The buzz word this summer was overtourism — article upon article and social posts bemoaned the crowds in Rome, Paris and even Ireland, leaving us frequent travelers on a quest to find a unique experience away from the crowds. Exploring new cities in the shoulder seasons (October–November, February–April) is the easiest advice. I have seen a growing trend among our readers to turn to bespoke tour operators to find their next trip.

Luxury tours are not new, but companies offering truly customized, unique and off-the-beaten-path full-service options are certainly the new trend. A good example I have come across is start-up BlueWander. It is the evolution of the trend: starting with destinations they personally know, like India, and connecting travelers with once-in-a-lifetime trips and experiences while still offering luxury, white-glove service. By working directly with local guides, they provide 100 percent authentic trips but also cut out any middle men to give rates well below market value.

I have perused the site often and added to my bucket-list experiences, starting with the Exotic Culinary & Wellness Journey Through South India, a 10-day trip with your own yogi and chances to fish and farm with the locals.

These trips are not your shopping-through-Paris experiences, but they are memorable moments to share with family and friends — the best-growing trend I have seen in quite some time!

— Carly Allen, executive vice president/associate publisher