The Radar: 8.18.10

• The White House says that it’s preparing to loosen travel restrictions to Cuba, enabling U.S. visitors to have greater access to the country for cultural, educational, and athletic exchanges. This new move would not end the embargo against Cuba that’s been in place for 40 years, but it is the next step in the process, say White House staffers. More details should be released in the coming days. [The Washington Post]

• Social mapping game Gowalla is pairing up with AT&T and Toms Shoes on a contest that lets one winner accompany Toms’ millionth shoe drop in Argentina. Toms Shoes donates a pair of shoes to children in need for every pair purchased, and participants in the game have to search for hidden prizes using Gowalla, for a chance to also win footwear, smart phones, or discount offers. [Gowalla Blog]

• Cycling tour outfitter Tour D’Afrique is launching a new trip through North America. The North American Epic covers over 5,000 miles, stretching from the Pacific Coast in California to Newfoundland’s Atlantic coast. The trip will take 76 days, and weave through the U.S. southwest and midwest before heading up through Canada. [Gadling]

Photo: A happy teenager cruises along Havana’s waterfront Malecón to her quinceañera reception, the 15th-birthday party that, in Latin culture, marks her coming of age; Sven Creutzmann/Mambo Photo/Getty Images. See more images of Cuba here.