More New Jerseyans Plan Road Trips [AUDIO]

If you are planning to take a trip this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, you certainly will not be alone. About 944,000 New Jersey residents will travel 50 miles or more for the holiday this year.

That figure represents a slight increase of 0.6 percent compared to the 938,500 who traveled in 2013, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

"The majority of New Jerseyans, 845,000, plan to travel by automobile, up only 0.4 percent from the 843,000 who drove to their holiday destination last year," said Sue Madden, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "AAA is projecting that 89 percent of holiday travelers will take to New Jersey's roadways during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, so motorists need to pack their patience along with the sunscreen as they set out for the Jersey Shore."

While gas prices are up about nine cents this year compared to the same time last year, that likely will not have an impact on travelers. The current average price for a gallon of regular in New Jersey is $3.50. It was $3.41 over the Memorial Day weekend last year.

"We had such a harsh winter," Madden said. "The snow has been piled on us and we spent most of (the winter) digging out and digging out. Finally, with the warmer weather, people are ready to get out and enjoy it."

The improved weather and better economy are coming together to bring the driving expectation for the holiday higher. Consumer spending, disposable income, consumer confidence and the employment outlook are trending up, which is also good news for the travel industry. While 845,000 New Jerseyans plan to travel by car, nearly 63,000 will hit the area airports and about 36,000 will use other modes of transportation.