WHAT'S NEW IN SOME OF OUR OLD FAVORITES?

Amsterdam Exhibitions and events will mark Rembrandt's 400th birthday throughout the year.

Atlanta The rooftop lounge at the ubercool Glenn Hotel, opening downtown in january, is the new place to be.

Berlin Deutsche Telekom's iconic TV tower turns into a giant pink soccer ball when the World Cup kicks off here on June 9.

Boston An 11-week exhibition of new David Hockney portraits opens at the Museum of Fine Arts on February 26.

Chicago Gay Games VII, July 15-22, promises to bring in an influx of gay athletes and tourists.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Florida's gay hub goes upscale: Four new luxury properties are opening in 2006, including a 346-room W Hotel and a 166-room St. Regis.

Key West, Fla. A new taw allowing totally nude male dancers goes into effect. In that spirit, Naked Boys Singing! comes to town in March.

London With the United Kingdom's civil-partnership act now in force, couples on the same-sex wedding circuit are sure to visit.And EuroPride is here June 16-July 1. Montreal The first World Outgames, July 29-August 5, is the second major gay athletic event of the year (one week after Chicago's Gay Games).

New Orleans The city officially reopens for tourism on January I, 2006, but the symbolic rebirth will happen during Mardi Gras, culminating on February 28.

We just returned from New Zealand!" boasts your jet-setting friend. "It was amazing ... a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Beyond a tinge of jealousy, your overriding sentiment is likely to be, I desperately need a vacation! Versions of this bar conversation are happening all over the world right now, as gay and lesbian travelers are taking more trips per year than ever before. Whether you're a seasoned world traveler looking for the next great adventure, a budget-minded novice contemplating your first trip abroad, or an overworked homebody looking for a gay-friendly weekend getaway; here's a preview of where gay travel is going in 2006.