American man goes to Italy. His illusion is shattered when he realizes what it’s actually like: ‘Just canceled my trip’

People literally dream of visiting Italy. But one man is saying that the country is nothing like he thought it’d be. Despite an itinerary that included Florence, Milan, and Venice, Kaleb Green is more than disappointed, he’s over it.

An investor specializing in Section 8 rentals, Green (@kalebgotcribs) has taken his “unpopular opinion about Italy,” to TikTok. His video, where he complains about everything from the water to the ancient buildings, has garnered over 5.9 million views, and many comments.

Stepping Out Of A Comfort Zone Is Uncomfortable

Green kicks off his post with a tough stance: “Unpopular opinion: Italy is trash,” he says. Then he goes on to list all the ways that Italy falls short. “Protein doesn’t exist. All I eat is bread and pasta, [and] I can’t get a water bottle without sitting down at a restaurant for 30 minutes,” he grumbles.

So many of the reasons others travel to Italy, are the things that Green finds fault with.

He traveled during the height of summer, and in that, he had a few surprises: “Nobody uses deodorant in this country, everybody smells bad, and they’re all rude.”

Next, he returns to problems with dining out and getting around. He says it takes 60 minutes to get a waiter’s attention for a check, 30 minutes for a Uber, and there’s no air conditioning.  “It’s like I entered the 1800s when I stepped into this country,” he complains.

After revealing he’s been to Florence, Venice, and Milan, and thinks they’re all the same. His verdict: “Don’t come to Italy.”

“Come to Sicily”

TikTik users are split on Green’ take. Some adding their own Italian reflections, while others seek to remind him of the inherent challenges of travel.

“The fact alone that he went in early August shows how much of a travel noob he is every one knows May/early June and September are best times to go to Italy,” writes Joe (@duke_fan7).

But his tirade does get some attention from an Italian who stops by to say “As an italian, only an american could do this kind of video [tilted laugh-crying emoji] I swear so funny,” says @pen.sa_.

Another solution is offered, “Come to South Italy, in Sicily we’re literally Africans/latin and LOVE black people [heart emoji] great seafood and steaks for protein and Palermo and Taormina are luxury. We have ACs [starry-eyed emoji],” promises Umbyitaloamericano (@umbyitaloamericano).

Americans Surprised By Summertime In Europe?

Kristin is an American teacher and author of the site, Growing Global Citizens. She has lived in Europe for nine years, and says that while Europe can be an easy place to travel, there are surprising challenges. Especially in the summer, as Green noticed.

She notes that one of the main things travelers are unprepared for is the smaller size of European cities, and how crowded they are. “European cities, especially, feel tight because they were built hundreds or even thousands of years ago when people were smaller,” she writes.

Then there are the later meal times, pick pockets, and slower pace. But too, there’s the lack of air conditioning. “Part of this is because of the cost of energy and part of it is due to the idea that air conditioning makes you sick,” she says.

So what should a traveler plan for if visiting Italy in the hottest months?

First off, according to the New Roman Times, the summer is “the worst time to visit.” That’s when the weather gets uncomfortable and the high season brings high prices and crowds. But if that is when you can travel, there are a few things to make your trip more enjoyable.

Fodor’s gives the age-old advice: When in Rome. Saying, “We advise doing as the Romans do—get up and out early, seek refuge from the afternoon heat, resume activities in the early evening, and stay up late to enjoy the nighttime breeze.” Because of the heat, many sites, shops, and museums are open much later. ”

Also if there are restaurants you can’t bear to miss, book ahead advises the site. And finally, when booking a hotel or Airbnb, consider off-the-beaten path neighborhoods. If you want to be closer to the beach, consider Menfi in Sicily, Carloforte in Sardinia, Maratea in Basilicata, and Tropea in Calabria. But you’ll want to rent a car.

Finally, Italy is a little more formal than America, so when packing, think linen and lightweight cotton. And remember, while sandals are okay, flip-flops are for the beach. One thing that’s advised, even though it screams tourist? A handheld electric fan. It can make a huge difference, even if it’s inelegant.

Boarding Area reached out to Green via TikTok direct message and with a comment on the post. We will update this article when he gets back to us.