I went to Europe for nine months when I was 18 and spent the first half or so hitchhiking. Never got hurt, although scared once and grossed out once. I cannot believe my mom let me do this! It was fabulous and I had a fantastic time, people were mostly very nice to me, partly because I expected them to be. The librarians at Aberystwith let me see the Red Book they have there because I was so enthusiastic. The people at the Tower of London let me go up and look at some of the arms and armor because I was sad when when it wasn't on display.

It's not to say that it's your fault, that I got stuff because I was cheerful or cute. But there is a dynamic between what a person expects (and therefore expresses non-verbally and subtly) and how people respond to that person. Maybe traveling with your friend will help you relax and enjoy it all more?