I traveled all by myself in Europe when I was 16 and have been doing it ever since. Never thought I would say it but I am glad that I am older now because the pressure is off. When you are a young woman traveling you are presumed to be an American 'Party Girl' and there are people that will bother you for this very reason. It helps if you dress modestly and be a bit reserved. Traveling is about using common sense but every year I see loads of 'fresh' travellers arrive at the hostel with too much luggage, the wrong clothes and the wrong shoes. They aren't cautious with their valuables or money. They have bad experiences going out partying. They try to see and do everything and become miserable or bemoan that it wasn't how they thought it would be. Going out into the world by yourself is one of the best things a woman can do- experience life!
I'm also 17 in my final year of high school in Australia...have been planning my trip for about a year now. I'm going with a friend of mine to Japan and then heading to London.
I'd recommend going to the more 'westernised' countries first like Australia (and parts of Asia like Hong Kong) first not because they are less dangerous but because it will be less of a culture shock when you first get there.
However, a friend of mine is eighteen and has just gone backpacking through Thailand/Vietnam/India by herself and has met lots of fellow travellers along the way, so you can always stick together with other people even if you are travelling 'alone'.
If your mum's worried get her to look at some GAP year websites which help you sort of 'loosely plan' your year off and may give your mum some closure. (http://www.gapyear.com). There's certain organisations you can go through as well that can help you plan your trip, too.
Another idea: join the Youth Hostels Association. They're a global organisation and have a massive database of backpacker accommodation across the world. Their facilities have to go through an accreditation process and are usually clean, safe and friendly. It also gives you different discounts on things such as transport, tours, accommodation and entertainment.
Hope this helps!
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