John and I are celebrating a big anniversary! We decided we did not want a big party, yet we felt it was important to bring our loved ones together to toast this momentous occasion.

We discussed where we wanted to go, and of course Italy came up on our radar immediately. And we knew the Tuscan area would be the best location for us. I wanted WOW!

Here are my tips on planning a destination celebration:

Plan ahead one year prior

Canvas your loved ones and find out at least two time periods that they could join you

If you are firm on the date then inform them of the exact date

Contact a travel professional. Trust me, you need a professional to assist you and to answer your guests questions

Determine the destination. The best travel dollars seem to be available through an all-inclusive destination hotel, cruise or river cruise. These offer the most flexibility as well as coordinators on site to assist with those special items you want to add

Get a firm handle on the costs. Don't overextend yourself. Choose a travel destination that matches your budget

Before you commit to a travel supplier, call your most flexible friend and bounce your ideas and costs off them first. Determine clearly what you are going to pay and what your guests financial responsibilities are. Of course, the more you pay, the better the response will be

What's included and what's not. This is very important. If the airfare is not included, you should have an idea of the cost in case they ask

Be very specific on the dates. Example:

Five days and four nights July 17 - 22, 2016

Depart the USA July 17 and arrive Florence Airport, Italy on July 18

Overnight as our guest at the villa in Tuscany for four nights, July 18, 19, 20, 21 and out of the Villa, July 22. Your transfers from the Florence airport are on own

Contact your family and friends. Invite them personally and then follow it up with a note outlining what you talked about and what happens next. If you are going out of the country, including Canada and Mexico, all will need a valid passport whose expiration date is valid for at least six months after your destination celebration date.

Travel insurance should be strongly encouraged. One of our great friends had to cancel right before our event and most of their monies were returned. Make sure that you have enough travel insurance to cover all of your costs.

We chose an Italian Villa close to a major town and airport that provides enough bedrooms, baths, and staffing with a swimming pool for our grandkids. I asked for WOW and we got it.

I am writing this column while sitting on a terrace looking at the Tuscan sun - and it doesn't get any better than this.

Give the gift of travel on your golden celebration.