John Maddox

Cruise & All-Inclusive Vacation Specialist · Tropical Getaways

john@tropicalgetaways.net (901) 667-8747 tropicalgetaways.net

Let's Plan the Vacation You'll Be Talking About for Years.

You work hard for your time away, and the vacation you choose should be worth looking forward to. Whether it's a Caribbean cruise, an Alaskan adventure, or an all-inclusive escape, I'll help you sort through the options and find the experience that fits you. From choosing the right ship or resort to handling the details along the way, you'll have someone in your corner who knows the difference firsthand.

20+

Cruises

20+

Resorts Visited

1 MISSION

Making Vacation Planning Easy

PERSONALIZED CRUISE & RESORT PLANNING

The Right Vacation Without the Guesswork

No two travelers are looking for exactly the same experience. The cruise your friends loved might not be right for you, and a beautiful resort isn't necessarily the best choice for your vacation. That's where I come in. I'll get to know what matters to you, explain the differences between your options, and help you choose a cruise or all-inclusive resort that fits the way you want to travel. Less time sorting through endless reviews, more time looking forward to getting away.

All-Inclusive Escapes

From romantic adults-only retreats to family-friendly resorts, I'll help you find the right combination of atmosphere, amenities, and experiences for the getaway you have in mind.

Ocean Cruises

The right cruise is about more than the destinations. I'll help you compare ships, itineraries, and onboard experiences to find a sailing that fits your travel style.

River Cruise Journeys

Explore Europe's rivers, historic cities, and charming towns aboard smaller ships designed for a more intimate experience, with thoughtfully planned itineraries and destinations worth exploring.

How It Works

Here's How We'll Plan Your Getaway

From our first conversation to the day you return home, I'll guide you through the process and handle the details along the way.

Step 01

Let's Talk About Your Vacation

We'll start with a complimentary consultation to discuss where you'd like to go, what matters most to you, your budget, and when you'd like to travel.

Step 02

I'll Get to Work

Once we've agreed on the next steps, I'll research cruises or resorts that fit your priorities and put together recommendations worth considering.

Step 03

Let's Review Your Options

We'll go through my recommendations together, compare the differences, and talk about which cruise or resort feels like the best fit.

Step 04

Fine-Tune Your Vacation

Need to adjust your dates, stateroom, or resort choice? We'll make reasonable changes to get the details where you want them before booking.

Step 05

I'll Take Care of the Booking

Once you're ready, I'll coordinate your booking, confirm the details, and help you stay on top of payments, documents, and important deadlines.

Step 06

Enjoy Your Vacation

I'll help you prepare before departure and remain available if questions or unexpected issues arise during your trip. Your job is to enjoy the experience.

About

Hi, I'm John

Hi, I’m John, the travel advisor behind Tropical Getaways. I’m based in Hernando, Mississippi, and I help couples, families, and groups plan cruises and all-inclusive getaways without spending countless hours buried in reviews, blogs, and conflicting advice. After 20+ cruises and more than 20 resorts, I’ve had the chance to experience a lot of what’s out there firsthand. I take all that experience (and all those hours of research!) and turn it into straightforward recommendations based on how you actually like to travel—not just what's popular. My job is to take the details and logistics off your plate so you can spend your time looking forward to the fun part: your vacation. When I’m not helping clients plan their next getaway, you might find me in my second world of covering University of Memphis football for Tiger Sports Report. If I’m not at a football stadium near you, then I'm home in Hernando with my wife, Susan, and our two cats, Duncan Theodore and Charlotte Renee. Yes, they both have middle names. No, they don't answer to them. 😄

CruiseHoneymoonFamilySolo TravelAll-InclusiveRiver Cruise

FAQ

Questions, answered

Why should I use a travel advisor instead of booking online?

Booking a vacation online gives you thousands of options, but not much help deciding which one is right for you. I help narrow those choices, explain the differences between ships and resorts, and recommend vacations based on your priorities, budget, and travel style. You'll also have someone to turn to when questions come up before your trip.

What types of vacations do you specialize in?

I specialize in ocean cruises and all-inclusive resort vacations, including Caribbean and Alaska cruises, family-friendly resorts, adults-only escapes, and luxury experiences. I also plan river cruises and group vacations, helping you find the right experience for your travel style and budget.

What if I don't know where I want to go yet?

That's perfectly fine! Many clients start with a travel window, a budget, and a general idea of what they'd like to experience. I'll help narrow down the destinations, cruise lines, and resorts that make the most sense for you.

How far in advance should I start planning?

For most cruises and all-inclusive vacations, I recommend starting 6 to 12 months before departure. Planning early generally gives you more choices for ships, staterooms, resorts, and room categories, especially during popular travel periods. Last-minute vacations are possible too, depending on availability and flexibility.

Do you only work with luxury travelers?

Not at all. I work with travelers across a range of budgets, from affordable family cruises to luxury resorts and premium cruise experiences. My focus is on finding the right value for your money, rather than simply the lowest advertised price. I'll be straightforward about what's realistic for your budget and help you make an informed decision.

Does it cost anything to work with you?

Your initial 15-minute consultation is complimentary. For new clients who need personalized vacation research and a detailed proposal, a $75 professional planning fee may apply. I'll explain any fee before beginning the planning process, so you'll know exactly what to expect. Planning fees are generally waived for returning clients.

Do I need to live in the Memphis area to work with you?

Not at all! While Tropical Getaways is based in Hernando, Mississippi, I work with clients across the country. Most of the planning process takes place by phone, video, and email, so your location doesn't matter. If you're in the Memphis area, I'm also happy to arrange an in-person consultation.

Start Here

Your Next Seamless Escape Starts Here.

Have a destination in mind, or still figuring out where you'd like to go? Tell me a little about the vacation you're considering, and we'll start with a complimentary conversation about your ideas, priorities, and budget. From there, I'll explain how I work and what the next steps would look like. No pressure, no obligation.

Client Stories

Why travelers come back

We received the most professional presentation of options before booking, and we scheduled with ease. We had a few travel glitches along the way, and our agent John assisted us more than we could have imagined. We will definitely be using him again!

Unreal trip, unreal experience & John was phenomenal the whole way through. The updates & plan were perfect. They helped eliminate all worry!

John was great. He checked on us making sure we knew any significant changes that occurred with our flights such as delays. I appreciate him for being so thoughtful!

Returning Clients

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