Before the economy ground to a halt, the travel industry worked according to a Hindu-style caste system.

At the bottom were the untouchables, such as Club 18-30 and anyone selling trips to Ayia Napa. Next up came the package-holiday giants, such as Thomson and First Choice, and above them were the posher likes of Mark Warner and Kuoni.

At the very top — the Brahman class of tourism — came the tailor-made operators, who were so posh, they didn’t actually need to put any holidays on their website, preferring instead a vague map of the world, a generic photo of a hot-air balloon loaded with Krug and a direct line to someone called something like Arabella.

You told Arabella where you wanted to go, she called some chums, you got a Fortnum & Mason-style bespoke package and she added a couple of zeros to the bottom line.

Those days are no more, but the age of austerity doesn’t necessarily mean settling for off-the-peg holidays. Oh no. Now is exactly the right time to test the mettle of your favourite bespoke outfitter by asking it to cut its cloth according to your needs and tailor a trip to fit your new, slimline budget.

With hoteliers and airlines cutting prices worldwide, the tailor-made experts, unhindered by allocations and brochure prices, are often far better placed to pass the savings direct to you. We asked a dozen of the best to create itineraries that were stylish and unique — without stitching us up.

Prices, unless otherwise stated, are per person, including flights from London, all transfers and accommodation on a B&B basis. For regional or Irish departures, contact the operator

Marked-down Morocco

Original Travel (020 7978 7333, originaltravel.co.uk) stitched together a cracking deal, offering four nights at L’Heure Bleue in Essaouira — the fishing port that is indisputably the prettiest town in Morocco — and two in the High Atlas at the chic eco-retreat Kasbah du Toubkal, from £500.

You also get a free rubdown in the hamman and a mountain hike with a picnic. And if you want to stay longer, or add a night in Marrakesh, let Original know: remember, it’s a trip tailored for you.

China in your hand

We wanted to see everything from the Terracotta Warriors to Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, and we wanted to do it in style, without slumming it, for no more than £1,200.