Holiday travel is expected to be at an all-time high this Fourth of July weekend.

AAA estimates a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will be traveling this weekend -- nearly 3 percent more travelers than last year. Of the overall number, an estimated 1.3 million drivers will be traveling from New Jersey.

At the Monmouth Service Area in Wall Township, plenty of drivers said they got an early start on the road to their destination.

AAA credits the bump in holiday travelers to a couple of factors, including lower gas prices and higher consumer confidence.

To get its numbers, AAA's national office, which is based in Florida, works with a reputable third-party survey company that forecasts holiday travel. After the holiday, AAA goes back and makes sure the predictions were accurate.