Travel solo.
I moved to Asia by myself, great chance to meet new people, people you would not normally meet. Develop your social skills.
I have bookmarked your article for later reading - I think I will agree heartily, as this is from one of my latest blogs:
Overland To Phnom PenhHere is a photo of the inside of our van making the journey, as you can see, as usual for the way I like to travel I am the only white face present. Why the heck would anyone travel on a tour with a pack of tourists? If I want to see and meet westerners I will go to a their country. I am in Asia, I want to see, meet and experience Asia so I travel by myself with the locals. It is more of an adventure.
I recommend everyone get out and trvel internationally by YOURSELF often, it is character building