Carmen Holley

About Sweet Magnolia Travel

At Sweet Magnolia Travel, we don’t just plan vacations — we design life-changing experiences tailored to you. Based in Batesburg-Leesville, SC, we combine local Southern hospitality with world-class travel expertise to create adventures that transform, inspire, and bring people closer together.

We specialize in:
🌍 Personalized vacations that reflect your style, budget, and dreams
✈️ Stress-free travel planning with expert research & itinerary design
📍 Cultural immersion, boutique stays, and meaningful experiences
🚢 Customized group trips that balance connection and exploration

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious beach escape, old-world European culture, a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, or an immersive family adventure — we’re here to make it effortless.

✨ Why Sweet Magnolia Travel Is Different

You’ll find many travel options online — but no two travelers are the same. That’s why we focus on personalized planning, deep cultural knowledge, and hands-on care.

✨ Your Vision Comes First

We listen first — your interests, tastes, and travel dreams drive every itinerary.

✨ Research-Driven, Relationship-Backed Planning

With years of experience and strong industry relationships, we find the best value, the best fits, and the right experiences for you at no additional cost above the cost of your vacation. Travel suppliers pay our planning fees — so you get expert planning without surprise fees.

✨ Care Beyond Booking

We’re with you before, during, and after your trip — answering questions, offering tips, and helping you make the most of every moment.

✨ Meaningful Group Journeys

Our group trips are curated for connection, culture, and discovery with options that feel personal, not cookie-cutter.

Our Story

Sweet Magnolia Travel launched in 2016 from a passion for global discovery and my belief that travel should be enriching, joyful, and accessible. As an educator and world traveler, I bring creativity, heart, and meticulous planning to every journey — blending artistic curiosity with thoughtful research to design experiences that educate, delight, and inspire.

Travel has shaped who I am, and I believe it has the power to shape who we become. We travel to experience new places, connect with others, and return home with stories and perspectives that stay with us long after the journey ends.

Our Promise

We plan more than vacations — we create memories that matter.

Let’s turn your next journey into a story you’ll cherish forever.

— Carmen Holley