From a very early age, it was evident my father would do things a bit differently than most. He began piano lessons before the age of 6 and figured out it was much easier just to play what he heard rather than go to all that trouble learning to read sheet music. This skill would serve him well as he paid his way through college playing piano in a rock and roll band in the late 1950s and into the 1960s. Playing it by ear became a skill he would use throughout life, and he learned to apply it in almost every aspect. This ability to discern and then accurately decide how to proceed, coupled with a natural sense of direction and a curiosity for what could be around the corner, were all traits destined to create a great leader.
Whether it was music, athletics, academics, family, or his professional career, he excelled applying these skills. In two junior league seasons, he batted 1000. He finished both his Bachelor’s and Master’s in 4 years. Shortly after college, while teaching at his first job, he met and married the love of his life and celebrated 57 years of marriage, a son, and two grandchildren. After over 30 years working in the insurance industry and becoming a leader in his field and community, he amassed a large group of friends that knew and trusted his judgement. These experiences and relationships would spark an idea he knew would be a success.
Without a doubt, the first trip my parents took to Europe in 1976 began a lifelong passion for travel driven by their love of history and literature. What started as company incentive trips grew into extended stays with car rentals and independently guided meanderings through most of Europe. Friends and business associates noticed how comfortable they were be-bopping across the continent and often inquired about traveling together some day. In the middle of my college education, I also got the bug after they took me to Italy in 1991, and then I was accepted to study abroad there in 1992. After many more trips to countries throughout Europe, often including other friends, and much preparation and planning, we took our first official eeTours group to Italy in 2002 during the first anniversary of 9-11.
We take a hands-on approach to tour planning and preparation, selecting all aspects of the trip based on our experience and satisfaction. As a result, we have hosted over forty different group tours to locations across Europe and the British Isles. By visiting locations multiple times and building relationships with local businesses and individuals, we have amassed a network of contacts throughout Europe with whom we keep in touch regularly. The groups we have hosted are comprised of our friends; if not before the tour, then definitely by the end. What Dad often referred to as an accidental business was never just that. It was an accumulation of life’s experience translated into a grand symphony, all just played by ear.
The last few years have brought many changes to our family. In February 2021, my father was taken from us to begin his next great voyage. Though he is no longer physically with us, his fascination and appreciation for other places and cultures has been bred into our hearts and minds and beckons us to continue the quest. After all, it is just as simple as Dad frequently said, "Don't let your next trip be the one you never took."
With his spirit and love in our hearts, this little family business and its growing group of traveling friends will continue to explore and share unique corners of the world. It is with great certainty I can say,
"We'll see you in some airport, somewhere!"
- Todd Eldridge
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.