hey fellow newbie!
I travelled by myself last summer and I can honestly say its the best thing I have ever done. I met so many amazing people along the way; some of them were in groups othere by themselves, it doesnt matter that much. Once you get there you'll soon get over the shyness hurdle (on the first day i was thinking what am I doing?) once you realise your not the only one by yourself and that its up to you to make the effort speaking to people - as if you dont you'll just be twiddling your thumbs everynight. Being by yourself is cool but theres certain things that are alot more fun with other people. There was only 2 or 3 nights out of 3weeks where i wasnt hanging out with people and that was mainly down to the place i was staying in Budapest.
Whatever happens you will have an amazing time.