While the U.S. is no longer in the throes of an economic recession, many Americans are still recovering financially. This means that fewer people are taking long trips abroad, but many are still finding ways to take vacations. A recent survey by Hotwire Group found that 72 percent of Americans prefer shorter trips to nearby destinations. A number of participants expressed that this allows them to take multiple trips each year instead of just one big one, while others explained they can only afford to travel this way these days.

"Every season, we analyze top deal destinations globally, but this time around, we're giving travelers what they told us they need – nearby locales that are ideal for a quick, affordable getaway," explained Clem Bason, president of Hotwire Group. "Results of the study show that many Americans are continuing the trend of price sensitivity this year, which is resulting in a focus on shorter trips, which tend to be more affordable and easier to take."

Shorter trips offer many advantages – you can get away for a weekend and save your vacation days, and it will typically cost much less than going somewhere farther away. Plus, when you choose a closer destination, you can drive there and avoid expensive airfare. If you live in the New York/New Jersey area, you have plenty of options to choose from to take fun and even educational short trips. Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, the Catskills and the Poconos could all make fun destinations for your next getaway.

Before you hit the road on your next trip, make sure to get your vehicle tuned up. Have a mechanic, like the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center, change the oil, check for signs of wear or damages that could be problematic on your trip and even give your used car an alignment if needed. 

At the end of the year, many major automotive publications look back at the top performing models of the previous year. This can be a boon to those looking for used cars who may not be sure where to start. Kelley Blue Book recently released the top 20 most researched models of 2012, and Honda's CR-V came out on top. The crossover SUV was followed by the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic and Accord and Hyundai Elantra. The Ford F-150, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Escape, Nissan Altima and Mazda Mazda3 rounded out the top 10.

"The Mazda 3 resonated with KBB.com visitors during 2012 as gas prices were fluctuating, and due to its affordability it continues to remain top-of-mind among new-car shoppers," said Akshay Anand, KBB's market intelligence Web analyst. "During 2012, Mazda had a solid year with its refocused brand image and SkyActiv Technology, which touts fuel efficiency and technology innovations."

Now that car companies have begun rolling out their new lineups for 2013, many drivers might soon trade in their current rides in order to get the latest vehicles. This means that cars like the 2012 Mazda 3 will soon become available to used car shoppers, since new car owners often hold onto their vehicles for only one to three years.

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction to find the models they want. With more than four acres of cars, trucks and SUVs, it will be easy for shoppers to find the models they are looking for, whether they're hoping to find a 2012 Mazda or they want something a few years older. Every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

It has been a few months since Superstorm Sandy ravaged the New York/New Jersey area, and while people continue to rebuild, they are clearing out tons upon tons of ruined vehicles and demolished materials from the affected areas. The destruction caused by the storm is estimated to be worth upwards of $60 billion, and officials believe roughly 230,000 cars, trucks and SUVs were damaged. A small portion of these vehicles (about 15,000) have been relocated to the Calverton Executive Airpark in Riverhead, New York, AutoBlog reports.

The runways are now completely jammed with cars and trucks awaiting decisions on their fate. According to the new source, the models that can be salvaged will likely be repaired and auctioned off, but those that suffered more damage are going to be checked for useable parts and then scrapped. Local photographer Doug Kuntz recently shared his photos of the affected cars and his experiences in the aftermath of Sandy with AutoBlog.

"I saw some of these cars parked on the streets…with the bags deployed," Kuntz told the news source. "I talked with tow truck drivers and mechanics who moved these cars… The tow truck drivers confirmed the airbag deployments, and the mechanics agreed about the problems taking time to show, and being very expensive to fix, and, in some cases, not worth the cost."

Flood damage is tricky, as the water can carry dirt and debris into the inner workings of a car and cause serious damage that may not be noticeable to the naked eye. Drivers buying used cars may want to have them inspected by mechanics like the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center to ensure the vehicles are in good shape before they complete the purchase.

Drivers can also buy vehicles from NJ Auto Auction. Every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so they won't have to worry about getting stuck with a flood-damaged lemon.

New drivers tend to be at a higher risk of getting into car accidents as they are still learning the ropes, but teens at a high school in Denver are working to find ways to encourage safe driving habits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are four times more likely to be involved in crashes than older drivers, making safety a priority for this demographic.

A group of high school juniors from Cherry Creek High School have been working with a driver safety system known as ROVR, which is used in commercial fleets around the world, to see if the advanced technology can help younger drivers. This system tracks teens' driving habits, including dangerous behaviors like speeding, hard braking and rapid acceleration and then ranks participants on a ROVR Scorecard.

"The program still has a few weeks to go, but the results confirm that young drivers can and will adjust their behavior behind the wheel," explained Keaton Skudneski, a junior at Cherry Creek and the leader of the DECA team that developed the ROVR. "… Kids are motivated to drive safer because it is fun to compete with their peers, and they like the rewards program, which provides participants with free gas money."

While good driving practices are key to keeping young motorists safe behind the wheel, the type of vehicle they drive can also contribute. Many new safety features have been introduced over the years, from brake assist and lane departure warning to rearview cameras and new materials to minimize crash impact. Since some of these advancements have been available for a few years, drivers can find used cars that are stocked with safety features. New Jersey State Auto Auction provides a wide selection of makes and models to choose from, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified as well.

It's no secret that men and women are different in many ways, and a new study reveals that they also have different risk levels when it comes to drinking and driving. While both sexes have a higher chance of getting into an accident if they get behind the wheel after drinking alcoholic beverages, VroomGirls, an online automotive information provider for women, found that the risk may be a bit higher for ladies.

The study examined car accident statistics from across the nation and found that women who were involved in fatal car accidents were 7 percent more likely than men in the these types of car crashes to have blood alcohol levels at or below 0.08 percent, the most common legal limit. Conversely, men were more likely to be involved in alcohol-related car accidents than women, as 17.5 percent of accidents involving male drivers also involved alcohol. Only 9.5 percent of fatal accidents with female drivers were alcohol related.

While these findings are interesting, it is important for men and women alike to take precautions on New Year's Eve and the following day, as this holiday has been found to be one of the most dangerous for drivers. Those planning to indulge in a few glasses of Champagne may want to designate a driver or call a cab to get home from their festivities safely.

"We encourage every driver to be safe and responsible on the road year-round, but it's especially important during the holiday party season that concludes on New Year's Eve," said Tara Weingarten, co-founder and editor-in-chief of VroomGirls. "Drinking and driving never mix."

Should drivers get into fender benders, they can get their cars repaired after the holiday at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The expert mechanics can address most major repair needs and give your car a tune-up to ensure it is running well in the 2013.