If you're a property owner in Sumter considering short-term rental, understanding who your primary guests will be — and what they actually need — is the key to earning 5-star reviews and maintaining high occupancy. Near Shaw Air Force Base, your most consistent guest demographic is the military member on Temporary Duty (TDY) orders.
Here's what TDY travelers actually care about when choosing off-base housing, based on years of experience working with military travelers.
Fast, Reliable WiFi Is Non-Negotiable
TDY travelers are working. They're not on vacation. After a full day on base, many need to complete reports, attend virtual meetings, or connect to military networks via VPN. A minimum of 50 Mbps download speed is the baseline. Faster is better. And the WiFi network name and password should be clearly posted in the property — not buried in a check-in email they have to dig through at 11 PM after a long travel day.
Full Kitchen Over Everything
Military per diem includes a meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) allowance, but eating out for every meal on a multi-week TDY gets old fast and eats into that allowance. A fully equipped kitchen — not just a microwave and mini-fridge — is one of the top reasons TDY travelers choose a short-term rental over a hotel. Stock it with real cookware, dishes, utensils, and basic pantry items. A coffee maker is essential. These travelers are often up before dawn heading to base.
Washer and Dryer
For a TDY lasting more than a week, in-unit laundry goes from a nice-to-have to a requirement. Military members can't haul their uniforms to a laundromat. An in-unit washer and dryer with detergent pods provided is a major differentiator. If your property doesn't have one, expect lower bookings for stays over 7 days.
Dedicated Workspace
A desk or table with a chair, adequate lighting, and a nearby outlet. That's all it takes. Many TDY travelers need to work remotely at least part of the time, and sitting on a bed with a laptop isn't cutting it. A dedicated workspace area — even a small one in a bedroom corner — signals that this property understands its guests.
Free Parking
Shaw AFB is a driving base in a driving area. Every TDY traveler will have a rental car or personal vehicle. Free, off-street parking is expected. If parking is limited or street-only, it needs to be clearly stated in the listing, and it will cost you bookings.
Proximity to Shaw AFB
The closer to base, the better. Properties within 10-15 minutes of Shaw's main gate get booked first, especially for short TDY stays of 1-2 weeks. Longer TDY travelers (30-90 days) are slightly more flexible on distance if the property's amenities make up for it.
Keyless Entry
TDY travelers arrive at all hours — delayed flights, late-night drives from the airport, early morning check-ins. A smart lock with a code they receive before arrival eliminates the friction of key exchanges and lockboxes. It also means no keys to lose, which is one less thing for a busy service member to worry about.
What They Don't Care About
TDY travelers generally don't prioritize pools, hot tubs, game rooms, or vacation-style amenities. They're not on vacation. They want clean, comfortable, functional, and quiet. A well-maintained 3-bedroom house with great WiFi, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer will outperform a flashier property with a pool but no workspace every time.
The Takeaway for Property Owners
Configuring your property for TDY success isn't about luxury — it's about functionality and thoughtful details. The properties that earn the best reviews and highest repeat booking rates near Shaw AFB are the ones that understand their guest. Fast WiFi, full kitchen, washer/dryer, parking, workspace, keyless entry, and a clean, quiet environment. Get those right and your property will stay booked.
