You’ve probably been seeing them.
Stories about record jet fuel prices, tensions in the Middle East, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, and warnings from European officials about potential fuel shortages affecting aviation this summer.
It’s a lot. And if you have a trip planned — or you’ve been thinking about finally booking one — I completely understand why those headlines might give you pause.
So let me share something that caught my eye this week.
Air Canada took the unusual step of emailing its entire customer base directly — a message titled “We’ve got you covered” — with a clear, unambiguous statement: “There is no fuel shortage affecting our operations, including across Europe, and we do not anticipate any significant impact through the summer.”
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, confirmed that while global fuel markets remain dynamic, Air Canada has a diversified and sophisticated fuel supply in place — and the airline fully expects to operate its complete summer schedule. (See CBC National story above, and https://openjaw.com/newsroom/airline/2026/06/02/air-canada-sets-the-record-straight-there-is-no-fuel-shortage .)
That’s the kind of proactive, direct communication I respect. And it matters.
But here’s what I really want to talk about.
The Headlines Rarely Tell the Whole Story
In nearly twenty years as a travel advisor, I’ve watched clients worry about fuel prices, airline strikes, political events, currency fluctuations, economic uncertainty, and health concerns.
Every single year, there’s a reason the headlines suggest it might not be the right time to travel.
And every single year, the people who waited for the “perfect” moment found that it never quite arrived.
Meanwhile, the people who took the trip came home with memories that redefined what a good year looked like.
I say this not to minimize what’s happening in the world — the situation in the Middle East is real, and global fuel markets are genuinely unsettled right now. But my job — like my old job as an actuary — is to help you understand actual risk versus perceived risk.
The actual risk of your summer plans being derailed right now? Based on what Air Canada confirmed this week, it’s considerably lower than the headlines would suggest.
The risk of waiting another year, and then another? That one I take more seriously.
What You Can Control
As an actuary, I spent two decades helping people manage financial risk. Today, I help people maximize their Return on Life. And one of the truest things I’ve learned is that time is a non-renewable asset.
The perfect year doesn’t arrive on its own. It’s created.
What you can do right now is focus on what’s within your control:
✔️ Working with reputable airlines and cruise lines with proven operational resilience
✔️ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance — always, but especially now
✔️ Booking through suppliers with strong track records and diversified operations
✔️ Having an experienced travel advisor monitoring developments on your behalf — and advocating for you if anything shifts
That last one matters more than people realize. I’m watching this situation closely, staying in contact with my supplier partners, and I’ll reach out to any client whose plans may be affected before they even have to ask.
That’s what an advisor does. That’s something Google can’t do for you.
And Speaking of the Right Time to Book…
If you’ve been considering a luxury cruise, this month offers one of the best opportunities I’ve seen recently.
For June, I have exclusive access to a Direct Travel private sale with Oceania Cruises — one of my favourite small-ship luxury lines. Clients can receive an additional 5% savings on all published Oceania voyages, combinable with many current promotions, across all cabin categories.
It applies to Europe, Alaska, Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, South America, and world cruise itineraries — including Oceania’s newly launching 2028 and 2029 sailings.
Oceania has built its reputation on exceptional cuisine, destination-rich itineraries, and elegant ships that attract travellers who value enrichment over spectacle. If that sounds like you, this is the moment.
Sometimes the headlines tell us to wait.
The best travel experiences remind us why we shouldn’t. ❤️
If there’s a destination you’ve been turning over in your mind — a river cruise through Europe, an expedition to Antarctica, an Oceania voyage somewhere extraordinary — perhaps this is the nudge you needed.
Your Return on Life isn’t waiting for the perfect headline. And neither should you.
Ready to talk through your options? Reply to this email and let’s start planning. #AskSheila
📧 sheila@lushlife.ca | 📞 613‑837‑0699
Warmly,
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
Virtuoso Cruise Icon
www.lushlife.ca