Southwest eyes Mexico and Caribbean routes

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

According to a report in USA Today, it’s a matter of “when, not if” discount carrier Southwest will add Mexico, Canada, or Caribbean routes.

This fresh look at its operations comes as the airline reflects on its 35 years as the nation’s low-cost leader. Facing greater costs than ever before, along with copycat tactics from major carriers and the emergence of a new generation of high-frills low-fare lines (hello, JetBlue), Southwest seems determined to adapt even while it’s still at the head of the class.

Other recent changes include testing assigned seats and a greater willingness to raise its fares, as noted in this space in previous weeks.

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