Meet Our TEAM
BRIAN TAUSSIG-LUX
President
Brian’s journey in the travel industry began in 1983 at General Travel in Philadelphia, but he quickly made a home at UnTours, creating and leading UnTours experiences in Austria, Czechia, and Hungary, and eventually running the German UnTours as well. In 1992, seeking to broaden his expertise, Brian left UnTours to pursue a business degree, returning in 1996 to lead the company.
After guiding UnTours for many years – first as general manager, and eventually president and CEO – he retired in 2023 to start Taussig Travel. During Brian’s tenure at UnTours, he oversaw travel programs across an impressive range of destinations, including Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. His extensive personal and business travels have also taken him beyond Europe to the cultures of Africa, Asia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a BA in European Studies and an MBA, Brian’s academic background perfectly complements his practical experience. He has a deep understanding of global tourism, and loves sharing that expertise with clients, ensuring that your trip is filled with discovery and unforgettable memories.
On his most recent European adventure in 2024, he and his wife spent time in Berlin before taking the train to Italy where they spent five weeks. Three of the five weeks were spent hiking the Way of St. Francis in the mountains of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The remainder of their time was spent in Venice, Florence, Rome, and rural Tuscany. The adventure continues!
PATTI KIRKPATRICK
Travel Advisor
With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Patti brings a wealth of knowledge to every trip she plans. Her dedication to travel is second only to her love for her husband and extended family. Patti has served clients across the United States and around the globe, specializing in customized luxury travel that caters to a variety of budgets. Her expertise was instrumental in launching a bespoke luxury product at UnTours for selected European cities.
Her exceptional service and attention to detail, and her ability to handle complex travel arrangements is well-illustrated by her clients’ experiences. She’s known as professional, responsive, and provides well-researched answers to their questions. Whether arranging train tickets in France, booking a fabulous Caribbean resort, or planning intricate itineraries involving both land tours and cruises, Patti’s proficiency shines through. Her passion for travel and her dedication to her clients make her a perfect advisor for your next adventure.
Patti’s extensive travels have taken her to six of the seven continents, with her most recent journey being a trip to Ireland in February 2024.
JOHN WILLIAMSON
Travel Advisor & Marketing
John Williamson worked for decades in the nonprofit management and fundraising industry where he traveled across North America and coordinated meetings, conferences, and travel logistics for dozens of clients and organizational partners. This led him to attend the Travel Leaders travel advisor academy in 2020.
John’s specialities include finding creative solutions to unique travel challenges, including travel planning for individuals with special travel needs, business meetings and events, accessible travel, and LGBTQ+ travel.
He also served as internet marketing director for a large resort property including lodging, banquets, meetings, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, so he “speaks the language” when negotiating the best deals with our destination partners.
John’s years of experience in marketing and technology give him the needed skills to serve Taussig Travel’s digital marketing needs.