Like those fortunate individuals who can pack in minutes, it seems many people are getting more blasé about their travel – according to James Bell of Turquoise, who reports a substantial increase in clients booking last-minute big trips. Lucky, then, that the professionals think ahead, with the winning tour operator rated for its first-hand knowledge and planning – essential for those plotting to island-hop in the Indian Ocean, a sweet spot this year. When it came to specialist know-how, you reckoned Scott Dunn had the best on-the-ground support, and Intrepid Travel the most varied destinations, from Kazakhstan to Togo.