For many, Thanksgiving is a time when the family gathers together, and this often involves a great deal of travel. The number of people who plan to drive or fly to their destinations has been increasing steadily since 2008, when holiday travel experienced a 25 percent decline. This year, roughly 43.6 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles to celebrate the holiday, and the vast majority will be driving their own cars. In fact, AAA's Thanksgiving Travel Forecast projects that 90 percent of holiday travelers, approximately 39.1 million, will be making the journey in their own vehicles.

"Thanksgiving travel hit a decade low in 2008 when only 28.7 million Americans traveled," said Robert Darbelnet, the president and CEO of AAA. "Since that year, we have seen a steady increase in the number of travelers taking to the roads and skies for the holiday. Americans continue to find ways to economize their budgets so they can gather around the holiday table to carve the turkey."

As the Friday following Thanksgiving is a vacation day for many, AAA found that travelers are planning to hit the road to reach their destinations the day before Turkey Day and spend the weekend with their loved ones before returning home. It is important to note that gasoline prices traditionally increase around the holidays, and last year, the average paid for a gallon of gas was the highest ever recorded – $3.32 per gallon – and it is likely that drivers can expect similar pricing this year as well.

The AAA forecast indicates that the median amount travelers will spend this holiday weekend is expected to drop from $554 last year to about $500. Drivers who want to save money on the road may want to get a tuneup and have their fluids changed, as a car that runs well will use less gasoline. The experts at New jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can help travelers get their vehicles ready for holiday travel.