Traveling alone..

[mazokuoni]

So I have this crazy idea.. to pretty much travel on my own. I haven't really found anyone to travel with due to a variety of valid reasons that just come with life being life. I would love to go with my boyfriend, but he too has things like school, bills, etc. I had been planning on going to Italy in Feb. That's not really happening now. However, I still plan to go. Hopefully in August, though I believe that's still on season for Italy, maybe I'll push it back to October if that's considered off season and I can get a ticket for fewer miles (say 20k instead of 60k).

But yes, I'd be going alone. Cheaping it out with staying at youth hostels and such. Am I being crazy and reckless here? Or can anyone gives me tips on how to travel for less and stay safe as a lone female?