Eat the Wind

Travels with Dictators, Mercenaries, and Queens

After graduating from Stanford, Dan Wake was on track for a lucrative partnership at a big Washington law firm until he gave it all up to put adventure over career in 1985. It wasn't the first time he'd rolled the dice to explore the world.

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Praise for Eat the Wind

"A captivating memoir that showcases the magic of people and connections made around the world."

—Kirkus Reviews, read full review
“Wake sweeps readers into a journey overflowing with rich culture, enchanting landmarks, and once-in-a-lifetime adventure” with “thrilling cross-continent adventures.”

—Booklife by Publisher’s Weekly, read full review
“Dan Wake is a keen observer, and his sense of humor wins.”

—Tim Cahill, Founding editor of Outside magazine and author of Jaguars Ripped My Flesh
"A simply delightful [and] rollicking good read."

—Midwest Book Review
A “charming . . ., infectious [and] spirited memoir.”

—Foreword Clarion Reviews, read full review
"Eat the Wind is a literary time capsule and a terrific read for anyone who travels–or has even just thought about it."

—Mark Orwoll, former international editor of Travel + Leisure, Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year (Silver Award) and author of Just One Little Hitch.
"Starting as a teenager who could afford only hitchhiking, Wake takes us on an improbable journey of high adventures and unusual encounters on four continents, all before smartphones changed the world of travel."

—Simon Calder, Travel Journalist & Broadcaster
Eat the Wind is a testament to the generosity and acceptance travelers can experience when they journey with a curious mind and an open heart.. Dan Wake was doing “slow travel” long before the term was coined—opting for public transportation, staying in hostels or small inns, and always interacting with local residents.”

—Elizabeth Harryman Lasley, former Travel Editor, Westways magazine
"Wake is a natural writer, evoking a bygone age of unpredictable and serendipitous travel. He is also a good traveller, journeying alone and ready to engage with the local people."

—Hilary Bradt, Founder of Bradt Travel Guides

Preview the book through the stories posted on Dan’s Vintage Travels publication on Substack. Or just check out this popular post.

How I Learned I'm British Royalty . . . Probably by Dan Wake

There's no telling what the road might teach you

Read on Substack

“Captivating…everything you could want in a travel memoir.”

Eat the Wind

Travels with Dictators, Mercenaries, and Queens

Praise for Eat the Wind

"A captivating memoir that showcases the magic of people and connections made around the world."

“Wake sweeps readers into a journey overflowing with rich culture, enchanting landmarks, and once-in-a-lifetime adventure” with “thrilling cross-continent adventures.”

“Dan Wake is a keen observer, and his sense of humor wins.”

"A simply delightful [and] rollicking good read."

A “charming . . ., infectious [and] spirited memoir.”

"Eat the Wind is a literary time capsule and a terrific read for anyone who travels–or has even just thought about it."

"Starting as a teenager who could afford only hitchhiking, Wake takes us on an improbable journey of high adventures and unusual encounters on four continents, all before smartphones changed the world of travel."

"Wake is a natural writer, evoking a bygone age of unpredictable and serendipitous travel. He is also a good traveller, journeying alone and ready to engage with the local people."