FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) – Thousands of people are expected to hit the road or catch a flight to visit family or friends for the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Officials at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are expecting more than 500,000 travelers to fly in and out of the airport for Thanksgiving this year. That translates to about 67,000 travelers daily during the eight-day travel period from Sunday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 25, according to airport officials.

At Miami International, airport officials expect 888,000 between Monday, Nov.19th and Monday, November 26th.

Nationwide, approximately 43 million American are expected to travel over the holiday period.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that travel overall will be up this year, but air travel will be down because of the economy.

The Florida Highway Patrol suggests that drivers on the Florida Turnpike take a Safety Break if they become fatigued. On the day before Thanksgiving, drivers can stop at the restaurant or the gas station at the service plazas and help themselves to a free cup of coffee.

This complimentary pick-me-up is available from 11 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 21st to 6 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 22nd. It’s also available from 11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25th to 6 a.m., Monday Nov. 26th.