There’s a travel TikTok going viral at the moment (it has been viewed tens of millions of times on Twitter alone). While it’s sort of ridiculous, I also kind of appreciate it, and think she has a point… sort of?
In this post:
TikToker says going to Amalfi Coast is manual labor, not vacation
An American TikToker with the handle @millenniallex is vacationing in the Amalfi Coast, and she has a lot of thoughts on the experience.
In a roughly minute-long TikTok, she states that every single influencer who has been posting about the Amalfi Coast deserves jail time, because they showed you the gorgeous coastline and cute little towns, but didn’t tell you all the disclaimers, about how a trip here is really just manual labor, and not a vacation.
She goes on to explain that it’s “impossible to get” to the Amalfi Coast, because:
- You need to fly into Naples
- Then you have to take a train from Naples to Sorrento
- Then you have to stand in 90 degree weather waiting for a ferry
- Then you have to take “all of your luggage” onto the ferry
- Then you get to the Amalfi Coast, and to get to “the highest of high points, there are no streets here, there are no cars driving, so you have to walk up 160 stairs with all of your luggage”
- Oh, and then the power sometimes goes out, because the Amalfi Coast doesn’t have the infrastructure to support the amount of tourism it’s getting
My (surprising?) take on this controversial TikTok
Unsurprisingly, this TikToker is almost exclusively getting backlash for this video. At face value that’s justified, and the criticism is what you’d expect — “idiot American shows up in Europe in the peak of summer having done zero research, complains a destination is hard to get to, that she has to walk, and that the power is out because there are too many tourists, when she’s part of the problem.”
She also sounds ridiculous, comparing her European vacation that others would only dream of to “manual labor.”
All that being said, I think she raises a really important point. Furthermore, I think she’s taking such an extreme stance for comedic effect (though obviously the joke didn’t really land with most). I think her message, though, provides some important balance to what you otherwise see on social media.
Everyone always tries to make their life — and their travels — seem perfect on social media. Perhaps that’s inspired by “influencers,” but it honestly applies to most people when they use the internet. After all, travel is a peak experience, so the last thing people want to do is seem like they didn’t have a good time.
The problem, then, is that people set their expectations based on what they see others posting, and they think their experience will be the same. The issue is, others only post the highlights of their trip. It’s like when you see influencers posting pictures where they’re strolling through Oia, Santorini, and are seemingly the only people. It looks like a dream. You know why? Well, because they’ve done their full hair and makeup, and are doing a 6AM photoshoot, when everyone else is still asleep.
Meanwhile most people are there midday, sweating their rears off, shoulder-to-shoulder with an endless sea of people. And look, that’s totally fine — travel can be challenging, and you can still have an amazing time.
But I also feel like people (especially Americans traveling to Europe, who maybe don’t do so frequently) are almost set up to fail. They’re inspired by the gorgeous pictures they see, with few disclaimers. Then they book their trip without doing much research, and then have a somewhat different experience, but they maintain the narrative that everything was perfect. After all, they probably dropped a lot of money on the trip, and don’t want to spend a lot of money and not seem like they had a great time.
If you ask me, that’s how we end up in this situation. Is everything that this TikToker said about the Amalfi Coast true? Other than suggesting we jail influencers and the manual labor part, yes. It is quite a trek to get to the Amalfi Coast. It could be hot. You might have to do a lot of walking *gasp*. There might be power outages. It’s probably still worth visiting, but there’s value in helping people manage expectations.
Personally, I’m hunkering down this summer, and have no plans to go to Europe, possibly for the first time ever. And I’m totally fine with that. There’s just not much value to be had right now, and everything is really crowded. I’d rather restrict my Europe travel to May, September, and October, when things aren’t quite as overcrowded.
So is this TikTok video ridiculous? Sort of, yes. But it also helps people manage expectations, realizing that they’re not going to land off an international flight on the Amalfi Coast, and then stand on a moving sidewalk and escalator until they get to the door of their hotel. Because that’s what you might just assume, based on how other people share their trips online. So we need this kind of content once in a while.
Not everyone can keep it as real as this girl and Wolters World (below), who advises Americans that they should be sure to practice their walking before coming to Europe (starts at 1min25sec in below video).
Bottom line
There’s a TikTok going viral where someone compares vacationing in the Amalfi Coast to manual labor. The video is getting a ton of backlash, and I get why. But in a way it’s a refreshing contrast to how travel is otherwise presented on social media, where it’s made out to be this perfect thing without any challenges.
What’s your take on this Amalfi Coast TikTok situation?
Cause the infrastructure was awaiting her arrival? This woman needs to put her finger down and take some public speaking classes.
Totally worth the trip there- but go AFTER Easter and BEFORE summer.
There are many other places in the world that is difficult to get to. As you said people should do their research before going places. Not sure why she is targeting this place. Let's face it, you are targeting it too in a way because you are bringing more attention to this post.
It's a big trend right now: there's a ton of videos bashing Paris on tiktok. It gets engagement, and that's what matters. It's all about the clicks, people!
Right before the Olympics in Paris too.....so sad.
Honestly, let them. Let these influencers influence their audience to stop going to these places, so that we don’t have to encounter them and enjoy the peace and quiet
Made it to Santorini last October. I felt exactly the same way as her. Only I lucked out and didn't encounter this issue. I had managed to book THE BEST HOTELS without knowing what I was doing. After arriving at 1 am, we woke up in Fira in the heart of everything, but in a completely serene location. We set out in the morning only to find lots of tourists standing about. I always want...
Made it to Santorini last October. I felt exactly the same way as her. Only I lucked out and didn't encounter this issue. I had managed to book THE BEST HOTELS without knowing what I was doing. After arriving at 1 am, we woke up in Fira in the heart of everything, but in a completely serene location. We set out in the morning only to find lots of tourists standing about. I always want to know what I'm missing out on, but after a few minutes we said nah and went the other way. We largely avoided the crowds which I have found is possible everywhere if you're willing to walk a little bit. Later that afternoon, we discovered the hoards of people were from off the cruise ships. I'm sooooooo glad my Greek cruise didn't work out. I'm telling you it was just awful seeing 60 somethings standing in a hellishly long line in October heat. (Never mind summer heat!!!) They were trying to get on the funicular back to the cruise ship. It was really disturbing. My teen daughter and I were able to bypass that nightmare. I'm in good shape, but even I would NOT have been up for that line. Disneyland lines with no fast pass would have looked like a dream. Then in Oia, we booked a place that the taxi was able to drop us off right at the property. We were quickly able to see how fortunate we were when we set about exploring. It is NOT handicapped/elderly/lazy person friendly in so many places there. We booked an epic hotel and proceeded to have a lot of fun taking selfies in our private pool. It was like a honeymoon suite, but husband had to work and dog sit stateside and I was with my teen daughter. FUUUNNNNN!!!
I’m old enough to remember life before Internet (let alone social media) and I can tell you this: people back then, returning from vacations, also always had a “perfect time” when describing their experience to their friends. And the only (analog) photos in the (print) photo albums we shared to friends were the highlights, the good moments. We’d rarely reveal what you nowadays call “disclaimers”. If it is realistic travel guidance we were looking for,...
I’m old enough to remember life before Internet (let alone social media) and I can tell you this: people back then, returning from vacations, also always had a “perfect time” when describing their experience to their friends. And the only (analog) photos in the (print) photo albums we shared to friends were the highlights, the good moments. We’d rarely reveal what you nowadays call “disclaimers”. If it is realistic travel guidance we were looking for, we wouldn’t ask are friends, but we would buy a quality guidebook or join a group tour. So this phenomenon, of showing only the highlights of our lives in social media is nothing new. What people should realise however is that all those “influencers” are not professional tour guides or travel advisors. It’s fun to watch TikTok videos and pretty pictures on Instagram, but that’s all it is. Entertainment. At best, you can let it inspire you to travel. But the next step is to get some solid, realistic and professional travel advice. Or, at least join a tour if you can’t deal with the gritty details of organising a trip by yourself and save us all the complaining after you’ve crush-landed on reality.
I had my honeymoon at the Amalfi Coast and it was a beautiful experience. It was fun getting there and when we checked in to the Palazzo Avino in Ravello, it was pure magic.
The last year or two, the trend of travel and expat "influencers", at least on YouTube, has been "reasons not to go to XYZ" or "don't go here if...". It is pretty comical. Some videos I stumbled on had things like "its not like America", or (for Portugal), "the food is Portuguese".
Oy vey for this Gen X'er....
If people thinks that is ridiculous what about this corker that recently appeared on Tripadvisor regarding Ben Nevis
The mountain - the highest in the British Isles - located at the foot of Fort William in the Highlands, has a summit of 4,411 feet above sea level with more than 100,000 visitors every year.
A hugely popular sight for hikers and climbers, there was one visitor that was apparently less than impressed by the...
If people thinks that is ridiculous what about this corker that recently appeared on Tripadvisor regarding Ben Nevis
The mountain - the highest in the British Isles - located at the foot of Fort William in the Highlands, has a summit of 4,411 feet above sea level with more than 100,000 visitors every year.
A hugely popular sight for hikers and climbers, there was one visitor that was apparently less than impressed by the Munro.
In a one-star review on travel website TripAdvisor, they complained that the mountain was "too steep" and criticised the lack of shops or toilets en route to the summit, the
In a post on June 14, they wrote: "This is far too steep! The paths are uneven and could do with resurfacing and being levelled out.
"There are no toilets or shops on the route to/from the summit so nowhere to get a sandwich or some pop. There was also snow on the summit when we got there and it was very slippery with no signs of any grit bins!
Your generation sucks so bad. Seriously, not a single redeaming quality.
But can they spell?
Amalfi coast is mostly thrash, go to the south of France instead - much better.
Don't anyone tell her about dynamic currency conversion.
Went to Amalfi last year. Stayed in Rome a few days. Took a train to Sorrento. Then hired a car to take us to Praiano. Wasn’t rocket science
None if it is ‘you have too’
-You fly into Rome
-You leisurely take frecciarossa executive class to Napoli Centrale
-A car or cab brings you to the Molo S Lucia
-a beautiful boar awaits you there, to bring you swimming in Capri then all the way to Amalfi to snack, then for another swim and then for lunch at Nerano
-after eating and more swimming you sail back to...
None if it is ‘you have too’
-You fly into Rome
-You leisurely take frecciarossa executive class to Napoli Centrale
-A car or cab brings you to the Molo S Lucia
-a beautiful boar awaits you there, to bring you swimming in Capri then all the way to Amalfi to snack, then for another swim and then for lunch at Nerano
-after eating and more swimming you sail back to Naples
-you catch a cab to your frecciarossa executive to roma termini, on time for a
dinner and drinks on a Roman terrace
You can change it by spending a day or two at a hotel with boat access on Positano or nearby
This is the how to do it
Amalfi coast summer trips without pain and/or heat exhaustion are not for the budget traveler
Sorry for the many mispells from my iphone
I loved the idea of a beautiful boar taking me out for a day in Capri, thanks for that, it made my day!
I like it. Yes, travel can be hard. It always has been. For thousands of years.
No sympathy for you. Do research on your destination BEFORE you leave, and quit DikDok and watching other inane DikDokers. It'll do wonders for your life, self esteem, and intellect.
Influencers = Losers!!! That is what these people are. Uneducated snowflakes that live on Instagram and never had a real life. If she had a Geography class in her life she would know what the Amalfi Coast is and what it takes to get there but she is stupid and dumb as a rock so she only believes on AI and other BS that she saw on the internet. Amalfi Coast is amazing but full of people like her that are missing a brain so I prefer to go before or after summer.
I backpacked through Italy, including the Amalfi coast, between college and med school on a shoestring budget, because my grandfather was from Naples and I wanted to see the area.
She describes exactly the hard work of getting to a remote place with no money! But at least then we read about it beforehand and listened to Rick Steves, packing as little as possible and being ready to walk amongst all the chaos. It felt...
I backpacked through Italy, including the Amalfi coast, between college and med school on a shoestring budget, because my grandfather was from Naples and I wanted to see the area.
She describes exactly the hard work of getting to a remote place with no money! But at least then we read about it beforehand and listened to Rick Steves, packing as little as possible and being ready to walk amongst all the chaos. It felt like a privilege just to be traveling.
It's gorgeous for sure. I'd love to go back some day as an adult and pay for conveniences this time!
Hi Kelly! Just wanted to say hi
Influencers!
I actively avoid most reels/tik toks/the likes. Happy that the only influences I take are from you, TPG back in the day, a world map, and my wife (who is far less corrupted by social media than I).
As a result, haven't been anywhere I've been disappointed by.
Do your research. Go off-season. Do your research. Avoid social media. Do your research.
An entitled millennial was slightly inconvenienced and made a Tik Tok video rant about it? Stop the presses!
Lol millennials are 40+ now sir. We don't use TikTok. Those are Gen Z!
Going by her TikTok name, she clearly disagrees and identifies as a millennial.
She has never traveled before, or doesn't know how to travel. You can fly anywhere in Italy (Rome, Naples) and take a frecciarossa train to Salerno, from Salerno train station there are taxis or ferries two blocks away. The taxi will drop you off at your destination (around 100euros) or there are taxis at the ferry ports in Amalfi and Positano to get you where you need to go. No need to do the 10 connections she did.
People used to use travel agents who would explain all the pros/cons but in a world of DIY you are left on your own. And sadly the comforts and expectations of US amenities will definitely disappoint IMO. I prefer May/September for Amalfi Coast and usually hire car/private guide from Naples (can do that when flying on award tix as budget allows). As for the steps, the hotels I’ve stayed in Positano are below street level...
People used to use travel agents who would explain all the pros/cons but in a world of DIY you are left on your own. And sadly the comforts and expectations of US amenities will definitely disappoint IMO. I prefer May/September for Amalfi Coast and usually hire car/private guide from Naples (can do that when flying on award tix as budget allows). As for the steps, the hotels I’ve stayed in Positano are below street level so you take funicular down to room and beach. She is likely at an airbnb or vrbo which will involve stairs. I’ve done the stairs when we went to a restaurant up on the hill.
As for luggage, if you can’t lift it overhead or carry up/down flights of stairs then it’s too much to bring. I had one checked bag for three months and used local laundromat as needed
I don't know what the fuss is about, the last time we went, we stayed in Sorrento, had a very comfortable car, just drove to closeby and then just did the trip.
Are you telling me the "luxury" life of a tiktoker cannot in fact pay for private everything?!
'all of our luggage, mind you we've been here for two weeks'. Learn to do laundry, just came back from 3 weeks in Europe with just a carry on bag.
Same here. Fifteen to 18 days is my normal trip to Europe, all easily manageable with one carryon suitcase and backpack. No problem with hotel laundry availability.
Not always easy esp when using points to stay in luxury hotels like Waldorf or St Regis which wont have self laundry machines and will charge you 15 euros to wash 1 underpant!
Had this situation while in Waldorf Edinburgh where the nearest self laundromat shop I could find was a 15 minute walk away, not that convenient!
OMG! 15 minute walk?! What an ordeal…
If people are stupid enough to believe what they see on social media, then they deserve what they get.
And this idiot woman is herself an idiot for not doing the research herself. Either that or she is an attention wh*re.
As for yourself Lucky, too bad. There are lots of places to go to in Italy this summer that aren't being overcrowded by swarms of tourists the way places like Italy are.
Idiot American also used 90 degrees F while in Europe....
and has she considered leaving her luggage in the hotel in Naples and then make the journey?
As with anything you see online, it's never as great or as terrible as they make it seem. Usually its smack dab in the middle. But posts saying how mid something is doesn't generate views.
My initial response was "of course it's ridiculous!". Although I do appreciate the greater content and point of your post, Lucky. Travelers absolutely need to do their own research and should not be trusting these "influencers" at face value. People posting the end result / destination only are doing a disservice to inexperienced travelers. And at the same time, these inexperienced travelers (and budding/wannabe influencers?) really have to do their own research.
I was just...
My initial response was "of course it's ridiculous!". Although I do appreciate the greater content and point of your post, Lucky. Travelers absolutely need to do their own research and should not be trusting these "influencers" at face value. People posting the end result / destination only are doing a disservice to inexperienced travelers. And at the same time, these inexperienced travelers (and budding/wannabe influencers?) really have to do their own research.
I was just in Italy for two weeks back in April. Had 4 nights in Sorrento with my wife and our infant daughter. Researched the drive up and down the coast extensively. Knew what to expect. Knew the parking lots fill up. We were prepared with water and snacks for our daughter. Cell phones fully charged. Most importantly, had a back-up plan when we couldn't park in Amalfi.
This particular woman could've posted a much different video, more along the lines of "listen people, don't trust the influencers. Amalfi is beautiful but it takes some serious work to get to. Travel isn't easy. Learn from my mistakes and plan better". She would've gotten lots more empathy and sympathy going with that strategy.
Je suis affligé par la grossièreté des Américains.
I am appalled by the uncouthness and crassness of the Americans.
Vive la France! Viva Italia!
LMAO.
Last post you literally said "Go Trump", so GTFO trying to pretend you're appalled by American's uncouthness and crassness.
Nice try, though.
I went to the Amalfi coast for 4 nights last year... I stayed in Praiano instead of Positano which was a very good call. Also I went in late September instead of summer, which was another good call. I quite enjoyed it. Positano can be called overrated because it was crowded, has the same views of surrounding towns (like Praiano) and is twice as expensive. There is no denying that its a stunningly beautiful coastline...
I went to the Amalfi coast for 4 nights last year... I stayed in Praiano instead of Positano which was a very good call. Also I went in late September instead of summer, which was another good call. I quite enjoyed it. Positano can be called overrated because it was crowded, has the same views of surrounding towns (like Praiano) and is twice as expensive. There is no denying that its a stunningly beautiful coastline though. My wife and I enjoyed a few amazing hikes, a day trip to Capri (where we hiked up to AnaCapri) and enjoyed the night time views from our balcony with wine and a Pizza. Yes there were lots of steps. September was low to mid 80s so summer is probably very hot. There are lots of tourists and waiting for buses can take time as they get very crowded. But I think the main point is do research and know what your in for. Everything we did was expected and we had a really great time. The Amalfi Coast was definitely a highlight of our 24 day Euro trip.
I am so grateful that my tourist travel to Europe predated this insanity. It's offensive and ridiculous. Are these unoriginal, culturally illiterate lemmings impressing one another? Because they certainly aren't impressing me.
I am just back from ten wonderful days vacation somewhere other than Europe where there were no crowds (other than locals who were, you know, actually just living their daily lives), great weather, endless cultural attractions, great parks...and no I am not telling...
I am so grateful that my tourist travel to Europe predated this insanity. It's offensive and ridiculous. Are these unoriginal, culturally illiterate lemmings impressing one another? Because they certainly aren't impressing me.
I am just back from ten wonderful days vacation somewhere other than Europe where there were no crowds (other than locals who were, you know, actually just living their daily lives), great weather, endless cultural attractions, great parks...and no I am not telling anyone where it is. I took a few pictures of sights that were personally meaningful to me and texted them to a few friends, but have/will post exactly zero social media selfies. I traveled for education and personal enrichment, not to enhance my 'brand'.
Am I arrogant, snobbish, and elitist about all of this? YES. And proudly so.
I went to the Amalfi Coast as a day trip from Naples this exact time last year. Took train to Sorrento and then a short comfortable bus from Sorrento train station to the top of the hill in Postiano. I will agree that the Amalfi coast is very hot, has a lot of steps and is quite crowded but it is still worth visiting even in peak summer - for a day at least.
I don't think I would want to stay overnight there. Staying in Naples was quite comfortable though.
Man, Tiktok really makes me feel old - there is a particular way of speaking and acting (doused in makeup, lecturing style, finger waving in some sort of off-brand knockoff of AOC) that I suspect is related to "how do I catch someone's attention in two seconds as they scroll". It is not good content.
On the topic itself, though, when the complaints are "you have to walk up stairs to get to the hotel" and "it's hot in Southern Italy in July"...
As a European we never travel locally in July and August, the (mainly) American tourists are just so horrendous. Of course this is not universal and I’m sure there are lots of lovely, respectful, tolerant Americans too, but if you hear someone shouting loudly into their phones, being rude to staff, or doing something stupid, or generally being obnoxious 9 times out of 10 it’s a loud American… I was in a 3-star Michelin the...
As a European we never travel locally in July and August, the (mainly) American tourists are just so horrendous. Of course this is not universal and I’m sure there are lots of lovely, respectful, tolerant Americans too, but if you hear someone shouting loudly into their phones, being rude to staff, or doing something stupid, or generally being obnoxious 9 times out of 10 it’s a loud American… I was in a 3-star Michelin the other night, American would not get off his speaker phone FaceTiming people the whole evening - staff asking him quietly to be respectful, he ended up walking out shouting about USA being the best country in the world and “all you rich white people can f*off”… it was quite an exit followed by the staff apologising to all the other diners and us clearly saying it was not their fault!
I'll take things that never happened for $500, Alex.
Typical ignorant American. What did she expect ? A 10 lane highway, parking lots for 10000 cars, moving walkways and of course McDonald’s and Starbucks. Que palle! I’m sick of these so called “ influencers”.
Just back from the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples area. Yes, it is suffering from serious overtourism, particularly Positano and Sorrento (and Capri). It is pretty sad how crowded and overtaken by tourism those places have become. I won't be going back to those places in the high season.
And the 'influencer' is correct, it is pretty hard to get there on a budget, and she left out that the ferry in...
Just back from the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples area. Yes, it is suffering from serious overtourism, particularly Positano and Sorrento (and Capri). It is pretty sad how crowded and overtaken by tourism those places have become. I won't be going back to those places in the high season.
And the 'influencer' is correct, it is pretty hard to get there on a budget, and she left out that the ferry in Sorrento is down a big hill with lots of steps (or you can drag your bag through cobblestone streets in town to a pay elevator). And it pretty much always hot there in summer, and was blazing last week.
However, you can also pony up and hire someone to pick you up at the Naples airport or train station and take you exactly to where you are going. That is what I did when I was traveling to Amalfi with the family a few years ago.
That said, it is an amazing landscape, with dramatic villages and roads, and thousands of years of history. There are many less-crowded corners, where you can appreciate what it offers without the maddening crowds. Hopefully, those places will avoid the crass overtourism of Positano and the other hot spots.
I think the reminder of "Instagram vs. reality" is an important one but I don't think we should give this TikToker credit for accidentally stumbling into a good point.
Hers is the latest in a series of American TikTokers firing off a laundry list of complaints about the inherent characteristics of the cities they're visiting. Like, no shit the city built into a side of a cliff has a lot of stairs.
Granted, everyone...
I think the reminder of "Instagram vs. reality" is an important one but I don't think we should give this TikToker credit for accidentally stumbling into a good point.
Hers is the latest in a series of American TikTokers firing off a laundry list of complaints about the inherent characteristics of the cities they're visiting. Like, no shit the city built into a side of a cliff has a lot of stairs.
Granted, everyone was a first-time traveler at some point, but there's something especially annoying about these people who seem determined to have a bad time visiting some of the world's most beautiful cities. Like, stay at home in Florida where you can drive to Starbucks and Target next time.
I agree though there's definitely a middle ground though where the inherent characteristics of a tourist destination are unnecessary and annoying.
I agree with you about traveling in off-peak or “shoulder” periods, Lucky! I know several people who are child-free and have jobs with no greater vacation restrictions in spring/fall than summer who are in Europe right now. I keep asking WHY? Why would you choose a time when airfare is 2x cost, accommodation is 2x-3x cost, and things are more crowded and hot unless you have some limitations on travel periods? As a dual European/American...
I agree with you about traveling in off-peak or “shoulder” periods, Lucky! I know several people who are child-free and have jobs with no greater vacation restrictions in spring/fall than summer who are in Europe right now. I keep asking WHY? Why would you choose a time when airfare is 2x cost, accommodation is 2x-3x cost, and things are more crowded and hot unless you have some limitations on travel periods? As a dual European/American citizen I go across the Atlantic several times a year and the only things that would bring me in July/August are a terminally sick relative or a bucket list event.
I think some people just romanticize “Europe in summer”
I absolutely agree! I have kids and have them miss a week of school because I refuse to go in the summer. If they could go a whole year and a half in Virtual classes they can miss a week.. no better education than experience.
Tiktokers like this may have replaced “aspiring Soundcloud musicians” as the most irritating people on the Internet. At least she’s not pretending she has DID I suppose.
“I’d rather restrict my Europe travel to May, September, and October, when things aren’t quite as overcrowded.”
So would we all. But you can’t take your kids out of (real) school then.
If you’re ever going to travel with your son you should do it now, before he’s in real school!
We do so all the time with a 17, 15, and 13-year-old. They get good grades already, get their homework/studies in advance of the trip, and the cultural exposure they'll get from being in another country surpasses whatever garbage they'll be taught in that same week. In fact, we prefer to travel during the school year with them, we simply set aside an hour or two each day for them to do their homework. Thus...
We do so all the time with a 17, 15, and 13-year-old. They get good grades already, get their homework/studies in advance of the trip, and the cultural exposure they'll get from being in another country surpasses whatever garbage they'll be taught in that same week. In fact, we prefer to travel during the school year with them, we simply set aside an hour or two each day for them to do their homework. Thus far, we've not had any teach or administrator raise a fuss. It also helps that we live part-time in Europe so they actually have a home and rooms from which to study while we're abroad, but we've also done it in hotels/Airbnbs. It just takes some pre-trip logistics.
I also take my kids out of school during the school year. We are going to Machu Pichu next Feb. In my district they are allowed to miss a total of 10 days. I usually have them miss 5 for a 8-9 day trip. Leave on a Friday night come back on Sunday.. Kids are now 13, 10, 7
My children have visited much of Europe and Asia. As they got older, we tried to avoid taking them out of school. We now are in a school district with generous vacay time, but we start school in a week. UGH! My youngest is going to be a junior in hs. She had an absolute fit about taking some time off school last fall. My children have traveled a lot and don't appreciate it. I...
My children have visited much of Europe and Asia. As they got older, we tried to avoid taking them out of school. We now are in a school district with generous vacay time, but we start school in a week. UGH! My youngest is going to be a junior in hs. She had an absolute fit about taking some time off school last fall. My children have traveled a lot and don't appreciate it. I put my foot down since it was a family wedding on Cape Cod and I had never visited cause we were poor when I was growing up and now my cousin is in his 60s and I'd never take the chance to go again probably. It was a great experience to see where my cousins grew up and my child missed NOTHING that week. NOTHING!!!!
Kids under 5 travelling like to jump on the hotel's bed whilst eating ice cream than to see anything instead
She perfectly described how poor people get to the Amalfi cost. Rich people take a helicopter in. They ain't dealing with no train. Peasants smh.
Ha! Literally came to say something eerily similar. The people who go to the Amalfi Coast to enjoy it - NOT to impress idiot rubes on social media - never deal with this nonsense because they don't have to. TikTokers/Influencers aren't truly wealthy people. They may make money off their ridiculous antics online, but they're not actually wealthy in the true sense. So of course they have to endure all the bullshit "the poors" do,...
Ha! Literally came to say something eerily similar. The people who go to the Amalfi Coast to enjoy it - NOT to impress idiot rubes on social media - never deal with this nonsense because they don't have to. TikTokers/Influencers aren't truly wealthy people. They may make money off their ridiculous antics online, but they're not actually wealthy in the true sense. So of course they have to endure all the bullshit "the poors" do, in addition to getting up at the crack of dawn for the perfectly fake picture of wherever they happen to be. That's why anyone who follows influencers and is disapointed deserves every ounce of disappointment they receive. Have some common sense and this wouldn't be an issue.
Exactly!
LOL
Seriously, a car pickup from the Naples airport/train station doesn’t require one to be rich.
Honestly, for us, the train from Naples to Sorrento was part of the joy (although admittedly whole lot more joyful in November). We spent lots of time on that line, visiting Ercolano and Vesuvius as well as Sorrento. Buskers and regular people along with the tourists.
Was in Istanbul this May before the elections, most over crowded city but the most friendly and safest I been to! I walk 10-13 miles everyday but they can keep them hills lol never again! I did enjoyed my 11 days the new airport sucks only given 1 free hour of Wi-Fi. I did europe in the summer before they can keep it for sure my no go days are June-September.
Good assessment Ben. For the most part, I think it's spot on.
If nothing else, a cautionary tale to the value of detailed travel research - beyond a cursory read and pretty Instagram pictures.
Ferry? Amalfi coast is on the mainland.
Look, Naples is a horrid city and the train down to Sorrento is anything but glamorous but anyone looking at social media with the buildings clinging to the edge of a cliff thinking there will not be stairs, it won't be hot in summer and there won't be crowds in peak season just isn't ready for a trip to Italy.
I would not dream of visiting Amalfi right now. May or September is much better.
Yes, there is a ferry that runs around the peninsula and connects Sorento with the towns on the south side. We took it a few times. Ferries don't have to go to islands.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like Naples/Napoli a lot, and have been all over Italy many times. Yes, it is dirty, chaotic, hot and loud, but it is also vibrant, authentic, filled with amazing sites and cultural activities. Oh, and I did I mention the amazing cuisine?
Maybe not for the luxe traveler, but super interesting and way more 'real' than Positano or even Florence.
Napoli is one of my favorite cities in Italy. Capital of the kingdom of Naples with layers of history and loads to discover. Food, architecture, art and its people. I am so happy people are skipping it to go to Sorrento, Positano and Capri - among the three worst mass tourism places on the planet! Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder.
Completely with you! Spent 5 years in Europe, much of it in Italy. Naples/Napoli is fantastic. Please TicToc fans, listen to her and stay the f..k away.
Probably better to drive I imagine though parking may be an issue. Isn't the road on the hillside part of the attraction? I have thought about visiting the Amalfi coast many times and always backed out b/c it ended up being the wrong time of year (def avoid in high season) and/or was going to take too much time to do. Unfortunately 'influencers' have only directed traffic to some of the most amazing places while...
Probably better to drive I imagine though parking may be an issue. Isn't the road on the hillside part of the attraction? I have thought about visiting the Amalfi coast many times and always backed out b/c it ended up being the wrong time of year (def avoid in high season) and/or was going to take too much time to do. Unfortunately 'influencers' have only directed traffic to some of the most amazing places while misleading people into what the experience is really like. And yes people could do their own research, but they don't. I do share the previous commenters view that while beautiful, the Amalfi coast has become so touristy it's likely lost some of its charm and you might be better off going to Naples (or perhaps Bari or that corner of Italy?) for a more authentic experience.
Did you see the follow-up video? That poor boyfriend, hope he’s dumped her by now. He looked completely miserable when shown on camera.
I feel bad for him. Takes his girlfriend on a dream trip to the other side of the world, and seems he’s only good enough for his credit card and luggage valet skills. Everything else is complaining from her. Not to mention he’s her 24/7 camera man, witnessing the vacation he...
Did you see the follow-up video? That poor boyfriend, hope he’s dumped her by now. He looked completely miserable when shown on camera.
I feel bad for him. Takes his girlfriend on a dream trip to the other side of the world, and seems he’s only good enough for his credit card and luggage valet skills. Everything else is complaining from her. Not to mention he’s her 24/7 camera man, witnessing the vacation he paid for fly by through a camera lens just so other ppl can enjoy it on social media.
She’s everything wrong with modern society and social media. Deserves all the hate and more
Does anyone actually get the ferry part of this? Did she in reality go to Capri?
There are direct ferries from Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, etc that don’t stop in Capri. But you can definitely catch one that connects each to Capri then to Sorrento and Vice versa. Depending on where your hotel is on the coast (top or bottom of the hill), in this case, the bus from Sorrento drops you off at the tip top and you can walk downhill with bags. It’s not as beautiful as the ferry, but a better option in this case. Cheers!
We stayed in Sorrento and day-tripped by bus to the Amalfi Coast. Inexpensive, easy, and stress-free. Visiting in January meant that crowds were rare. The weather was sunny with temperatures in the 50s F (or low teens C). This woman had a point but she should have helped her followers by explaining how they could have avoided her poor planning.
You can take a ferry from Sorrento to Amalfi. It exists, but as you’re pointing out, Sorrento makes no sense as a departure point for Amalfi.
She would have saved time and money by flying into FCO and taking Le Frecce to Salerno, picking up a ferry there.
Alas, influencers can’t replace a good travel agent/blogger. Or doing your own thorough research
Usually I'm a fan of the random things you report on, but "entitled TikTokker complains about x" didn't need any commentary.
@ Jack -- I hear you, but as I tried to explain in the post, there's a reason I covered this. Yes, she's entitled, but it's sort of a refreshing contrast to literally all the other "content" you see from travelers visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Except I'd counter that she's the exact same thing she's complaining about. Yes, that area is inundated with tourists - the kind that come for a day, maybe two, to take pictures to post on social media in the hopes of impressing people. Those who actually can afford to enjoy that spot don't actually deal with those sorts of shenanigans. She's 100% part of the problem she's complaining about. Though I do giver her kudos...
Except I'd counter that she's the exact same thing she's complaining about. Yes, that area is inundated with tourists - the kind that come for a day, maybe two, to take pictures to post on social media in the hopes of impressing people. Those who actually can afford to enjoy that spot don't actually deal with those sorts of shenanigans. She's 100% part of the problem she's complaining about. Though I do giver her kudos for pulling back the curtain of "influencers" insomuch as they're obscenely fake - as you mention in your post about Oia and Santorini - and that it's actually a lot of work to take those fake pics for Instagram.