Despite Sandy, NJ Travel to Remain Steady

AAA New Jersey predicts about 1 million residents of the Garden State will travel 50 miles or more this holiday weekend.

About one million N.J. residents and 43.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving weekend, AAA New Jersey predicts. The impact of Hurricane Sandy is still uncertain, especially in the mid-Atlantic and northeast regions. Cathleen Lewis, the director of Public Affairs for AAA New Jersey, said, "While many residents [of New Jersey] may cancel travel plans, many others may change travel plans to accommodate or assist displaced friends and family." How will we get there? Sandy may influence how New Jerseyans will travel this holiday. As Lewis said, "Rental cars have become a coveted commodity by those who lost vehicles in the storm.” AAA recommends confirming any existing reservations for a rental car with the agency. …

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Gas Rationing to Begin in 12 NJ Counties Hit By Sandy, Nov. 3

License plates ending in an odd number can get gas on odd numbered days of the month, while plates ending in an even number can get gas on even numbered days of the month.

A system of gas dispensation is to begin tomorrow, Nov. 3 statewide to combat long lines at the pump in 12 counties.  The system does not apply to gas cans or gas for generators at this time. According to a release from the Governor's Office, citizens statewide are now limited on the days in which they can fill up their gas tanks, as per the state Office of Emergency Management. According to the state, plates ending in an even number can fill up on even numbered days of the month, while plates ending in an odd number can fill up on odd numbered days of the month. Specialized or vanity plates, those not displaying any numbers, will be considered odd numbered plates, the release said. This system is to begin at noon, Saturday, Nov. 3. The …

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2012 Labor Day Travel Grows 2.9% Over Last Year

Median spending is expected to be $749, a small increase over the $702 median spending of intended holiday travelers in 2011.

Editor's Note: The following is a press release from AAA New Jersey.   AAATravel projects 33 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a 2.9 percent increase from the 32.1 million people who traveled last year. The total number of 2012 Labor Day holiday travelers is expected to reach a new post-recession high, and is the third increase in holiday travel this year, according to the AAA/IHS Global Insight 2012 Labor Day Holiday Travel Forecast. AAA’s Memorial Day and Independence Day holiday travel forecasts projected increases of 1.2 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively.    Despite a sluggish economy and recent rises in gas prices, the increase in expected Labor Day holiday weekend …

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Gas Prices Could Climb Slightly by Labor Day

The AAA outlook for August shows the spillover effect of steeply climbing July prices.

AAA released its weekly fuel gauge report this month, showing a sharp increase in gas prices throughout July and predicting that prices will remain high through Labor Day. National gas prices increased 5.1 percent, or 17¢ a gallon, to close out July at $3.50 a gallon. That's the first monthly increase since March and the largest increase for July since at least 2000, when AAA began keeping records.   If it seems like prices had been lower this summer, they were. Fuel costs had fallen for three consecutive months, reaching a summertime low of $3.326 July 2. By month's end, the national average had hit $3.50 (a high of $3.52 in New Jersey). In its most recent report, AAA predicts with "medium-high" confidence that gas prices will remain flat…

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Patch at the Pump: Union County Gas Prices

Start your work week by finding out where to save some cash for the commute.

Summit Westfield Exxon Sunoco 18 Morris Turnpike 809 Central Ave. $3.39 $3.19

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Patch at the Pump: Union County Gas Prices

You need every spare cent for holiday gifts, so take advantage of our bargain-hunting for you.

Summit Westfield Sunoco Sunoco 48 Morris Turnpike 809 Central Ave. $3.49 $3.27

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Patch at the Pump: Union County Gas Prices

Looks like a beautiful week for driving around the county. Might as well save some pennies for your travels.

Summit Westfield Exxon Sunoco 18 Morris Turnpike 809 Central Ave. $3.49 $3.33

Cheapest Gas Prices to Fill Up Before Hurricane Hits

Your guide on where to fill up for less.

As you prepare for Hurricane Irene, make sure you fill the car up with gas so you aren't stuck when you need it most. Here's a town-by-town guide on where Patch could find the cheapest prices as of Friday afternoon.  

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