The Importance of Travelling in Youth

 Transcribed by AI

Radio Voice of Life, dear listeners, hello. You are listening to our voice from Radio Voice of Life, which broadcasts every morning on a shortwave of 41 metres.

Dear listeners and precious youth, I am very happy to connect with you through the youth programme. You are listening to the youth programme on Radio Voice of Life, and I warmly welcome you to your own programme, which is the Youth Hope Programme. I thank you, dear listeners, for allowing me to be a guest in your homes, workplaces, and shops.

As usual, I will introduce myself. I am Faiz. In this segment of the programme, we will listen to the first part of the show. Then we will return to continue the programme.

Nargis, my dear. I am really tired of life. Every day feels the same, repetitive. I have no motivation.

Well, Ahmad. You never bring changes to your life. You are either tired or bored. Why not take a trip? Go out a bit. Change your surroundings.

A trip? Oh? The expenses are too high, you know. Nargis, dear, a trip is not just for fun. When a person travels, they gain experiences. They meet new people. Their mind opens up. They see life from a different perspective, dear. Travelling itself is a lesson in life.

Well, you are right, Nargis. But I have never thought of travel in that way. I always think it’s just for luxury and enjoyment.

No, dear. Travelling helps us grow both spiritually and intellectually. Remember that time we went to Bamiyan? How wonderful did we feel there, my friend?

Ah, yes, I remember. The mountains, the kind people. The air was so clean. Even some good ideas for my future came to mind there.

You see? Ahmad, even God said in the Holy Book to go and make disciples of all nations and baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Look, Ahmad, we realise here that even Jesus Christ travelled. He saw people and taught them. So, we understand that this journey opens our eyes. It also humbles us.

So, Ahmad, have you made a decision? If I were you, I would take a short educational or cultural trip to one of these provinces, like Herat or Badakhshan.

Oh, I really started thinking about this. Now I understand that travelling is not just about going and taking photos. It can be very beneficial for my future. I might even learn new skills.

Oh, or you could even talk to local people. Understand their lives. Get to know their way of thinking. And this could help you grow personally.

I want to, dear. I feel like planning a trip. Not just for relaxation but for learning. For instance, I want to talk to local artists. See what inspiration I can draw from them.

I truly admire you for that, Ahmad. I am grateful that God has given us such opportunities. When a person travels, they can develop a broader perspective on the world.

Travelling even helps you gain a better understanding of your own culture. You said it well. Sometimes we don’t appreciate something until we experience it.

Exactly. Ahmad, travelling can also be a profound learning experience without textbooks. I hope all young people can at least have one trip in their youth and gain experience.

We will also go. I will research about travelling. Perhaps I will take a trip next week. Thank you, dear, for opening my mind.

You’re welcome, dear. Have a good trip, and don’t forget to keep God in mind while you travel. Always pray and keep your heart open to learning new things.

Definitely. First God, then experience. Amen.

Dear listeners and respected young people, we warmly welcome you to this part of the programme. We are very happy to be with you again with a very interesting and important topic.

Dear young people, our programme’s topic is the importance of travelling in youth. Travelling is more than just seeing new places and taking souvenir photos.

Young people, travelling can be a very big school in our lives. Especially for youth.

Yes, dear young people, we still have our esteemed guest Faiz in the programme with us. Hello Faiz, welcome.

I also greet you, Nargis, and all the dear listeners from wherever they are hearing our voice.

Nargis, just as you mentioned, the importance of travelling in youth is a very significant and sensitive topic. We see how much our youth need this topic today.

Of course, when we say travelling, Nargis, let’s not think that we must travel luxuriously to foreign countries. We can travel to nearby provinces.

Nargis, the topic you have chosen is excellent. In the continuation of the programme, we will discuss this topic further.

Yes, indeed, dear young people, the topic of our programme today is very important and vital for our youth. Travelling in youth can help grow our minds, our personalities, and even our faith.

We understand that youth is the best time for experiencing, learning, and discovering the world. So what better way than to listen to this programme today with hearts and souls?

Let’s see why travelling in youth is so important, and let’s also hear from our dear colleague about why young people have a particular interest in travelling and what challenges they might face during their travels.

Thank you, Nargis. Just as you said, the importance of travelling in youth is one of those topics that goes beyond simple recreation.

It is known as an intensive educational journey for life, Nargis. When we say the importance of travelling, it means that we are doing what? We are undergoing an intensive educational course in a week or two.

These experiences last for many years, even until the end of our lives, and what do we learn? Nargis, what do scientists say about this?

An interesting point from the perspective of genetics and anthropology. From an anthropological perspective, travelling in youth fosters curiosity in humans.

Nargis, studies show that travelling significantly enhances cognitive flexibility. From a biological standpoint, being in completely new environments and hearing different languages creates new neural connections, which, from a neuroplasticity perspective, greatly positively impacts our brains and nervous systems.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s amazing ability to change, reorganise, and form new neural pathways as a result of learning, experience, and continuous practice. This is called neuroplasticity.

Moreover, if we consider it, Nargis, an interesting point is that environmental scientists have proven that travelling in nature strengthens the immune system of young people against foreign microbes.

When you leave your hometown and go to another country, you encounter a whole new set of microbes. Thus, your body becomes stronger.

You may have heard that many people travel from one country to another for the first time, and they get sick. For a week, five days, a day, or they catch a cold.

Illnesses like flu or seasonal illnesses occur because the body of that person has not been exposed to the microbes of that region before and struggles to adapt by creating or eliminating the microbes present there. An interesting point from modern times, Nargis, is that we see that travelling for tourism has lost its original meaning over the years.

Young people travel not just to see historical sites anymore but to have lived experiences. They engage in experiential tourism, and we need to consider that this is very important, Nargis, as fewer people travel solely for historical sites; they travel to learn new things and gain knowledge.

Today, we see that our young people are travelling to other parts of the world to learn about cultures, and in this digital age, they can work remotely from different countries. In this digital age, topics such as translation or artificial intelligence have become incredibly relevant. Young people no longer need to worry about language barriers; they can easily translate through artificial intelligence.

This topic is fascinating, Nargis. Let’s simplify this. What does travelling in youth mean for the personal development of a young person?

The first topic is breaking stereotypes. Travelling helps young people realise that there are various ways of living and that the one way they know is not the only one.

The second topic is independence and problem-solving during travels, especially low-cost travels, where young people face unforeseen challenges such as getting lost, running out of money, or encountering different cultures and languages. Solving these problems abroad builds confidence significantly.

We see that no classroom or setting teaches us these topics, Nargis.

The next topic is global networking. The friends you make while travelling can provide future job or business opportunities.

Why? Because global networking created through travel teaches us many things. Additionally, by visiting another country, we can understand the work environment there, what kind of people do that work, and we can learn from them, creating job opportunities internationally.

In this digital age, which is the age of technology, phones, computers, and the internet, we can work shoulder to shoulder with someone from a different part of the world.

Nargis, they say travel to grow, but not necessarily in a luxurious way. Travelling luxuriously can be expensive, and many cannot afford it. However, we can stay in simple and modest accommodations.

We can use local transportation instead of taxis, use public buses, or trains, which are cost-effective options.

The practical advice is not to wait for a significant investment; short trips to nearby provinces or even villages that are close to you can be very affordable. You can travel there and learn.

Nargis, you asked why travelling in youth is important. Just as I mentioned, we encounter different cultures, diverse people, and varied circumstances.

These experiences broaden our perspectives, allowing us to see the world beyond our immediate surroundings. This is crucial, Nargis, as we need to have a broader view during our travels.

Thank you.

Yes, exactly, thank you for your explanations.

Dear listeners, let’s see what God says about our topic in the Holy Book. God says in Genesis chapter 12, verse 1, that the Lord said to Abraham, “Leave your country, your people, and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”

Dear young people, here we see that travelling is not just about relocating to a new place or living somewhere else. It is also about moving towards growth.

Beginning this journey was a significant transformation in Abraham's life. We realise that sometimes God asks us to step out of our safe zone, the place where we live, and where we have confined ourselves, to bring about change and growth in our lives.

Yes, dear listeners, in this part of the programme, we will listen to a beautiful song, and after hearing the song, we will welcome you back to continue this programme.

Music, music, music, music, music, music, music.

Yes, dear listeners, that was a beautiful song we listened to together, and we welcome you back to continue this programme.

The topic of our programme is the importance of travelling, dear young people, which our colleague has explained to us.

Now let’s hear from our colleague about how we can have a safe and beneficial trip and what challenges we might face during our travels.

Yes, Nargis, thank you for this topic we are discussing, and it is a very important and sensitive question.

It is true that when we travel, we learn many things, and just as I mentioned, travelling opens up a broader view for us.

Well, we see that these are topics that also highlight the potential pitfalls and risks of travelling in youth.

The first issue is lack of planning and wasting time and money. We, dear friends and esteemed listeners, need to be careful; if we don’t have a proper plan, we might face disorganisation and waste time and money.

Traveling without a clear goal is more like wandering than gaining valuable experiences, and we can create financial pressure for ourselves and our families.

If we don’t have time for meaningful learning or visiting, the benefits of the trip will be minimal. Successful travel requires clear objectives and proper scheduling, dear young people.

We shouldn’t let distractions derail our plans by saying, “We are going to travel,” so we rush without a plan. Also, we have mentioned that wasting time is a significant matter.

The second issue is travelling with the wrong group of friends. This can lead young people to make hasty and dangerous decisions. Many young people we see travel aimlessly from one place to another, often deciding to go along with friends without considering the consequences.

If those friends are not the right ones, it could be very detrimental. This hasty decision can be dangerous.

Peer pressure in travel situations can be stronger than in regular settings. A wrong choice can turn a joyful trip into a bitter experience.

Nargis, we see that choosing the right travel companions is just as important as the journey itself. The third issue is neglecting safety and family.

Informing our families brings peace of mind and enhances our safety when we travel. When we go somewhere new, we should ensure our families know where we are going.

If we neglect this, we disrupt our own safety and also disturb the peace of our families.

For instance, let them know where you are staying, especially if you are travelling from one country to another or from one city to another.

It is essential to consider safety measures and potential risks; these actions can significantly reduce potential dangers.

Negligence can create problems that are easily avoidable. Responsible travel means enjoying the experience while ensuring that safety is maintained.

Nargis, this is a very important topic, and we have discussed how to have a safe and beneficial trip. Let me briefly touch on a few points.

First, we need to have a clear objective. When we have a specific goal, our experience becomes constructive and educational. Having a goal helps us make the most of every moment.

For the youth, the goal of travelling should return with intellectual and spiritual gains; this is very important.

Secondly, we should plan. Planning helps prevent sudden stress. Knowing the time we will return and budgeting our expenses allows us to organise everything for an enjoyable trip while keeping our families informed about what we are doing.

In our families, we have parents, older brothers and sisters, and it would be wise to ask them for advice on good places to visit or what activities to do, which is also very important.

The fourth point is to choose the right company. Good companions can be supportive and encouraging in difficult moments. A responsible character prevents the trip from becoming chaotic or dangerous, so we must choose our travel companions wisely.

Lastly, we should maintain an attitude of gratitude. If we have a grateful mindset, we appreciate our blessings more.

Travelling is an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of creation and draw closer to God.

Nargis, when we travel with a spirit of gratitude, it also refreshes and calms our souls.

These points were crucial regarding the challenges that can arise during travel, such as lack of planning, wasted time, and unsuitable friends. I also mentioned how to have a safe journey: set a goal, plan, keep your family informed, and maintain a grateful attitude.

Thank you, Nargis.

Yes, thank you, dear colleague. Dear young people, as we conclude this programme, we realise that travelling in the world is not merely for recreation; it is a school in our lives.

If we travel with a purpose and a plan, our trips can shape our characters, broaden our perspectives, soften our hearts, and develop our minds.

However, we must remember that every journey should be accompanied by responsibility, respect for family, and adherence to moral values.

So let’s travel with purpose, see the world, never forget our roots, grow, learn, and whenever we witness the grandeur of God, let us express our gratitude to Him.

Yes, dear listeners, this was our programme for this time. Until the next programme, may God be with you.

Music, calming music, builders of hearts, seas, light of the sun, beauty of dreams, I have security in the struggle of the storm, I am a worn-out boat, you are the leader of my journey.

Calming music, builders of hearts, seas, light of the sun, beauty of dreams, I have security in the struggle of the storm, I am a worn-out boat, you are the leader of my journey.

To the destination of freedom, I will keep my eyes on you; I know my fate is in your grace.

When I am in this body, in stories and joy, in wealth and pride, in ruin and prosperity, may I not find another friend; I will live in your love and die in your way.

When I am in this body, in stories and joy, in wealth and pride, in ruin and prosperity, may I not find another friend; I will live in your love and die in your way.

To the destination of freedom, I will keep my eyes on you; I know my fate is in your grace.

To the destination of freedom, I will keep my eyes on you.

Music, music, music, home music, music, home music.