How far or how long? Travel English & Benidorm fake kidnappings

Master essential travel English. Learn how to ask for directions, essential resort vocabulary.

Customs English: Fast Recap

The core focus is on practical English for travelers, covering directions, resort vocabulary, and key differences between American and British English.

Key lessons include distinguishing between travel time (‘How long does it take?’) and physical distance (‘How far is it?’), and knowing regional terms (e.g. ’round trip’ vs. ‘return ticket’).

Learners also master concepts like the difference between a ‘lifeguard’ (person) and a ‘lifesaver’ (device), and understand resort-specific items like ‘parasols’ and ‘beach umbrellas’.

What to Practise

• First, distinguish between asking about travel time using ‘How long does it take’ and asking about distance using ‘How far is it’.
• Next, understand the difference between American ticket terminology, such as ’round trip’ or ‘one-way ticket’, and the British equivalent ‘return ticket’.
• Also, learn precise resort vocabulary, such as knowing a ‘lifeguard’ is a person while a ‘lifesaver’ is a flotation device.
• However, differentiate between ‘sunscreen’ and ‘sunblock’, and know that a ‘parasol’ is carried for personal shade whereas a ‘beach umbrella’ is planted in the sand.
• Therefore, incorporate common sports idioms into daily conversation with phrases like ‘touch base’, ‘the ball is in your court’, and ‘par for the course’.

Customs English: Episode Roadmap

Say What Sound Bite Introduction

A challenge for advanced listening and paraphrasing skills using a rapid, native-level movie quote.

Travel Grammar and Vocabulary

Practical phrases for asking directions and essential bilingual vocabulary for navigating all-inclusive resorts.

Sports Idioms Practice

How common idioms like ‘touch base’, ‘the ball is in your court’, and ‘par for the course’ are naturally used in daily conversation.

Regional Travel Vocabulary Check

Clarifies regional differences, contrasting American ’round trip’ and British ‘return ticket’.

Safety Vocabulary: Guard vs. Device

Distinguishes between a ‘lifeguard’ (person) and a ‘lifesaver’ (flotation device).

Sound Differences: Route vs. Root

Teaches pronunciation differences: ‘route’ and ‘root’ are homophones in British English but often sound different in American English.

Key Ideas to Remember

• First, distinguish between asking about travel time using ‘How long does it take’ and asking about distance using ‘How far is it’.
• Next, understand the difference between American ticket terminology, such as ’round trip’ or ‘one-way ticket’, and the British equivalent ‘return ticket’.
• Also, learn precise resort vocabulary, such as knowing a ‘lifeguard’ is a person while a ‘lifesaver’ is a flotation device.
• However, differentiate between ‘sunscreen’ and ‘sunblock’, and know that a ‘parasol’ is carried for personal shade whereas a ‘beach umbrella’ is planted in the sand.
• Therefore, incorporate common sports idioms into daily conversation with phrases like ‘touch base’, ‘the ball is in your court’, and ‘par for the course’.
• Finally, recognize regional pronunciation differences, such as how ‘route’ and ‘root’ are homophones in British English but generally distinct in American English.
• Master versatile words in different contexts, like using ‘track’ in the phrasal verb ‘keep track of’ and the idiom ‘the wrong side of the tracks’.
• Enhance listening comprehension by transcribing fast, native-level movie dialogue to distinguish easily confused words like ‘dealings’ and ‘stealings’.

Customs English: Vocabulary

English	Español	Note / Uso
Customs	Aduana	Mentioned as part of airport/travel vocabulary (transcribed phonetically as ‘adana’).
Lost and found	Objetos perdidos	Mentioned as part of airport/travel vocabulary (transcribed phonetically as ‘oettoidos’).
Bracelet	Pulsera	Vocabulary related to all-inclusive resorts.
Lifeguard	Socorrista / Salvavidas	The person guarding the pool/beach, distinguished from a lifesaver.
Parasol	Sombrilla	A personal umbrella for shade (transcribed phonetically as ‘sria’).
Shade	Sombra	Mentioned alongside parasols at a resort.
Pool	Piscina	Resort vocabulary (transcribed phonetically as ‘pina’).
Cove	Una cala	A small coastal inlet, contrasted with a mega resort (transcribed phonetically as ‘Unala’).
Kidnapping	Secuestro	From the news story about the two British men in Benidorm.
Ransom	Rescate	This episode clarifies it means ‘rescue’ but in context of money it is a ransom (rescate).
Save your pennies for a rainy day	Ahorrar para tiempos difíciles	Used to describe keeping money aside for future unforeseen needs; discussed during the ‘Question of the Week’ about being a saver or a spender.
Touch base	Conectar / Hablar brevemente	A sports idiom used to suggest contacting or checking in with someone later, particularly to confirm plans.
That’s the way the ball bounces	Así son las cosas / Así es la vida	Used to express resignation when things don’t go as planned and you cannot change them.
The ball is in your court	La pelota está en tu tejado / Es tu decisión	An idiom to tell someone that it is their turn to take action or make a decision.
Par for the course	Lo normal / Lo esperado	A golf-derived idiom used to describe something that is typical, expected, or ordinary.
Behind the eightball	En desventaja / En una situación difícil	A billiards idiom used to express that someone is at a disadvantage or in a tough spot.
Stick around	Quedarse / No irse	Highlighted as The episode’s favorite phrasal verb, used to tell listeners to stay tuned and not leave before the next segment.
It slipped my mind	Se me olvidó / Se me pasó	A native expression used when you completely forget to say or do something you intended to.

Practice Ideas

Concept	Explanation	Why it matters
Time vs. Distance Queries	The phrase ‘How long does it take’ is used to ask about the time duration of a trip, whereas ‘How far is it’ is used specifically to ask about physical distance in kilometers or miles.	It is essential for travelers getting directions so they receive the right type of information (duration vs. distance) and avoid getting lost.
British vs. American Ticket Terminology	In British English, a ticket to go somewhere and come back is called a ‘return ticket’. In American English, this same concept is called a ’round trip’, and a single direction is a ‘one-way ticket’.	Helps learners navigate regional vocabulary differences when booking flights or public transport in different English-speaking countries.
Lifeguard vs. Lifesaver	A ‘lifeguard’ refers to the actual person whose job is to watch over swimmers. Meanwhile, a ‘lifesaver’ is the physical flotation device thrown to someone who is drowning.	Clarifies confusing compound words with the root ‘life’, preventing critical misunderstandings during beach or pool emergencies.
Parasol vs. Beach Umbrella	A ‘parasol’ is an umbrella-like object carried personally to block the sun, whereas a ‘beach umbrella’ is the large object you plant directly into the sand.	Provides exact resort and vacation vocabulary so learners can make precise requests while on holiday.
Sports Idioms in Everyday Use	Phrases originating from sports, such as ‘touch base’ (connect), ‘the ball is in your court’ (it’s your turn to act), and ‘par for the course’ (expected or typical), are frequently used in general, non-sports conversations.	Equips learners with common idiomatic expressions heavily used in native-level daily and business communication.
Homophones: Route vs. Root	In British English, ‘route’ and ‘root’ are homophones (both pronounced ‘root’). However, in American English, ‘route’ is generally pronounced differently than ‘root’, with rare exceptions like ‘Route 66’.	Teaches learners to recognize regional pronunciation nuances, ensuring they do not get confused when hearing native speakers from different countries.
Phrasal Verbs and Idioms with ‘Track’	The word ‘track’ is versatile: ‘keep track of’ is a phrasal verb meaning to monitor or stay informed. Meanwhile, ‘the wrong side of the tracks’ is an idiom describing a dangerous, less prosperous neighborhood.	Shows how one core word can completely shift meaning depending on whether it is used in a phrasal verb or a cultural idiom, enhancing advanced conversational fluency.
Listening Comprehension: Dealings vs. Stealings	In fast spoken English, words can sound similar but have vastly different meanings or validity. ‘Dealings’ refers to business transactions or negotiations. Meanwhile, ‘stealings’ is not a real word despite sounding identical to a learner.	Highlights the importance of using context and proper vocabulary knowledge to decode fast-paced, native-level movie dialogue rather than relying solely on phonetic sounds.

Examples From the Episode

Source / Moment	Why it helps	Review cue
Mini-dialogue: Asking for Directions	Examples using ‘How long does it take to get to the police station?’ (asking for time duration) versus ‘How far is it from the mall to the police station?’ (asking for physical distance).	Use this as context while reviewing the video.
Mini-dialogue: Sports Idioms	A mock conversation between the episode and Damian packed with idioms: ‘touch base’, ‘that’s the way the ball bounces’, ‘the ball is in your court’, ‘kick off’, ‘par for the course’, and ‘behind the eightball’.	Use this as context while reviewing the video.
News Story: Benidorm Fake Kidnapping	A bizarre true story of two British men (aged 37 and 51) who orchestrated a fake kidnapping in Benidorm, Spain, demanding a highly specific ransom of £725 to fund the rest of their resort holiday.	Use this as context while reviewing the video.
Historical Fact: USS Enterprise (1986)	Used for a spelling bee challenge: On that day in 1986, the USS Enterprise became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to transit the Suez Canal from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.	Use this as context while reviewing the video.
Event Date: Vaughn Radio Trivia Night	Announced for Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 (Cinco de Mayo) at the Toast Tap Room in Malasaña, Madrid, Rob and Andy.	Use this as context while reviewing the video.
Film: There Will Be Blood (2007)	The movie featured in the ‘Say What’ listening comprehension segment. Listeners had to transcribe a monologue by Daniel Day-Lewis, specifically catching the tricky phrase ‘backward dealings’.	Use this as context while reviewing the video.
Film: What Lies Beneath (2000)	Featured in the ‘Name That Movie’ game, described as a ghost story set in a lakeside Vermont home, starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer.	Use this as context while reviewing the video.
Film Reference: Mary Poppins	Dick Van Dyke’s performance is humorously cited as an example of a notoriously terrible attempt at a British accent by an American actor.	Use this as context while reviewing the video.

Common Learner Traps

Watch out for	Why it matters	Better move
Time vs. Distance Queries	The phrase ‘How long does it take’ is used to ask about the time duration of a trip, whereas ‘How far is it’ is used specifically to ask about physical distance in kilometers or miles.	It is essential for travelers getting directions so they receive the right type of information (duration vs. distance) and avoid getting lost.
British vs. American Ticket Terminology	In British English, a ticket to go somewhere and come back is called a ‘return ticket’. In American English, this same concept is called a ’round trip’, and a single direction is a ‘one-way ticket’.	Helps learners navigate regional vocabulary differences when booking flights or public transport in different English-speaking countries.
Lifeguard vs. Lifesaver	A ‘lifeguard’ refers to the actual person whose job is to watch over swimmers. Meanwhile, a ‘lifesaver’ is the physical flotation device thrown to someone who is drowning.	Clarifies confusing compound words with the root ‘life’, preventing critical misunderstandings during beach or pool emergencies.
Parasol vs. Beach Umbrella	A ‘parasol’ is an umbrella-like object carried personally to block the sun, whereas a ‘beach umbrella’ is the large object you plant directly into the sand.	Provides exact resort and vacation vocabulary so learners can make precise requests while on holiday.
Homophones: Route vs. Root	In British English, ‘route’ and ‘root’ are homophones (both pronounced ‘root’). However, in American English, ‘route’ is generally pronounced differently than ‘root’, with rare exceptions like ‘Route 66’.	Teaches learners to recognize regional pronunciation nuances, ensuring they do not get confused when hearing native speakers from different countries.
Listening Comprehension: Dealings vs. Stealings	In fast spoken English, words can sound similar but have vastly different meanings or validity. ‘Dealings’ refers to business transactions or negotiations. Meanwhile, ‘stealings’ is not a real word despite sounding identical to a learner.	Highlights the importance of using context and proper vocabulary knowledge to decode fast-paced, native-level movie dialogue rather than relying solely on phonetic sounds.

Try It Yourself

Use these prompts after reading the article. They are designed for active recall: say the answer aloud first, then check the tables above.

1. Explain this in your own words: Distinguish between asking about travel time using ‘How long does it take’ and asking about distance using ‘How far is it’.
2. Explain this in your own words: Understand the difference between American ticket terminology, such as ’round trip’ or ‘one-way ticket’, and the British equivalent ‘return ticket’.
3. Explain this in your own words: Learn precise resort vocabulary, such as knowing a ‘lifeguard’ is a person while a ‘lifesaver’ is a flotation device.
4. Make one original sentence with “Customs” without starting from “Aduana” in Spanish.
5. Make one original sentence with “Lost and found” without starting from “Objetos perdidos” in Spanish.
6. Make one original sentence with “Bracelet” without starting from “Pulsera” in Spanish.

Customs English: Glossary

Term	Meaning / Spanish
Customs	Aduana
Lost and found	Objetos perdidos
Bracelet	Pulsera
Lifeguard	Socorrista / Salvavidas
Parasol	Sombrilla
Shade	Sombra
Pool	Piscina
Cove	Una cala
Kidnapping	Secuestro
Ransom	Rescate
Hostage	Rehén
Raid	Hacer una redada

Questions Learners Ask

What is the difference between asking 'how long does it take' and 'how far is it'?

In English, 'how long does it take' is used to ask about the time duration of a journey. 'How far is it' is used specifically to ask about the physical distance, such as in miles or kilometers.

What is the American English equivalent of a British 'return ticket'?

In American English, a ticket that goes to a destination and comes back is called a 'round trip' ticket, whereas British English refers to it as a 'return ticket'. A single-direction ticket in America is called a 'one-way ticket'.

What is the difference between a lifeguard and a lifesaver?

A 'lifeguard' is the trained person employed to watch over swimmers at a pool or beach. A 'lifesaver' is the physical flotation device that is thrown to a person in the water to prevent them from drowning.

Are the words 'route' and 'root' pronounced the same in English?

In British English, 'route' and 'root' are homophones, meaning they sound exactly the same. In American English, they are generally pronounced differently, with few exceptions like the famous highway 'Route 66'.

What does the English idiom 'the wrong side of the tracks' mean?

The idiom 'the wrong side of the tracks' is used to describe a dangerous, less prosperous, or impoverished neighborhood.

What was the Benidorm fake kidnapping incident discussed in the episode?

Two British tourists orchestrated a bogus kidnapping in Benidorm, Spain, demanding a £725 ransom from a relative simply to fund an extension to their resort holiday. Police uncovered the hoax when they found the two men chatting amicably outside their hotel.

Customs English: Quick Quiz

Review Cards