You might have to rethink your plans bout working. Unless you are a citizen of Great Britain or a European Union country you will not be allowed to legally work while you are touring England and Europe so, if this applies to your situation (you didn't mention your country of citizenship) plan your finances accordingly. If you are able to work legally finding a "waitress job that will pay great" may be a bit of a challenge. Do you have the experience to command a top salary in that profession?

As far as "traveling around" England & Europe young people your age, both men and women, have been doing that for years. Just use the common sense you would if you were traveling in your own country and you'll be just fine.

I wouldn't fret too much about your luggage getting lost when you get to London. Tens of thousands of people fly to London every week and only a tiny fraction even have lost or misplaced luggage. What most experienced travelers do is to take their med, personal items and a few days clothing in a small carry-on bag. That way, if your checked luggage does get misplace you have enough to get by until your lost bags are located. Most lost luggage is found within a few hours to a couple of days.

Do some basic research abut hostels in London and identify a few that are in areas that are of interest to you. Also research "getting around London (and other cities you plan to visit). Nothing helps more than doing research so you know the "lay of the land" before you go. You'd be surprised what you can find out by doing a few google searches.

Good luck with your trip.

What country is your citizenship? If you're from the United States, you can't work legally in restaurants in the UK and Europe. You also can't stay more than 90 days within the Schengen countries.

That said, plenty of people your age backpack around Europe, staying in hostels. I suggest you read and post over www.lonelyplanet.com and go to their forum similar to this one called The Thorn Tree.

As far as not getting lost... you carry a street map of whatever city you're in

Thanks guys!
I am from Canada and I found this organization called SWAP that gives you a working visa to work in Europe. My friend is actually doing that right now and she is working in Ireland, living there, and touring Europe later on! So I am not too worried about that. i just want a job aha.
Thanks for the tips, I am not so worried about my luggage haha. & Yes, I will be carrying a map! =]

Hi Kat congrats!

www.generatorhostels.com/en/london

www.hostelz.com great site for you with non-censored reviews

www.backpackeurope.com www.lonelypalnet.com shoestring guide

Ireland is bankrupt locals cannot even find jobs

Work Visas in Europe very rare now without skills

Most "Work Visa" providers are giant scammers.

Work where you are save then travel/backpack to have more fun.

www.eurolines.com pass best for econo xport all over europe.

www.insuremytrip.com always wise from $1/da

check your Canadian consular advisories carefully

regarding entry/visa issues. If you do not have a work visa

Mention nothing about a job if you want them to let you in

folks who do sometimes get detained refused entry.

Do careful research to have more fun,

You are going to have a fun trip, don't be that worried. One thing that is strikingly at every place I go, is that people are friendly. If you don't find your way, just ask! People love to help, and you get to know nice people who can give you great travel advice too.

I traveled alone through the middle east and it's great every time. The only thing that's good to think about is if you get sick and have to go to hospital or stuf like that. Sometimes it can always cost you a lot of money so a insurance can be good to have. But you can also ask the natives in the country about that.
Once I got sick in Turkey and payed like 200 euros for health care and the next time in Turkey I got sick again but then a Turkish friend of mine took me to a regular hospital and I only payed 10 euros. So it's nice to look into those kind of things.

Good luck!

Ida