New to playing the mage and have couple questions

[drivett]

Ive always played melee toon and im trying out a mage and so far i like it. Im currently level 24 and have grouped or partnered up the whole time. Im just wondering how much of a exp decline it is if i was to solo with my pet? Im also wondering if anyone can point me in the right place to go solo. What zone? what to kill? all that stuff. ANY info will be helpful. Thank you in advance.