HAMILTON – Approximately 960,100 New Jersey residents will travel 50 miles or more for the Memorial Day holiday weekend this year, an increase of 1.7% compared to the 944,169 who traveled in 2015, according to the AAA.
The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 26 to Monday, May 30. AAA is projecting that 91% of holiday travelers will take to New Jersey’s roadways during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, so motorists will need to pack their patience along with the sunscreen as they set out for the Jersey Shore.
“AAA is expecting more Memorial Day travelers this year than any time in the past 10 years as confident consumers come out of hibernation ready to explore national parks, beach destinations and America’s great cities,” said Tracy E. Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “The great American road trip is officially back thanks to low gas prices. After a cold wet spring many New Jerseyans are ready to trade in their galoshes for flip-flops and kick off summer with a Memorial Day getaway.”
Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans
Travelers continue to benefit from substantially lower gas prices compared to recent years. Today’s New Jersey average gas price is $2.14 per gallon, which is about 40 cents less per gallon than last year. AAA expects most U.S. drivers will pay the lowest Memorial Day gas prices since 2005.
Before setting out for Memorial Day, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, make travel arrangements, request AAA roadside assistance, find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and more. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
With the AAA Mobile app, travelers can also find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants via TripTik Travel Planner. AAA’s is the only rating system that uses full-time, professionally trained evaluators to inspect each property on an annual basis. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.
For more information, please visit our web site at www.AAA.com.