The Educational Tours Team – Founded by an Educator, For Educators
Educational Tours stands as a testament to a visionary educator’s commitment to enhancing the academic journey. Our founder, driven by a passion for education and travel, established this company with a singular focus — to empower educators in orchestrating extraordinary class trips that transcend the walls of a classroom.
Our Mission
Edwin F. Lattin started Educational Tours after a decade-long career in teaching and taking his social studies classes on field trips annually. His experience being on the teacher side of the business for years helped him define the core mission of the company:
Provide teachers with a seamless process to help them deliver the highest quality and safest educational tours for their students at the best value possible.
Today, that mission has been accomplished thousands of times over for hundreds of teachers and countless students. On almost any given day, Educational Tours is on the road helping teachers deliver students safely to destinations across the continental United States, in places like Washington DC, New York City, Memphis, Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, San Francisco, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Orlando, and the Space Coast. The business has expanded to assist a variety of student-related groups such as class trips, safety patrols, school clubs and performance trips. No matter the type of student group, our mission remains the same: help teachers and sponsors fulfill their educational goals through student travel.
A Total Team Effort
At the helm is a dedicated team, collectively possessing extensive years of experience and a wealth of expertise. We specialize in seamlessly transforming classrooms into captivating destinations across the country, unlocking immersive learning opportunities for both teachers and students. Discover a partner in education that understands your aspirations and is poised to elevate the educational experience beyond the ordinary. Click here to request more information or call (800) 343-9003. Our team stands ready to assist.
Ed Lattin
Founder of Educational Tours
Raised in Inverness, FL and completed his B.A. and Master’s Degrees at the University of Florida. Ed taught for ten years in Citrus and Marion County Schools where he was named Marion County Social Studies teacher of the year and Teacher of the Year at Inverness Middle School. His love of travel for students, lead him to form Educational Tours in 1985. Ed’s hobbies include music, travel, exercise and most importantly, grandkids! He has been married for almost 50 years to his lovely wife, Debbie. Ed is now mostly retired with his two sons, Brian and Brad, managing Educational Tours – and doing a great job!
Favorite Quote: “The buck stops here.” – President Truman
Brian Lattin
Co-Owner, Member of the Educational Tours team since 2013
A native Floridian who attended elementary, middle, and high school in Citrus County. Brian attended the University of Florida and earned a B.A. in History followed by a Master’s Degree from USF in Social Science Education. Brian’s hobbies include spending time with his wife, Roselle, and their two children, Ellie and Drew. Brian loves all sports, eating good food, and traveling to new places!
Favorite Quote: “Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who’ll argue with you.” – John Wooden
Brad Lattin
Co-Owner, Member of the Educational Tours team since 2014
Having essentially grown up in the business, Brad has been directly and indirectly involved with Educational Tours for most of his life. He went to school at the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, followed by a Master’s Degree in Communication. Originally from Inverness, Florida, Brad now lives in Leesburg, Florida, with his wife Melanie and their beagle puppy, Benny. He continues to focus primarily on the growth of the business and how to navigate an everchanging student and group travel world.
Favorite Quote: “The only thing that makes conversation possible is an openness to evidence and argument – a willingness to update one’s view of the world when better reasons are given, and that is an ongoing process, not a place we ever finally arrive.” -Sam Harris
Lisa Bower
Director of Safety Patrol Accounts, Member of the Educational Tours team since 1995
A Florida native, born and raised in the beautiful Sunshine State and has been a part of the Educational Tours family over half her life. Lisa finds joy in the company of her mom, friends and chihuahua, Geraldine. When she’s not busy planning student tours, Lisa has a unique and creative side that comes to life through her love for photography. She is a concert photographer, capturing the energy and essence of live performances in the Orlando and Tampa areas.
Favorite Quote: “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” ― John Lennon
Carol Muscatella
DC & Northeast Destinations, Member of the Educational Tours team since 2010
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Carol spent her formative years in the bustling city before relocating to Florida in 2005 to be closer to her parents. Carol’s life is connected to family, shown by her lasting 24-year marriage to her loving husband, Chris.
Having dedicated two decades to public service, Carol retired in 2005 from the MTA Inspector General’s Office in New York City, a testament to her dedication and work ethic. In 2010, she embarked on a new chapter, joining the team at Educational Tours.
Carol finds joy in the companionship of her beloved pets, Remy, an orange tabby/Siamese cat, and Kody, a delightful labradoodle. Carol also loves giraffes.
Favorite Quote: “If you change the way you look at things the things you look at change” – Wayne Dyer
Cynthia Ruiz
St Augustine Destinations, Member of the Educational Tours team since 2022
A proud Florida native, Cynthia has called Marion County home for most of her life and currently resides in Citrus County. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Cynthia brings a diverse background in Finance and Education to her career. Beyond her professional pursuits, Cynthia is passionate about travel, music, reading, and indulging in games, with a particular fondness for card games.
Favorite Quote: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” –James Baldwin
Melinda Gordon
Administrative Professional, Member of the Educational Tours team since 2015
Originally from Pennsylvania, Mindy and her family moved to Florida 24 years ago. Mindy loves spending time with her husband and two adult kids. Some of her greatest joys in life are going to the beach and Central Florida’s Theme Parks.
Favorite Quote: “There is a magical energy & power from the ocean” – Jo Beverley
Nicole Beaudry
Central FL & Specialty Destinations, Member of the Educational Tours team since 2023
As a Florida native, Nicole proudly graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree, embodying the spirit of her vibrant and diverse home state. Nicole’s passion for exploration extends beyond academics, as she finds joy in traveling to new destinations, embarking on exhilarating hikes, and immersing herself in the serenity of being on the water. These experiences not only shape Nicole’s identity but also fuel her curiosity for the world around her.
Favorite Quote: “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama
Paula Brewer
St Augustine Destinations & Accounting, Member of the Educational Tours team since 2022
Originally from upstate New York, Paula relocated to Florida when she was younger and attended Tampa Bay Technical High School. Paula’s career attributes have been in accounting and customer service. Her family fell in love with Citrus County and moved to Inverness eight years ago. Paula enjoys spending time with family, friends and her Boxer pups. In her spare time Paula also enjoys fishing, crafting and making candles.
Favorite Quote: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
Ben Swinton
DC & Northeast Destinations, Member of the Educational Tours team since 2022
Originally from Albany, New York, Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s in Education from SUNY Albany. His teaching journey began at Bethlehem High School in Delmar, N.Y., where he taught history from 1999 to 2012. In 2013, Ben and his family relocated to Florida, and he continued shaping young minds at Citrus High School until October 2022, marking the start of his role at Educational Tours.
Married to his wife Christie, Ben is a proud parent to two university-bound kids, Chloe and Caleb, both attending the University of Florida. Beyond the classroom, Ben finds joy in fishing, cooking, and engaging in DIY projects. The family is completed by three furry companions: Alex, Fuji, and Woody.
Favorite Quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde
Grant Doyle
Joined the Educational Tours team in 1986 and retired after 34 Years of Service.
Tom Doyle
Joined the Educational Tours team in 1988 and retired after 34 Years of Service.
Beverly Bussard
Joined the Educational Tours team in 1993 and retired after 30 Years of Service.
Lori Watson
Lori Watson, 1960-2015. Rest in Peace. Forever a member of the Educational Tours Family.