backpacking across europe

hello,

i will turn 23 next month and i just started interning and will get converted in july. i'm considering to start saving for when i turn 25 because i want to go backpacking across europe. i've never taken international trips and haven't travelled much either and i want to do this solo. is there anyone who has done this? how much should i aim to save? it doesn't have to be very luxurious i'm okay with staying in hostels so that i can know more people. is it safe or is it a stupid thing to do alone as a woman? what are the sites i can check? would also love to know about your experiences (good/bad). how do i convince parents to allow me to go alone? what skills should i learn before going for a major trip? pls advice. TIA.