Cuba Shows Off In Paris

 Earlier this month tourism took centre stage in Paris at the World Tourism Hall in the Exhibition Park of Porte de Versailles. There hundreds representatives from some of the world's most well-known destinations assembled to promote their offerings to Parisians preparing to make 2012 holiday plans. Cuba was among the Caribbean nations represented, all vying for their share of the lucrative French market.

For decades Cuba has struggled as a travel destination due to her communist government and very weak economy. In fact, Cuba luxury holidays were rarely at the top of the list for Europeans heading overseas. But since the political shift which saw Fidel Castro's brother took over leadership, the Cuban government has shifted gears and is now aggressively pushing tourism. Old, run down resorts from Cuba's glory days are being restored, new luxury resorts are being opened, and private ownership of tourism-related businesses is being encouraged.

According to the most recent numbers out of Havana the effort is paying off. In 2011 the country saw a significant rise in the number of arrivals over 2010, most notably from Argentina which was up nearly 11%. And although the vast majority of visitors to Cuba come from South America, the French and the British are also contributed to the increase. If Cuba can convince the United States to allow more flights to and from their country it's possible European visitors could surpass South Americans by the end of this year.

Travel Smart: 3 Tips for Organized Gadget Travel

 I travel quite a bit for both business and for fun, and I can't think of the last time I went somewhere without some tech in tow, whether a digital camera, my mobile phone, iPad, laptop or netbook, or some other gizmo. These devices are so much a part of our lives that it's hard for us to go anywhere without them. But how can we take them with us in a way that makes sense, keeps them accessible and organized, and doesn't leave us with a huge and heavy carry-on bag?

Consolidate. This may seem like strange advice coming from a huge gadget fan, but when traveling, my general philosophy is "the fewer devices, the better." The less you bring with you, the fewer devices you have to worry about losing, the fewer chargers you need to bring, and less you have to carry. One way to bring less tech with you is to leverage something you probably already use all the time - your mobile phone. Your cell phone can do so much for you - and can save you tons of bulk during a trip by consolidating the functions of many other devices into one. Especially if you have a current smartphone, you can often leave your digital camera, mp3 player, portable video game, camcorder, and GPS unit behind. Granted, you may not get every single feature that you'd have with each and every individual device, but the benefit of leaving them at home is far less bulk, and less to lose. One note: if you're traveling abroad, make sure to review your data service plan or turn off your data (just leave your phone in flight mode) to avoid exorbitant roaming charges.

A Brief History Of Miami International Airport

 Miami International Airport, also known as MIA or Wilcox Field, is a very busy and well known international airport. It is Southern Florida's most important airport for international flights. It is the chief center for international airlines connecting Latin America, the USA and the Caribbean. More than 100 airlines ply through this airport reaching 10000 of passengers to more or less 150 countries around the world everyday.

According to the Miami International Airport history, in 1927, the management of Pan American Airways determined to shift their operational base to Miami from Key West. Accordingly 116 acres of land was bought along the North West 36th street in order to construct the airport. The construction was completed by 1928. Then it had two solid surfaced runways, two hangers and a passenger terminal. The two storied terminal building was sturdy and spacious and one of its kinds in those days. All the facilities and services for the passengers were kept in the ground floor while in the top floor was the numerous offices and a huge balcony with a brilliant sight of the airdrome.

Officially, the airport started its operation on the 15th of September, 1928. It was Capt. The first flight was piloted by Edward Musick, who flew a Sikorsky-38 to Havana passing through Key West. During its first year of action, the Pan American Field took care of 8600 commuters and 20 tons of cargo. It was renamed the Miami International Airport in 1948. After the II World War, the airport felt the need for expansion as the footfall of passengers and load of cargo was increasing each day. As a result of acquisition and annexations of further lands, the airstrip had increased its size to 2878 acres by 1951.

Minnesota Snowmobile Vacation

Located in and around Breezy Point, Minnesota, in the heart of Minnesota's Lake Country, are hundreds of miles of interconnected trails that pass through some of the most beautiful winter landscapes you could ever imagine--through forests and grasslands, over lakes and around picturesque streams. This trail system is one great reason to plan a Minnesota snowmobile vacation.

Twelve snowmobile clubs make up the Crow Wing County Snowmobile Association in the Lakes Area of central Minnesota near Breezy Point. This group of dedicated individuals has been instrumental in creating one of the most spectacular trail systems you'll ever experience.

These twelve clubs combine to maintain 1000 miles of the excellent trail system that draws visitors from around the world to experience the beauty of Minnesota winters. These snowmobile clubs are made up of hundreds of active volunteers who clear and maintain trails, drive and maintain grooming equipment, create the CWCSTA trail map each year, work with landowners, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other local government agencies to promote the sport of snowmobiling within the area.