If you love travel and have good customer service skills, you should consider being a travel agent in South Carolina.
You can be your own boss, set your own hours, and truly enjoy working each day.
There are no specific requirements for becoming a travel agent in South Carolina.
However, there are some things you should do to get the best start in your new career.
Table of Contents
- Travel Agent Duties in South Carolina
- Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in South Carolina
- Travel Agent Training Programs in South Carolina
- Travel Agent Representative Schools in South Carolina – Summary Table
- South Carolina Travel Agent Salary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Travel Agent Info by State
Travel Agent Duties in South Carolina
As a travel agent in South Carolina, you’ll help your clients plan and book their trips.
You will be responsible for making travel plans for your clients.
This may include discussing specific destinations, helping clients to create an itinerary, and making sure that any needed travel documents are in order.
As a travel agent, you will be responsible for booking flights and transportation, as well as hotel accommodations for your clients.
You may also need to book tours, cruises, and other specialty events.
You can work with clients who live in South Carolina, or those in other states that plan to travel to South Carolina.
You can also work with both types of clients.
Your specific duties can include:
- Making reservations for flights and hotels
- Recommending specific destinations and attractions
- Booking tours and dinner reservations
- Creating a schedule or itinerary
- Making sure that any needed passports or visas are in order
- Providing advice or information about the destination
You can work as an independent travel agent.
This allows you to be your own boss, and run your own business.
You can choose to work independently, and begin your own business as a travel agent.
This puts you in complete control of your career and business.
You can also work with a travel agency.
You will have access to resources and industry discounts that are difficult to get on your own, but you will have less autonomy as well.
This can make it easier to work with airlines, cruise lines, and hotel chains.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in South Carolina
Licensing isn’t required to be a travel agent in South Carolina, but it can be beneficial for your career.
There are many scammers in the industry today.
This is partly due to the lack of regulation in the industry.
When you get certified as a travel agent, you are letting your clients know that you are a legitimate travel agent.
It also allows you to prove your skills and knowledge.
This sets clients at ease.
It’s particularly beneficial when you are just beginning in the industry, because it gives you credibility.
There are a few states that do have licensing requirements.
These states are California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, and Washington.
If you work with clients who live in these states, you’ll need to be licensed in that state.
Travel Agent Training Programs in South Carolina
Stratford Career Institute 
Stratford Career Institute offers a travel agent program called Travel and Tourism.
The program can be completed in as few as 6 months, with the average student taking a year to finish it.
You have up to 2 years to complete the course, which is self-paced.
You can do the course online, or by mail.
The cost is $499, and monthly payments are available.
This makes the program accessible to everyone.
You’ll learn about traveling by air, car, and cruises, including booking.
International travel, corporate travel, and group travel are also included.
You’ll learn about different types of travel, including ecotourism, and adventure tourism as well.
After you’ve completed the program, you can take the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP, exam.
University of South Carolina Aiken 
The University of South Carolina offers a Travel Agent Training course.
This course is online, and you have 6 months to complete it.
The program costs $2,245.
The cost of the TAP test is included in this tuition.
Travel Agent Representative Schools in South Carolina – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Stratford Career Institute | Stratford Career Institute 1 Champlain Commons, Unit 3 P.O. Box 1560 Saint Albans, United States |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | 471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801, United States |
South Carolina Travel Agent Salary
The average salary for South Carolina travel agents is $38,035.
Salaries range from $34,658 to $44,297 per year.
How much you earn as a travel agent in South Carolina will depend on several factors.
These include your experience, education, skills, and whether you choose to go into a specific type of travel.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbia | $34,017 |
| Charleston | $34,861 |
| North Charleston | $34,861 |
| Greenville | $34,687 |
| Rock Hill | $36,134 |
| Mount Pleasant | $34,861 |
| Spartanburg | $34,504 |
| Sumter | $32,826 |
| Hilton Head Island | $34,272 |
| Florence | $33,091 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 160 | $44,930 | $21.6 | $64,580 | $18,380 |
| Columbia, SC | 50 | $37,360 | $17.96 | $60,540 | $17,320 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 50 | $47,050 | $22.62 | $59,210 | $18,550 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | 40 | $42,550 | $20.46 | $59,340 | $18,510 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 160 | $39,630 | $19.06 | $59,690 | $16,700 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are travel agents in demand in South Carolina?
Yes, travel agents are in demand in South Carolina.
It’s a popular tourist destination, thanks to its coastal beaches and historical architecture.
Travel agent demand is expected to grow by 20% in the next decade, so you will have job security.
How do I get started as a travel agent in South Carolina?
The easiest way to get started as a travel agent is to complete a training program.
If yu have experience in a related field, including event or wedding planning, or marketing, this can help you get started as well.
What skills do I need to be a travel agent in South Carolina?
To be a travel agent in South Carolina, you’ll need a love for travel and good communication skills.
Marketing and organizational skills are also prerequisites for being a travel agent .
Travel Agent Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
