To get a higher level, just beat tons of enemies and beat stronger monsters in newer areas. When you have the option, buy the embroidered tippet and the license to use this accessory, it doubles the exp points you get.

The bigger trick is how to get loot. Get those items(what are they called?) that enable certain enemies to drop rarer items. Besides this, go to a place where there is a ton of the same enemy and keep beating it to set up a high battle chain. When you get up to lvl 4 battle chain it's great. I liked to beat those Serpents in Tchita Uplands, which is my favorite area in the game.

When you guys finally get to Tchita Uplands, it's going to be so amazing! You're a long way off, but if I found that place in real life I might move there. It reminds me of Final Fantasy XI(similar walking around type of system as FF XII) where I explored new areas and I decided which ones I liked and didn't like. My least favorite is Garamsythe Waterway and maybe Mosphoran Highwaste. Cerobii Steppe rules!