Don't take all your money with you at once, you are screwed if you lose it or it gets stolen. ATMs are available throughout Europe, probably Asia too, you can get money as you need it, and mom and dad can fill up your bank account as needed.
Make a copy of your passport and other identification and keep it somewhere else other than where your passport is kept.
I've never been to SE Asia, and would love to some day, it just looks like a beautiful area. Most of Europe is quite Americanized, there's a Gap, and a Starbucks in practically every community. Asia you'd probably be there before Starbucks.
If you have an interest in history, Europe can't be beat.