Dude, where's my bag?

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

See recent posts by Josh Roberts

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Airline lost your bags? You’re not alone. In fact, U.S. airlines lost about 10,000 bags a day last year, up 23 percent year-over-year according to a new report in USA Today.

The worst offender in 2005 was US Airways, which lost about one bag for every 100 passengers. (Yikes.) That’s up more than 80 percent from the previous year. And most airlines place the blame squarely on you—that is, on the increased number of travelers flying in 2005. Other factors cited: budget cuts, tighter inspections, and flight delays.

After my own personal one-man struggle with Aer Lingus over lost baggage last year (when I ended up in Boston while my bags remained firmly entrenched on Irish soil), I swore I’d never fall victim to the whims of airline baggage handlers again. That’s why I made the move toward traveling light: one carry-on and one personal item for me, no exceptions. You’d be amazed how much you can squeeze into a 14×22-inch bag when you come right down to it.

(Incidentally, at least someone is making a killing off all this lost baggage. But that’s another rant altogether.)

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