is it safe or good for girls to travel alone?

I traveled alone around the eastern US in my early 20s. As long as you take precautions for your safety, you should be okay. I always made sure I had my cell phone with me and it was charged. I would call in to a friend or family member ever so often so they'd have a general idea of where I was. My doors were always locked and windows up or nearly up. I traveled roads that had a lot of traffic (no deserted backroads for me) and would only stop if the place was well-lit and had a lot of people around. I kept snacks and drinks in a cooler in my car so I didn't have to stop that often; I only stopped to refuel and use the restroom.

I do know of some female friends who travel alone and not always to those traditionally safe countries. These girls have trekked through eastern Europe alone and also countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and some rarely heard of islands in the Pacific. They did not face any problems. I think the most important thing is to stay alert, do your homework and avoid dangerous areas. If you are staying in a hotel alone, it's worth locking the doors and windows. Alternatively, you could stay in a hostel. Personally I tend to feel safer when there're other people around.

My sister is about 5'2" and 100 lbs soaking wet and she has traveled the world alone and not run into any problems. She has been to places as far away as Russia and had a great time. I think as long as you are careful and think before you act that traveling alone can be pretty cool.