I spent two weeks travelling in Europe on my own – if you get lost, you delay no one’s breakfast but your own

‘If you’re up and exploring early, famous sites from postcards are deserted,’ writes Maddie Thomas Photograph: Givaga/Getty Images/iStockphoto

I got my first glimpse of Paris in almost 20 years on a sunny afternoon stepping out of the Métro at Pont de l’Alma. I could see the Eiffel Tower through the trees and, despite the jet lag, my luggage was the only thing stopping me from heading towards it. Once offloaded, it was the first thing I did. I spent less than 10 minutes in the hotel after 21 hours travelling, but off I went. When you’re on your own, you can do just that.

In the lead-up to going on holiday there are always many questions. Where, when, for how long? But quickly after, one more always follows: who with?