[WhoIam]

I would advise not having a very strict itinerary. Too many people treat the world like some kind of buffet where they have to cram as many things as possible into a limited time frame and consequently don't enjoy them as much as they should. Since you have plenty of time, travel should be like a relaxed 7-course dinner with a nice bottle of wine.

Research the places you're interested in and come up with a tentative itinerary, but be prepared to change or even abandon it according to what happens. Maybe you love Dublin and want to stay longer than you planned. Maybe you planned on staying in Prague for a week but absolutely hate it and leave after a night. I first came to Vientiane on a visa run/mini vacation, ended up loving it, and am now more or less settled here.

As far as making friends and combating anxiety, booze is your ally. I don't know of any expats who don't drink too much. Liquor is the key that opens the portal to adventures you'll remember for the rest of your life.