Have fun! I would never miss the opportunity to travel because a friend bailed. Stay in hostels and you’ll meet lots of folks to talk to and maybe travel with.

You don’t need to worry about your personal safety — You’ll be safer than you are at home. Take the normal precautions like: don’t walk down a deserted street after dark, be wary of friendly strangers, etc. There is somewhat of a cultural difference in how things may be interpreted. Smiling and saying hi to strangers is normal behavior on an American college campus. It may be interpreted as a come-on for a solo female on the street in Europe.

You do need to worry about the safety of your valuables. Purse snatching and pick pocketing are problems anywhere there are tourists. Look like you know where you’re going. Duck into a shop or stop at a cafe if you need to consult the map or guidebook. Carry 20 euros in your pocket and use a money belt for the rest of your cash, your passport and your plastic.