High costs are not stopping summer vacation plans in and out of New Jersey for many state residents.

Independence Day weekend travel is expected to reach record highs nationwide this year.

AAA says road trips and flights are expected to set new travel records next weekend, even as consumer confidence has dropped.

“I find myself tightening the purse strings a little bit,” said Jason, of Long Branch. “I try to buy things when they're on sale, and even the sale prices are more than they used to be.”

“Rent is literally higher than mortgage prices right now,” said Kimberly, of Old Bridge. “It's ridiculous.”

Drivers can add gas prices to that list. According to AAA, the average cost in New Jersey has jumped about 15 cents from last month - up to $3.25 a gallon in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

AAA says that’s due in part to conflict in the Middle East, as well as the expected summer spike in demand. But rising costs don’t seem to be keeping residents away from their summer vacations.

“Everything is pricey, but it's OK,” said Maria, of Butler. “We'll survive.”

“Down the Jersey Shore, no matter how bad things are economically, people still find a way to get here and do what they want to do,” said Jerry, of Brick.