Do you think it's safe for a young woman, age 21, to travel throughout Europe alone?

Well she'll probably be ok, but it really would be a good idea for her to go with a friend. At least give her some Mace to take along. Edit: Taken is a fictional movie. Yes, things like that happen, but every girl who goes to Europe is not stolen off the street and made into a prostitute. There a loads of people who go to Europe by themselves every year and are just fine. Edit no. 2: You're absolutely right. In fact a lot of those countries have city-wide wifi. There are also TONS of internet cafe's for her to visit that cost next to nothing to use.

Whether or not it's safe depends on the person. I first started travelling Europe on my own as a teen, and moved over by age 20 (I'm originally from the US). I'm in my late 20s now and have been travelling ever since, sometimes with a friend or partner and sometimes alone. I never really informed family of my whereabouts except where I was living. However, I did this on my own money and always had multiple plans in case something didn't work out as expected. It seems bizarre to me that her parents would give her money to travel without inquiring how it's actually being used or holding her accountable. It's possible (even likely) that her whereabouts aren't exactly a secret, just that she wanted to go without planning the details ahead of time. If she's fairly intelligent, not overly naive and uses common sense, she should be absolutely fine. UK, France and Italy are safe for a street smart woman of that age. However, something sounds a bit off about the situation, and I'm not sure she's doing what she said she is. Hostels are the usual choice for young travellers, and they have cheap internet available. Is it possible she's gone to meet a specific person and doesn't want anyone to know? Ignore the comments about various movies though. Taken and Hostel aren't real, and things like that just don't happen to adult tourists in Europe (or you would definitely be hearing about it on the news). Women sold into trafficking are usually poor and local to countries like Albania.

i think these countries are pretty safe places such as africa and third world countries would definately be more to worry about. i am 20 and have travelled to africa by myself and lived there for 3 months. it can be dangerous but as long as you keep your wits about you and have a little common sense she will probabley have a wonderful time! :) further britain, italy, france and scotland are lovely countries and don't really pose a dangerous threat. i do think however that she should have taken a phone just to let you all know where she is and that she is safe....

Those countries are generally safe - I'd be more worried if she were travelling to the Middle East or depths of Africa. Young people travel all the time, and predators in cities like Paris aren't waiting to pounce on every female tourist that arrives. And to be honest, she be just as easily abducted walking down her local street. However, as she isn't paying for her own trip I feel it's her responsibility to tell her sponsors exactly how she plans to spend it... or else she should use her own cash

Is it safe? Probably, yes. She'll be safer in those countries than she would be back home, hey we don't have the gun ownership issues, murder rates, etc. It does depend on what she's doing and how she's behaving mind you. Is she dumb, hell yes. Problems can arise f you don't behave, just like they do back home. If she goes to the wrong clubs and gets in with the wrong people, bad things can happen, just like at home. You have to ask yourself though if there's a reason she's being so secretive, maybe she doesn't want people interfering and spoiling her fun? Maybe someone does know and she just doesn't want you involved? If you are worried than contact the hotels she is supposed to be staying at and leave a message. As you said we're fully developed with internet cafes and all that jazz so there is no excuse. The bottom line though is that at 21 she is old enough to make her own decisions and to live with the consequences. Taken is a work of fiction, and has no basis in reality.

I don't watch movies much thats why I travelled most of europe.lol.

It is safe, because Europe is safer than anywhere else in the world, both for locals and foreigners. In that sense, it is "safe". Being alone doesn't make a difference, although for a 21 yrs old american girl, not used to the European mind-set and way of life...that depends on her personality. Like all things in life, it depends on the person. Being smart, having common sense, and avoiding troubles will help a lot. If you are reckless, careless and you're looking for troubles, troubles will find you.

Like NO way What was her parents thinking to let her go under these conditions The world is a dangerous place for a young girl to be traveling alone This whole thing smells fishy from the start.

HELL NO! Are you kidding me?!? Watch "Taken". Its an extremely good movie! Why don't you just write "Victim" across your forehead!