It's that time of year again; people want to see friends and loved ones for the holidays. AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts that more than 2.3 million New Jersey residents will travel 50 miles or more from home for Christmas and New Year's, an increase of 1.4 percent over last year.

New Jersey Turnpike
New Jersey Turnpike (Flickr User MPD01605)
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Nationally, 94.5 million Americans plan to travel, an increase of 0.6 percent from the 94 million who traveled last year.

"While economic growth has stagnated and consumer confidence has fallen, Americans will not be scrooges when it comes to traveling this year," said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

In New Jersey, 90 percent of travelers will go by car.

"We've seen a slight increase in gas prices since we hit a low in November, but people are feeling better about the economy and the year-end holiday season is a time for friends and family, and gas prices are not going to keep anybody home," Noble said.

Only 6.6 percent of New Jerseyans plan to travel by air, a decrease of 0.4 percent compared to 2012.  About 80,428 of travelers will use other modes of transportation, an increase of 0.3 percent from last year.

For those planning to travel by car, Noble has some advice.  "Plan ahead. Make sure you give yourself some extra time to get to your destination. Make sure your emergency roadside repair kit is refreshed and ready to go. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and if your car is due for maintenance, make sure you get it taken care of before a road trip."

Spending on travel is also projected to increase to $765, a $6 difference over 2012.

 

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