CNN - TravelGuide - Millions of Americans traveling for Thanksgiving

Many of them are headed for gatherings with family and friends -- but they must make it through the crowds before they can take a seat at Grandma's table.

AAA predicted a record 33.6 million Americans would travel 100 miles or more from home during the long holiday weekend. Most -- 27.7 million -- are expected to travel on the road. Another 5.9 million will travel by airplane, train or bus, according to the AAA's travel forecast.

The Air Transport Association expects 1.5 million people to fly Wednesday, 1 million on Thursday and 2 million on Sunday.

Amtrak is running 150 trains, 27 more than it runs on typical days. The passenger train line expected 300,000 riders in the Northeast corridor and a 50 percent jump in overall ridership Wednesday and Sunday.

In addition, Greyhound expected to run 2,500 extra buses on Wednesday and 3,200 additional buses on Sunday after the holiday.

Auto travel: A regional breakdown
Southeast	7.2 million
West	5.4 million
Midwest	5.3 million
Great Lakes	4.9 million
Northeast	4.9 million
Planes, trains, and automobiles
Travelers taking automobiles, light trucks or RVs	27.7 million
Those taking planes, trains or buses	5.9 million

Although some travelers will spend their Thanksgiving at resorts, most will celebrate with relatives and friends. Sixty-three percent planned to stay with family or friends and 23 percent said they would stay in a hotel or motel during their holiday travels, according to the AAA.

To smooth the journey through the hustling and bustling crowds at airports, train stations, bus depots and highways, consider these tips from the AAA:

If you're taking wheels...

Get out your map. It's best to plan your route ahead of time.

If you will be driving into cold weather, winterize your car. Check the battery and make sure your tires are equipped for the climate. You should also check to be sure your windshield wipers and defrosters are working properly and that your cooling system antifreeze is mixed with an equal amount of water. Washing and waxing your car will protect it from rust and paint damage caused by road salt and slush.

Check with the local police or sheriff's office about a house watch. Many agencies will check your home's doors, windows and fences while you're away. You should also put a temporary halt on your mail and newspaper delivery.

Put an emergency kit in your vehicle. It should include jumper cables, a flashlight with fresh batteries, a first aid kit, a small bag of abrasive material (like sand or kitty litter, in case you need it for traction), cloth or a roll of paper towels, an ice scraper and a small shovel. Taking a cell phone along wouldn't hurt, either.

If you're flying...

You should have booked your ticket already, according to the advice of Ed Perkins, consumer advocate for the American Society of Travel Agents. Perkins recommends booking as soon as possible but advises last-minute travelers that they may be able to get a bargain on airfare if they're flexible.

Arrive at the airport early. Big holiday crowds along with extra security could increase your check-in time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Getting there two hours early provides a good buffer, according to the AAA.

If you're traveling with kids, don't pre-board the plane. They won't grow as restless in the more open area of the terminal as they will in the confined space of the plane.

Airport parking may be packed, so think about taking public transportation or having a friend drop you at the airport, the FAA said. Build extra time into your schedule if you're driving yourself.

The FAA advisers flyers to have photo identification on hand. Some airlines require you to have proper identification. If you don't have a photo ID, carry two pieces of identification, one of which has been issued by the government.

Know your rights in case you get bumped from an oversold flight, said Perkins. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to first ask for volunteers willing to take later flights. If you're involuntarily bumped, the airline must give you a written statement describing your rights and giving your alternate travel plans and compensation if your new arrival time is more than an hour later than your originally scheduled arrival.

Keep a sharp eye on your baggage. Airports are very crowded during the holiday travel season. Thieves work the airports, so be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your tickets, wallets, purses and other belongings.

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