AAA experts predict approximately 33 million Americans are going to travel at least 50 miles to celebrate Labor Day this year. Some will reach their destination by air, but 85 percent of all Labor Day travelers plan to drive to their getaway destinations. The number of Americans who plan to drive this holiday weekend (28.2 million) has climbed 3.1 percent over the amount who got behind the wheel for this holiday last year.

In tough economic times, people have to cut back their spending and prioritize budgets, and in most cases, vacations are among the first expenses to go. However, a recent study by AAA found Americans are not giving up their getaways so easily. The economic recovery since the recession first hit in 2008 has been slow at best, but many families are taking the growth as a hopeful sign for the future. They're starting to return to their pre-recession habits, and this includes travel.

"In the absence of strong economic growth that might fuel a significant boost in travel volume, it is an encouraging sign that Americans continue to prioritize travel," said Bill Sutherland, vice president of AAA Travel Services. "Travel is still within America's discretionary spending budget."

Drivers who are planning to take to the roads and head to the Jersey Shore or find less crowded vacation spots should be sure their cars are up to snuff before the trip. The experts at New Jersey State Auto's Total Car Care Center can perform a routine tuneup and address any necessary repairs to keep drivers safe on the roads this holiday weekend.