Taking the anxiety out of Thanksgiving travel!

More than 54 million people will hit the roads and skies this Thanksgiving, the largest number since 2005 (according to AAA.) In fact the TSA says it’s expecting more that 25 million travelers between Friday, Nov. 16 and Monday, Nov. 26 – which is nearly a 7 percent increase from last year.

So with all this hustle and bustle how can you make your Thanksgiving travel relatively painless?

When to travel

According to a good deal of travel sites, prices are lower, lines are shorter and crowds are lighter if you travel ON the holiday itself. The second most affordable day would be the Monday before.

When it comes to driving, the most clear on Thanksgiving Day, Friday or Saturday, AAA reports. Roads are expected to be busiest on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, when most drivers are returning home from the holiday. It also seems that the busiest destinations to fly to happen to be the warmest (except NYC) from Florida to California, Mexico and Hawaii.

Pack smart

Keep security in mind if you are flying, including your liquids are compliant with TSA standards. Be prepared to remove your electronics from your bag, and consider leaving bulky jewelry, scarves and jackets in your checked baggage so you have fewer things to carry through security.

Leave EARLY

Whether you’re flying or driving, make sure to allow extra time to go through security or sit in traffic. Keep an eye on the weather, which will impact you whether you’re on the roads or in the skies, so plan accordingly and check the forecast for both your current location and your destination. If driving, use an app like Gas Buddy or Waze to find the cheapest gas on your route.

Keep YOU and the kids busy

Bring a book, magazines, games, music, the iPad…anything that will keep you and your family entertained. Consider downloading a podcast too – there are some great ones out and it will keep you and them busy (especially if you are the designated driver!)