Over the past few years, I've thoroughly enjoyed your contributions, especially your Editor's Letters.

You will be missed.

All the best to you and Adam.

Posted By Melinda Abraham on July 11, 2008, 4:11 PM

Dear Erik -

Wishing you the best of luck and happy travels!

Aloha,
Sheila

Posted By Sheila on July 11, 2008, 4:36 PM

I'm sitting in my cube, alone, and just said out loud, "Oh my gosh!" when I saw the link to your story about leaving. I was so surprised! It is an odd thing—especially for the writer—but readers get used to someone and feel like they know him or her, through their writing. Of course, they don't...but I too (as the prior comment stated) have thoroughly enjoyed your Editor's Letters as well as the articles you've written for BT. I always thought you put forth warmth—a sense of human kindness—that never crossed the line into mushiness. I liked the vibe. So, thank you for your role in the magazine, congratulations on a job well done, and best wishes for a fun and fulfilling next step. (But first...take a trip!)
Anne Noonan (MN)

Posted By Anne Noonan on July 11, 2008, 4:44 PM

I used to be editor at a magazine, as well, and I know how bittersweet a transition like this can be. I will miss reading your work, especially your Editor's Letter, each month. Enjoy the adventure that awaits!

Posted By Beth on July 12, 2008, 9:37 AM

Erik,

You've been an inspiration to me throughout the years, and you'll definitely be missed. Good luck to you in whatever journeys you embark on.

Best wishes and happy travels!

Posted By Kimberly on July 12, 2008, 10:49 AM

Wow--I hope the new editor will take on some of your style! I enjoyed reading your columns and posts and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Lisa

Posted By Lisa on July 12, 2008, 5:29 PM

I've truly enjoyed your Editor's Letters as well as your contributing articles and will miss your warmth and wit. Good luck to your next project and I hope to cross paths someday on some excursion or another. Cheers.

Posted By Christina on July 13, 2008, 1:00 PM

Best wishes, Erik! As a long time reader of BT, I'll miss your Editor's Letters and sensibility you bring to the magazine. Have a wonderful journey!

Posted By Jennifer on July 14, 2008, 12:07 PM

We will miss you Erik. I have always thought that when I read your editor's letter and articles that I felt that you were a down to earth,real kind of traveler with a sense of humor and not just someone writing about the next magazine issue. And your personal notes about your partner, dog and family made you even more likeable. I especially liked the article you wrote about you & your sister going to Amsterdam & Paris.I've always thought that you had the dream job!Keep on traveling (& writing if you can)! Good luck & Thanks for all the humorous and inspiring travel advice.

Posted By S from Los Angeles on July 14, 2008, 12:18 PM

I subscribe to A LOT of magazines. I love magazines. Especially travel magazines. There is only ONE of those magazines that I've repeatedly recommended to other people and that is....you guessed it....Budget Travel.

I have grown addicted to how amazingly creative and useful, and FUN, this magazine is. I have also noticed that other magazines have tried to copy many of the features that BT has pioneered. I've always assumed that much of this has come from Erik Torkells. I don't know. I'm sure it is equally that of the amazing staff. I'm just really scared that something will be lost.

Thanks for a great magazine Erik! Now please come back!

Bob N

Posted By Bob N on July 14, 2008, 12:35 PM

As a retired journalist and magazine editor, still in the travel industry as an innkeeper (The Alexander House Booklovers B & B), I have been delighted and inspired by your writing and your ethics. You insisted one of your writers pay full amount for a room while doing a story on the inn to keep it ethical--which has become a rarity in journalism today.

You have taken Budget Travel from a tired and pedestrian magazine and transformed it into a hip, readable and reliable guide to real affordable and unique travel. The magazine will certainly suffer with your absence.

If you're looking for a great small town on which to land, check out Princess Anne MD.
Elizabeth A.

Posted By Elizabeth Alexander on July 14, 2008, 12:44 PM

BT has become my favourite (sorry English spelling) travel magazine, even though it takes 4 weeks to arrive here. I love the US, especially California and your story about growing up there made me very nostalgic for the Balboa ferry and the Fun Zone, which actually isn't that much fun but a great place anyway.

Although like many I read the web pages, there is nothing like the written word and I shall miss your amusing and incisive comments on the Editors Page. Good luck for whatever may be ahead

Alan, England

Posted By Alan on July 14, 2008, 12:49 PM

Oh wow.....what can I say ?
Erik you're going to be missed that's no doubt about that. Your personality, your style, and the way you relate to your readers make BT so special and down to earth. I'm a transplant from Malaysia, since I arrived and made US my second home..Ive never stop reading BT ! I've been to many countries and cities..I always bring along the latest copy of BT. Infact, Ive gotten the rest of my clans here in US and abroad reading BT !
Thanks once again for a great magazine. In cantoneese "Gong juk li and ah tong,mann mann hei loc." Wishing you and Adam millions of happiness !

Posted By Kam Foo on July 14, 2008, 1:00 PM

I can't believe you're leaving! I will really miss your insight and witty commentary. Good luck in all your future endeavors- you deserve the best!

Posted By Rae Stackhouse on July 14, 2008, 1:53 PM

I feel like I'm losing a friend. I've written you letters (okay, in my head) about my travels, about what to see in Alaska that visitors don't know, and about the fact that I have ever single BT from the first one and that I refer to them frequently. And now you're leaving! Have a great life. Cheers, Martha, Anchorage, Alaska

Posted By Martha Levensaler on July 14, 2008, 1:56 PM

Erik, it is a rare writer who can reach out through his words and make so many people feel as if he is a friend unmet--your articles always made me think I'd love to travel with you! Thank you for your fine work. May you be blessed, wherever your road takes you.

Posted By Lisa Bergren on July 14, 2008, 2:08 PM

Erik, I wish you the best in your future however I will as well as others will miss your editor's letters and articles. Thank you for making BT so creative and great magazine. I feel as if I have gotten to know you through the editor's letters. I have always read your letters first in each magazine. Keep everyone posted in your future adventures. Keep writing creatively the way you have done in the past. The next editor will have big shoes to fulfill to replace a Great editor Erik Torkells. Cheers. Ron

Posted By Ron on July 14, 2008, 3:14 PM

Leaving? Did readers OK this?? Yours was one of the most readable Editor's Letters and I'll miss them. It was nice getting to know you from afar (the Paris article with your sister cracked me up!), and hearing you recently on NPR put a voice to the face. You've done a tremendous job with the magazine, so thank you. Best of luck in your journey on the road and in life.

Posted By Jacqueline on July 14, 2008, 3:26 PM

How disappointing for us, but surely exciting for you. I've often thought about the myriad questions I'd ask / advice I'd seek if I ever ran into in the airport or on my flight. I may still get that opportunity someday. Til then, all the best of the luck to you. Now, eh-hum, since you're leaving the best job in journalism, where do I send my resume? :)

Posted By Dan on July 14, 2008, 4:46 PM

Thanks Erik for making Budget Travel great during your tenure, and for sharing your partnership with Adam with us--that made me like you and magazine even more. I've really enjoyed your contributions and the tone you and your colleagues have set for BT over the years. Wishing you every happiness in your next adventure and hoping many of those you've nurtured at BT stay on--I love it just as it is! Thank you!

Posted By Sheridan Davis on July 14, 2008, 4:51 PM

Good luck!!!!! We'll miss you!!!!

Posted By Wanda on July 14, 2008, 4:56 PM

I had the same reaction as another writer, "Oh my god!"

I truly hope your next adventure is as fun and satisfying as your stewardship of Budget Travel. Your humor and style will be truly missed by not only your readers, but your staff and colleagues as well, I'm sure. Best of luck and happy travels to you and Adam!

Posted By WEG on July 14, 2008, 6:57 PM

How sad for me & the non traveling world, who sit on our couches & dream of all the places your magazine writes about. I was inspired by you to take my first trip to Egypt last year, I'm a very happy 71 1/2yr. old grandma of 5 who's glad she got up & went.I and the world will miss you. Good Luck & come to Austin Tx.

Posted By Nancy Shams on July 14, 2008, 7:25 PM

The best of luck, I've subscribed to this magazine for a long time now and it's the best - you are like the "guy next door" and I've loved all you've done. Thanks and the best of luck to you always.

Posted By Ginni on July 14, 2008, 7:46 PM

Hi Erik,I was terribly sad you are leaving.I'm a new reader of Budget Magazine and I love it because of your topics.I specifically loved your travel with your sister in Europe.I hope to some day do the same itinerary.
A lot of us will surely miss you.I'm pretty sure you'll do great in anything you decide to do.

Posted By Ces Bondoc on July 14, 2008, 8:09 PM

You will be a tough act to follow....My condolenses to the next Editor in Chief! I could always tell you enjoyed your job & therefore it was a pleasure to read.

Wishing you & Adam the best of luck.

Hey don't forget to invite us to that little cafe : )
Thanks Erik!

Posted By Susan on July 14, 2008, 9:28 PM

Erik -

Have fun out there! Living vicariously through you - you'll be missed!

Posted By Elizabeth on July 14, 2008, 9:37 PM

Erik,

Best wishes in your new journey. I feel that all us BT readers got to know you well with each and every one of your stories. Thank you for you contributions.You will be missed!

Posted By Maritza on July 14, 2008, 9:58 PM

Erik It will not be the same without you. Good Luck whatever you decide to do.

Send us some great stories from the road.

Posted By LuAnn on July 14, 2008, 10:22 PM

Erik -

I love BT and will continue to enjoy every issue. I'm sad to see you go but best of luck to you on your transition and your future plans. I also wanted to say thanks for being "out" in your articles and the mentions of your partner. It's great to see (and in this case read) perspectives of out LGBT people in mainstream media.

Best,
Sarah from KY

Posted By Sarah on July 14, 2008, 11:45 PM

I love your letters and your amazing magazine (I dream with the world every moment i open your pages, be sure You will be missed.
Your mexican friend, Ludivina.

Posted By Ludivina on July 14, 2008, 11:59 PM

Go back to California, make an honest man out of Adam, and get married to him.

Posted By Bruce Edward Logan on July 15, 2008, 12:42 AM

It’s nice that the editor wasn’t shy about mentioning his partner, but am I the only guy out here who feels there was, and still is not, anything particularly “out” about BudgetTravel? Why no cover story, ever, on gay travel? Why no guy’s equivalent – straight or gay – to “Girlfriend Getaways”? I’m not saying Erik didn’t do a fine job as editor of a mainstream travel publication, but in 2008 gays are part of the mainstream too, or ought to be. Let’s hope the next editor displays a little more editorial courage when it comes to covering guys, gays and gay travel.

Posted By jer on July 15, 2008, 10:16 AM

Best of luck, Erik! Bon voyages!

Anne

Posted By Prêt à Voyager on July 15, 2008, 10:31 AM

Erik,
Best of luck in your future endeavors, whatever form they take. Thanks for the humor and humanity in your articles.
Carolyn

Posted By carolyn on July 15, 2008, 12:48 PM

We will miss you! I rarely read Editor's columns, but really enjoyed yours. Good luck!

Posted By V on July 15, 2008, 1:50 PM

I'm actually stunned. I had to read the first sentence twice because I thought I misread it the first time. It seems very weird that you won't be here, and I have to imagine you have a specific amazing opportunity waiting for you that you are hiding from us right now because, otherwise, how could you just walk away from my dream job??

Posted By Maria Rally on July 15, 2008, 4:04 PM

Erik --

I was shocked to hear that you will be leaving BT. I've come to depend on the sage words of your Editor's Letter in each issue, and will miss the warmth, wit and wisdom you brought to the magazine. Good luck to you in all your future endeavours and adventures, and I'll look forward to seeing your travel tips in future issues. Bon chance et bon voyage!

Posted By Care on July 15, 2008, 9:06 PM

Erik, I've never written a blog or a letter to the editor, but felt the need to let you know I'll miss you. I also read tons of different types of magazines, but I usually slide over the 'letters from the editor' section after a few disappointing reads. I read yours first time every time, even if I don't have time to go through magazine at that time. You will be missed. I'll keep googling your name to see if you show up somewhere else..hopefully! If not, have a good life. You've enriched mine. jt

Posted By Jeanne Thompson on July 15, 2008, 9:40 PM

I'm so sad to see you go. I've always enjoyed your Editor's letters and other contributions to the magazine. Best of luck in the future!!

Posted By Modern Day Gypsy on July 15, 2008, 11:41 PM

Erik, you will be sorely missed. I've thoroughly enjoyed the magazine over the past 5 years, and you've done a fantastic job. I credit you for being an honest, open person who chose to work towards success at a mainstream 'zine - especially since 95% of us are employed in mainstream society, but somehow the only "out" Americans holding prominent positions and getting media coverage are those who are firmly entrenched in NY or LA's GLBT scenes. You were honest about who you are while still keeping Budget Travel relevant to all of society, not just one subset. You also went a long way towards showing those of us in the GLBT community that two men or two women can travel to places far beyond Provincetown, Key West, Palm Springs, or Fire Island and still have a safe and rewarding travel experience. I thank you for that, and wish you all the best in future endeavors.

Posted By David Jackman on July 15, 2008, 11:45 PM

OMG! I would like to think this is just a joke! But if it's true, i wish you the best of luck in whatever you pursue. i feel like i'm losing a friend. this is a sad, sad day!

Meddie

Posted By Meddie Harris on July 16, 2008, 6:41 AM

Thank you for the very pleasant lunch we had a couple of years ago and your graciousness in allowing me to explain the virtues of the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a destination. It is not often that a Tar Heel wishes a Dookie "good luck" but I'll make an exception in this case.

Posted By Bob Lutz on July 16, 2008, 8:55 AM

Erik...we'll miss you... I always loved reading your letters and was happy to see that you included Adam in most of your travels and stories. Just hope your successor will do the same if he is as lucky as you are with a life partner! And when you are looking for a beautiful place to go to or move to so you can be yourselves, consider New Hampshire - we did and love it.

Casper in NH

Posted By Casper on July 18, 2008, 4:22 PM

On the occasion of Erik's departure, I am compelled to write, never having done so before. BT is by far the best travel mag to ensure the best value for your money. (Although those $200/night hotels being listed of late are certainly pushing the limit.) I have taken 2 40 Best Deal trips, one to South America - Brazil and Argentina - for 10 days for just over $1000 with air! The second one was to Prague for 4 days. Can't recall the cost of that one, but it was also a great value and a great trip.

One that is never mentioned in BT's 40 Best Deals and should be, though, is Good Earth Tours Tanzanian Safari. I went 9/07 with a friend for a week. I liked the company not just for the value, but that they donate a percentage of the profit to a good local cause. Also, the customer can choose the dates that work best for them, which is what we did and got a private tour at no extra charge because no one else booked those dates! We brought school supplies to donate, so the driver took us to a school in need and we visited with the kids and learned about the African school system. It was a blast. Needless to say, we also saw the big 5! The safari was just over $2200 and the airfare was $1750. The lowest previous price I had seen on the web for this tour was about $6K. The driver was excellent, well-spoken, and intelligent. I highly recommend BT research them and add them to their 40 Best Deals list. Happy travels to all, especially Erik, whom we will dearly miss. Cathi from Olney, MD

Posted By Cathi Culver on July 18, 2008, 11:04 PM

Erik, thanks for making BT more enjoyable over the last 5 years. Best wishes for all of your future endeavors. I will certainly miss your great letters.

Posted By Jaye Poole on July 19, 2008, 11:10 AM

Best of luck to you and Adam. I hope this move brings you many new adventures and travels. I will miss reading about the yearly trip you take with Shawnda and the funny t shirts she has made (my favorite was Corn Dog and Corn Muffin) among other things. Congratulations on starting your next chapter.

Nicole L. Baker

Posted By Nicole L. Baker on July 20, 2008, 12:58 PM

Erik, you're like family to me. what will I do looking for your column and it's
not there? I wish you and Adam the very best. I'll miss you. Maybe you'll
pop up in another magazine????

Posted By Jasmine on July 20, 2008, 11:46 PM

Best of luck to you Erik! I have enjoyed your writing and the magazine for years. You will be missed. Hopefully, you will continue to contribute on occasion to fill us in on what you and Adam are up to. And where you open that cafe!
Best wishes!
Steph

Posted By Steph on July 21, 2008, 1:10 PM

Oh Erik, I can only say Amen! to what all the other people have said. I can't believe you won't be here anymore. You and Adam, enjoy your new ventures
Buena suerte y vayan con Dios!
Nini

Posted By Nini on July 22, 2008, 4:14 PM

Oh, Erik, you will be missed! I read your columns every month and enjoy the information (and humor). I wish you and Adam much luck (wherever you end up). Thanks again for the trip to Hawaii - a once in a lifetime experience.
Roxanne Wysock

Posted By Roxanne Wysock on July 28, 2008, 9:57 AM

Erik,

I wish you luck in your next adventure. You will be missed. Your writing is superb (Mr. Stolte would be proud!).

Jen

Posted By Jennifer B. on September 2, 2008, 9:57 AM