Where would you travel to for 3 weeks in October as a 21yo? I am considering New Zealand, South Korea+Taiwan, Morocco, or China (with Mongolia maybe)

Hey all,

I am 21M, solo traveling, from Canada, looking to book a 3 week trip in October. I am wondering where y'all would suggest?! This upcoming college year I am doing part-time studies and I plan to take just two online classes, so I can travel in the fall! Unfortunately, with work, I can only really travel in October (not November). I will be returning to full-time studies next fall, so I guess I am just trying to make the best fall travel choice as I won't be able to do an extended trip in the fall for a few years after this! Maybe it's just FOMO.

I am currently considering: New Zealand, South Korea+Taiwan, Morocco (two weeks), Turkey, China, or Portugal. Maybe Australia if I can find a cheapish flight.

I have been to: Japan, Italy, Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cancun), Czechia, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary (Budapest), France (Paris) | Future: Romania, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herb.

For me, I love nature/landscapes and outdoorsy things. I love different cultures, unique experiences, picturesque places (I love travel photography), art galleries/museums, architecture, and just cool things idk lol. I don't mind spending some time in the big cities to see what they have to offer, but since I backpack when I travel I don't really shop or anything. I'm not a huge partier either (I don't mind it, but it's not an important thing for me). I have a trip to the Balkans this May with a real outdoorsy emphasis. I'd like to keep this trip around $5000 CAD preferably.

I am planning to do a month backpacking trip in either Feb/Mar to SEA as well. Out of my trips, Japan and Scotland by far have been my favourite. The nature and culture was so amazing. I think about Japan all the time. Slovenia and Austria were really good too.

My top contenders are New Zealand, South Korea+Taiwan, or Morocco. China is an interesting option. I was considering New Zealand because everyone RAVES about it, and it does look gorgeous, and I have the time. I'd rent a camper van and go around. South Korea+Taiwan interests me mainly as I know it will be prime fall foliage. I've heard amazing things about Taiwan as well. I'm not insane about South Korea, I definitely want to go but it's not a number one stop for me. The temples do look so cool though, and the fall colours will be gorgeous. Morocco has been on my list and definitely is a more "unique" option (different at least), and it looks really neat, but I think I've read it's a bit pricey? For China, I was honestly considering making this a really adventurous trip and maybe going to Mongolia or Tibet and Bhutan. I honestly don't really want to do a trip to Europe this fall, I have been going to Europe a lot and want to branch out. I know October is a great time to travel to Europe, but I've just gone a lot lately. I did list Portugal as an option as I would like to go to The Azores and Madeira. Turkey would obviously be great, and it's different, but I wouldn't say I'm necessarily in a rush to go.

I want to travel the whole world so honestly, I have no "I NEED to go here first" I'm mainly just considering what would be coolest/best to do at a young age and during October, the one year I can travel in the fall for awhile. For example, I'd love to go to Greece but I'm also not in a rush to go cause I feel like I can always go there, and it might be better when im not so "budget." Anywho, any insight is appreciated!