What is often considered the busiest travel day of the year has arrived for New Jersey residents and the rest of the country.

According to AAA, a record 38.7 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving. The organization predicts 4.7 million people will take to the skies for the holiday and New York-area airports are expecting almost 3,500 takeoffs and landings Wednesday.

For those traveling by car, AAA urges drivers to do their homework before heading out. With gas prices continuing to increase, the organization says travelers can save a significant amount of money by researching where the cheapest prices are. AAA also says drivers should leave as early as possible to avoid delays.

Many travelers driving through New Jersey say they actually waited to fill up because of the cheaper gas prices. The average price for a regular gallon of gas in the Garden State is $2.92. In New York, the average price is $3.26.

If one is flying, experts say to arrive at the airport early and not to be surprised if flights are delayed. Last week, President Bush unveiled a plan to reduce air traffic congestion. Bush said two military air corridors were being opened to airlines for the travel period, hoping it would be a "Thanksgiving express lane."

Click here for map of all planes currently in the air

Click here for more on traffic conditions.Related information: FAA NewJerseyGasPrices.com NJ Transit Amtrak Safety tips for kids Safety tips for kids Car safety tips Travel safety tips