If you can't find any XP parties at your level, join a Grand Company and try company leves. They're solo only and offer great solo xp. You can also pick them up at the camp where you do them, so no need to return to town.

As for 2.0, the large chunks of the game-play, the battle system in particular, should be the same. They aren't drawing up new ability lists for 2.0, for example. However, there should be new mechanics in crafting and gathering from what I've read. There's a 'Coming in 2.0' thread in General Discussion if you search for it that provides an excellent summary of all the changes.

Coming in 2.0 Thread