@carolgreen616,
Good wishes to everyone,
Backpacking around Europe can be just as safe, and just as much fun, as traveling with your dearest friend. Just follow these tips, and you, too, can have an awesome backpacking trip.
Think Europe: If it's your first time traveling alone, backpacking Europe is the way to go. Europe is steeped in history, and offers some of the world's most breath taking sights and sublime works of art. Europe has an efficient public-transportation infrastructure, and its far-reaching network of youth hostels means you will never want for a place to rest your head. Europe is also largely modernized and fairly safe.
Find your Inner Social Butterly: Don't be shy when you get to the hostel. I travel alone frequently, and when I walk into a hostel lounge, I don't see a crowd of strangers; I see a group of brand new friends! Once you've settled in, just walk right up to someone, introduce yourself, and start making conversation. Be confident; don't worry that the people you meet will think you are weird, because they won't.
Find a Nightime Buddy: If you go out at night, take someone with you, and make sure you return together. This should be a snap if you've followed Tip 2. Going out in groups not only offers you some protection, it also helps ensure that you will find your way back. If you do get lost (which is half the fun), at least you won't be lost alone. But never lose track of your fellow hostellers, even if you make new friends on your night out; remember, they're placing their trust in you, just as you're placing your trust in them.
Be Alert: Especially when in transit. Train and bus stations, as well as crowded tourist areas, are rife with pickpockets. Be aware of your surroundings and try to notice if anyone is watching or following you; this is a sign they could be thinking about robbing you. (Usually, just noticing them will make them look for easier prey). While in transit, secure your luggage by locking or tying it to a rack. Making your pack more difficult to carry away discourages thieves. Keep your most valuable possessions - passport, credit cards, train tickets and cash - in a money belt, or ask the receptionist at your hostel to lock them in a safe. Carry the cash you plan to spend that day, along with your other necessaries, in a day pack or bag. Always carry your bag in front of you, where you can see it, and always keep it closed. Bags should be worn so that the strap crosses your chest. While in transit, keep your valuables on your person.
Thanks And Regards,
Abelard Balthasar