"Over the last couple years, we keep breaking the record. And yet again we did it," said Molly Hart, American Automobile Association spokesperson.
AAA projects a new record this year for Thanksgiving travel in Illinois with over 4.1 million people expected to travel during the holiday period, a 1.8% increase from last year.
"No. 1 with this weather that we're having, make sure you have that emergency kit," Hart said. "And it should have your cell phone, cell phone charger, jumper cable, some extra warm clothes for everyone."
AAA said the peak travel time would be between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday, by car.
Many opted to drive to their destination over flight concerns, but airports have largely recovered from the government shutdown.
The weather is now a bigger issue for travelers with an AccuWeather Alert for strong winds, and the Chicago area is expecting snow as people return from the holiday weekend.
"I'm visiting my son and daughter-in-law in Dwight, Illinois," traveler Gregory Michalek said.
"I am currently headed to Kansas City to visit extended family," traveler Anya Hess said. "I'm not able to go home to California, but Kansas City is just a train ride away."
AAA said gas prices are similar to last year's holiday, with the national average per gallon sitting right above $3.
"They've been great so far; I think I left at the right time," St. Charles resident John Sheaffer said.
One family was in the middle of a 17-hour trek from Massachusetts to Wisconsin.
"We stopped at Notre Dame, where my boys went to school. We partied with the Irish for a night, and now we're headed to Wisconsin to baptize our new grandson and have Thanksgiving," Liz Powers said.
Tatiana Diaz and her boyfriend, Austin Finney, just arrived to Chicago after making the long drive from Boulder, Colorado.
"I was worried about the government shutdown. So I, I had already planned to drive it because I was not trying to deal with the airport during this time," Diaz said.
During the peak of holiday traffic, the Kennedy Expressway was moving at slow crawl into the city.
"Honestly, it didn't start to get bad until we got in. And, you know, we started out pretty early. So, I feel like that helps," Finney said.
The couple are now mentally preparing for the long drive back to Colorado in what could be several inches of snow.
"We're leaving on Sunday in the snowstorm. So wish us luck," Diaz said.
Ken Papas, owner of Ashland Tire and Auto, says there are several things to check before hitting the roads in icy conditions: Your vehicle's fluids, battery and tires are among them.
"When it gets colder, the tires are more dense. The air is denser. So, the pressure is not correct. It's real important to have the right pressure in each tire. The way the tires are designed to throw snow out of the tread," Papas said.
Also, check your visibility: Make sure your headlights, taillights and wiper blades are working properly.
"And watch the lights on the dashboard. You'd be shocked how many people ignore the lights. I mean, if your car's telling you something, pay attention," Papas said.
In addition to making sure your car is safe, AAA reminds drivers to keep yourself safe, as well.
Use rideshare, designated drivers or public transit. And avoid any impaired driving at times when deadly crashes are more likely.
Driving leads the way for modes of transportation, but trains are also a popular option.
Suitcases were seen rolling throughout Union Station Wednesday morning with people opting to take the train to their holiday plans.
"It's a pretty good way to travel," Michalek said. "You don't have to go through all that rigmarole at the airports."
Amtrak is gearing up for more passengers, seeing about a 5% increase in ridership over recent years.
"Projection numbers: about 150,000 riders that go through these halls during the season, so Tuesday and Wednesday are busy," said Martin Sandoval with Amtrak. "And then Sunday, it's where the peak begins and ends for most of these riders."
O'Hare was experiencing 30-minute delays about 4 p.m., after some ground stops earlier due to weather concerns.
Some who flew said their landings were a bit shaky due to high winds.
"We crossed Lake Michigan; so it was quite windy coming down, but hey we made it," a couple visiting from Canada said.
"Not for me, my mom's getting in, she's a little delayed. The TSA line is a little longer than usual but not bad delays," said Allie Cohen, visiting Chicago from Columbus.
In the midst of the travel rush, two sisters were taking a special trip to honor their father, who died in 2020.
"His birthday is Thursday. So we're going to spread his ashes at the Macy's parade, and it was his favorite holiday. So we're taking him there. He was afraid to fly, too. So he's gonna be on an airplane today," Julie and Cassie Scroggins said.
Over 81 million Americans are expected to travel this weekend.