This could be the busiest summer travel season in years.
With pandemic fears in the rearview mirror, where they’ll hopefully stay, millions of us are ready for a much-needed vacation.
So far, bookings for hotels and car rentals are up almost 30% from 2022 for travel between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to AAA.
Airline tickets are up about 40% year over year, they added. Even the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it’s prepared to screen high volumes of passengers at airport security checkpoints nationwide this summer travel season.
“Not only will the roads be crowded but also airports, trains, and cruise lines,” says AAA Public Affairs Manager, Kara Hitchens. “The good news, for those planning a Great American Road Trip, is that the cost of travel will be the same or less than last year, especially given significantly lower gas prices.”
So, what’s the best way to trade summer vacation?
ETFMG Travel Tech ETF (AWAY)
Or, take a look at the ETFMG Travel Tech ETF (AWAY). With an expense ratio of 0.75%, the ETF tracks the performance of technology companies that are working to usher in a new era of global travel and tourism, according to ETFMG.com. Some of its top holdings include Uber Technologies, AirBNB, Booking Holdings, Lyft, and Trip.com to name a few.
While the ETF has been flat since March, it is showing some signs of life again. In fact, since early June, AWAY jumped from about $16.25 to $18. While it has since pulled back to $17.84, it still looks like an interesting opportunity.
U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS)
We can also look at the U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS). With airline travel demand flying high, this is a great way to gain exposure to airlines. With an expense ratio of 0.60%, the ETF provides exposure to Delta, Southwest, American, United, and JetBlue to name a few. Since late May, the JETS ETF flew from a low of $17.75 to about $20.75. While it did pull back slightly, weakness may present us with opportunity.
