Travel agencies in South Carolina provide an invaluable service to both business and leisure travelers. A business owner doesn’t need to contact travel agents in SC that focus only on business travel in order to get the perks travelers have come to expect with those specialized agencies. Any professional, licensed SC travel agent has access to the latest deals and can get you rates just as good -or maybe even better- than those “other guys.” An added bonus of using a local travel agency is the personalized service that you will receive.

It is important to find an agent that will meet all of your business’ travel needs. Use these steps to find SC travel agencies:

1. Find a travel agent in SC.

2. Check out their professional credentials.

3. Research travel rewards programs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for a travel agency in SC

Many travel agencies in SC have websites that you can browse to get an idea of the types of services they offer. You will save time if you find out that particular agency only books cruises or spiritual tours, for example.

I recommend: The Tripology.com website is a great resource that will put you in touch with the right travel agency in your area to meet your needs. Travel Unlimited, Inc. is a travel agency in Columbia that offers contract discounts on hotel reservations, car rentals and more. Putman Travel has 20 years of experience in corporate travel and can assist you in developing a travel management policy. Abbott & Hill Travel are travel agents in Charleston that are American Express Travel Representatives. They offer 24-hour emergency service as well as customized management reporting.

Confirm the professional credentials of the South Carolina travel agents you are considering

Make sure that the travel agency in South Carolina you are considering has the appropriate training and qualifications. Agents with certificates recognized by professional travel agent associations show a dedication to their trade and their customers alike.

I recommend: The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) lets you search for accredited members throughout South Carolina. The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) is one of the largest professional travel associations available. Check their list of Allied Members to see if the South Carolina travel agency that you are considering is a member. The Travel Institute offers various professional certification programs. Their website has a search function to find one of their certified members in your area.

Ask your South Carolina travel agent if you are eligible for any travel discounts

Your SC travel agent will be able to tell you what travel clubs or rewards programs are available to you. Many credit card companies offer travel incentives and popular travel associations offer discounts on all aspects of your planning. Be sure to ask them about any little known or new offers they know about.

I recommend: American Express has a small business travel rewards program where you can gain points on all purchases to use towards both business and leisure travel. If you have an AAA membership, then you have all of their member benefits available to you such as hotel and rental car discounts. They have an office in Charleston that will be able to get you started. American Airlines has their AAdvantage program where you can collect frequent flier miles to use for future flights, class upgrades and more. This program allows you to earn points for doing many things you already do and purchase. They also have their Business ExtrAA program, that will earn you travel rebates in a program that is specifically designed to lower your business travel costs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A travel agency located in SC can access special non-advertised deals available to only select agencies. Discuss exactly what travel details you are looking for and chances are they will be able to find vendors that will fit your needs perfectly.