It's the calm before the storm for holiday travelers, and some people are using that to their advantage.

Sandy Przybos, flying home to Montana, says, "This is very lovely and quiet, and I'm just going to make my way over to the gate and get on the plane."

Between Tuesday and December 1, AAA predicts nearly 82 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles from home.

Oliver, driving west with his wife, says, "We came from South Carolina to spend a week in Fernley with my stepdaughter, and now we're headed to Sacramento to spend Thanksgiving with my sister and nieces."

Haley Wilkes, a Reno resident with a plane ticket and her suitcase, says, "I am heading to Indianapolis in Indiana to visit my parents for Thanksgiving."

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport expects more than 14,000 travelers during its peak travel days.

Drivers are also getting a head start on the roads. Some are even celebrating with their families early to avoid the hassle altogether.

James, a California resident, says, "We just came up to Fallon this weekend to see my kids."

If you're flying, the airport says to check parking availability before leaving your house, or just have someone drop you off and pick you up afterwards. Expect potential lane closures and construction along the airport's loop road.

Whether you're driving or flying, travelers say it's important to leave early and check weather conditions beforehand.

"Traveling through the snow, make sure you have chains. Don't wait until you get into the snow to have the chains," said James.

Haley says, "All the flights are full, the lines are probably super long, so just arrive early."

Sandy adds, "Put a ribbon on your luggage because a lot of luggage looks the same. You see your colored ribbon come through, you grab your bag, and out you go."

And no matter how grueling the journey may be, travelers say it's always worth it to see their loved ones at the end of it.

"It doesn't matter when you go. It's going. If you're going to see friends and family, it's always worth it to see friends and family," said James.