Greg Tweeted: Planning a trip to Maui in February, is it safe to book on Expedia or Travelocity for airfare? Or should I go through the airlines site? When is the best time to book it?

Peter replied: Yes it is safe to use Expedia and other site, but why would you book now. Unless you are traveling over President’s Weekend or Valentine’s Day, historically busy and expensive days, you don’t book more than 45 days out.  This isn’t just for February but for planning all future air travel. Before 45 days the airline computers aren’t programed to give you any kind of the deal. And if the prices drop, which it will if you book so far out, it probably won’t drop more than $150, in which case you can’t take advantage of the lower price without incurring the standard change free. The airlines profit off you coming and going if you book that far in advance.

For more details on the best time to book tickets, check out Peter’s Video Travel Tip on the Best Day to Buy Cheap Airfare.

Kathy Martinez asked Peter on Facebook: Hello Mr. Greenberg. I have been reading some of your stories on Egypt and I was happy to read your Travel Detective blog. We are considering travel to Cairo in January; after a safari to Africa; it’s two women and our two children. Given everything going on, do you still feel its ok to travel there?

Peter answered: Yes, and I’ll tell you why. What’s the number one industry in Egypt? What’s the industry that puts bread on the table? It’s travel and tourism. Yes, Egypt elected the Muslim Brotherhood, but guess the Minister of Tourism was the one cabinet level job that remained unchanged. Why? Because it is their biggest source of foreign income. They can literally not afford to make changes in that area. Which means it business as usual in terms of the tourism infrastructure. And all those people who were afraid to go have made it a buyer’s market for you. It’s fewer crowds, better service and better deals.

For additional Egypt coverage, read our news report on Rebuilding Egyptian Tourism.

By Peter Greenberg for Peter Greenberg Worldwide