The Art of Getting Lost: 365 Days of Adventure, Big and Small

by Brendan Leonard

The Art of Getting Lost will illuminate the details of dream trips, and inspiring readers to understand that adventure is not out of reach. Most of us face a couple of obstacles when it comes to living our Walter Mitty-esque adventure ideas of what to do, and concrete knowledge of how long those ideas will take. It’s a long way from talking to some guy at the bar about his Grand Canyon Raft trip to going home and Googling a synopsis of how to make it happen, and then clicking around a guide company’s website to find out if it takes three days or 30. But it won’t be hard to flip through this book and get inspired.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Nature

176 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2018

About the author

Brendan Leonard is the creator of Semi-Rad.com and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Outside, CNN.com, Adventure Journal, Alpinist, Climbing, High Country News, Adventure Cyclist, and dozens of other publications. He lives in Missoula, Montana.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was misled by the title. I thought this would be a mix of ideas that would lead to adventures both close to and far from home, ranging from simple to difficult to execute and complete. I hoped to experience new things and new places today and have some dreams for tomorrow. Perhaps I would drive down an unexplored country road today, and plan to ski a challenging slope another. Sadly, this is not the book I hoped it would be.

These adventures are for active and sporty adventurers; if you like to bike, hike, climb, trek, and more, then this is the adventure guide for you. If you dream of physical recreation in faraway, exotic, or National Geographic type locales, then you will be inspired by the ideas here. You'll also need money to take on these pursuits as none of them are as simple as making the 8-mile bike ride around Mackinac Island or canoeing around the local lake.

I can't comment specifically on the ideas as once I saw that this was geared towards physically fit folks seeking a challenge, I quickly realized this did not apply or appeal to me and I frivolously skimmed over the possibilities. It may be a decent book, just not one supplying what I hoped for. I recommend this if you enjoy active, sporty, adventurous pursuits.

[Cheyenne Stirling · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the title a bit misleading, and in hindsight, I should have expected a Falcon Guide to lean toward a more campy style. While I appreciate the effort to inspire adventure, the storytelling perspective fell flat for me—it lacked the depth and intrigue I was hoping for. Instead, it felt more like a checklist, and in today’s world, where lists are ubiquitous, it didn’t offer much new or exciting. If you’re already someone who seeks out adventure-themed books, chances are you’ve seen or done many of the items mentioned here. I was left wishing for something more compelling and unique.

[Wendy Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book to inspire your next year's adventures, this little travel guide will definitely get you pumped for doing something extra special. Live it up!

[Zach LaFond-Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book of adventure ideas in one evening and put it down feeling inspired to get out more and maybe resurrect my 50 days in the woods resolution!

[Tracy]

Inspirational adventures, something to spark ideas and find new places to explore. This book wouldn't necessarily get you to planning a complete trip but is the spark to start a dream, and provides references for more information. It's helpful to have a scope put around different adventures, have someone push you in the right direction with big picture info about how long to expect and how hard a trip will be, and whether it's something you can self-plan or hire a guide to lead you on.

I liked how the book was divided: quit-your-job adventures, two-week, one-week, weekend, full day, and half day adventures. A nice approach to remind us we can find adventures in whatever space we have. I appreciated the little essays scattered throughout the book, on topics from saving money by camping (so you can afford the trip) to deciding what gear to rent or buy.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiration for trip planning that will get you out into the natural world, with smart travel tips. I loved the “quit your job” section with long adventures.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I prefer to get lost using a car and hotel.

[Sharon Wishnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Getting Lost is a travel book, but it's more of a fantasy read. Gorgeous photos of amazing international nature destinations where you, the perfect specimen of health, strength, vitality, finances, and time management can live the life of a 19th century gentlefolk adventurer. Fantasy trips aside, this is a smart little book that reminds page skimmers of the world's natural beauty. While most people won't complete one of the recommended trips whether a month-long adventure or half-day ice hike, Leonard reminds you that you are in control of your free time if you make it happen. I will never complete #27 run a trail ultramarathon , but I did learn about some amazing places that I could see in less athletically fit conditions. The outside is waiting and we should all strive to see some it, but maybe without crampons and rest stops of altitude adjustments.

[Jonique Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is just finding her way into the great outdoors, I found this book full of wonderful places I had never even heard of! The sample itineraries helped put ideas into solid plans. I loved the added humor and the photos selected were top-notch. I checked it out from the library, but I’m going to buy my own copy for reference later on.

[Mrshawn10100 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cross between a coffee table book and some serious inspiration to get outdoors and do stuff - adventures.

Nice ideas spanning the commitment from "quit your job" to half day, interspersed with interesting perspectives on getting to do these things and making it practical.

Nice photos as well.

[Sergey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Almost nothing new for me and very few trips that would interest me (too popular/easy), but the pictures are easy on the eyes.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book - a pleasure to read, and inspiring to emulate!

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

tldr: Get outside!

Has concrete recommendations of adventures, large/small, near/far.. and tips on how to make them happen.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Nice collection of possible adventures sorted by time required. Not a lot of meat to the book, though. Read in about an hour.

[Library Queen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pictures are nice, but I think someone else would like this book more than me.

[Ramesh Naidu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book to read and find gems to add to your travel bucket list