I’ve recently come to the decision that I want to go off for a few months, to "find myself" so to speak, or even just to have a good time, and because I have two months until school and quite a bit of money, I’ve decided to backpack around western Europe.

I’ve been researching it, and have found these types of sites quite helpful, but everyone seems to be a bit older. I will have just turned 18 when I leave for my potential trip. Is that too young?

I don’t know if this makes any difference, but I’ve always been perceived to be older than I am, both physically and mentally, and most of my friends are in the 20something range, but I’m still nervous.

Should I go for it? I would, of course, be safe, and put to good use all the tips you have said, but the question remains… Am I too young? I don’t know if this opportunity will present itself again.