Before embarking on your next voyage, find research and advice at this well-traveled bookstore.

by Kim Cooper

Once you spot the giant rocketship suspended from the ceiling, it's clear that Get Lost takes a playful, adventurous approach to travel. The two-story shop near the Castro is packed with useful trekking aids and offbeat imports that will appeal, even if you have no intention of leaving home. Of course, you'll find the standard travel guides (from funky Lonely Planet to stodgy Fodor's), explorers' memoirs and maps for destinations from Australia to Zimbabwe. Pack smart with a money belt, mini-umbrella and refreshing Bucky brand buckwheat airplane pillow. It's the exclusive local outlet for Australian Crumpler bags and stocks a wide selection of popular colored Nalgene water bottles. Upstairs, a rental shelf is packed with tourist department videos and episodes of "National Geographic Explorer." The front table features books by authors who've recently read or hosted slide shows, and the section on local destinations is especially strong.