annual Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
   
9. Tel Aviv
   OK, so things are not great in that part of the world at the moment. But life goes on as usual in this beachfront city, a combination of New York and Rio on the Mediterranean. Celebrating 100 years this year, this city is surprisingly very gay!