Hmmm, it's hard to go anywhere without much money. Central/South America is good because plane tickets are cheaper, but then you should probably know Spanish, and then there's not much to do, compared to here in the States.
I went ot Nicaragua for a month, and it was THE best thing I have ever done in my life. I learned so much about myself and some more about the world. I also learned that I have a huge wanderlust, and I think it ruined me
If you think China is too risky, go to Europe and try to find a flat and a job. Buy a plane ticket there, book a hotel and go into every shop you see and ask for a job. If you run low on money, book a plane ticket home. Only problem is that tickets across either ocean are hella expensive. That's why I recommend Central/South America. Then again, it is a lot more dangerous down there compared to Europe.