The Cuban creator @monetiza_con_yanet, residing in the United States and with over 247,000 followers on TikTok, went viral after posting two videos in which she recounts her first experience in Italy.
In the first one, published at the end of last December under the title “Things I Loved Most About Italy”, she explained that the trip was the result of a year of preparation. “I spent an entire year gathering and planning my first trip to Italy; it was totally worth it,” she stated.
In the video, filmed in various tourist spots, the Cuban mentioned some of her favorite things, including the food, the trains, and the city of Rome. “The food here is great, delicious everywhere; all the sweets, all the pasta, everything you eat is tasty,” she said. She also emphasized “the experience of being able to travel by train” and noted that “I liked Rome more than Milan, although I still need to go to Venice.”
Regarding restaurant prices, he noted: “I had the idea that eating in a place like this in front of the Coliseum would be extremely expensive, and no, it isn’t.” He also emphasized that “many people, that is, the majority, speak English.”
The video garnered thousands of views and over a hundred comments, many from users who echoed their impressions or suggested visiting southern Italy in the summer.
Later, in early 2026, the Cuban posted a second video titled “Things I Didn’t Like About Italy”, in which she listed some negative aspects of her experience. “I hope no one feels attacked, but if you do, there are the comments to help make the video go viral,” she stated at the beginning.
Among the things he didn't like, he mentioned the insecurity: “Pickpockets can steal everything from you - your suitcase on the train, your phone, your wallet, your money, everything can be taken if you get distracted in the slightest crowd.” He also criticized the bureaucracy: “I feel there is an unnecessary queue for everything in a country with so many historical places for tourism to explore, yet they put countless obstacles in the way of getting a ticket.”
Regarding Milan, he stated: "Out of the three cities I visited, Milan really disappointed me quite a bit. Customer service is quite poor in my opinion. Obviously, I was in businesses where I was treated very well, but once again, specifically in Milan, I had some bad experiences, oh, and among them, at a restaurant that has a Michelin star."
The creator also advised tourists to "stay alert and always read the menu before paying, or you might get overcharged."
Her testimony generated more than 400 comments, with reactions divided between those who shared similar experiences and those who disagreed. In response to some of them, the Cuban woman wrote: “Two spaghetti pomodoro, a coffee, and a Coca-Cola for 70 euros, does that sound alright to you? In a regular little place, where they didn’t even give me a menu?”
He also clarified: “I base this on the posters advertising borseggiatore everywhere, on the experiences of thousands of tourists, on the days I spent there, and if you have any doubt, read the comments on this video.”
Despite the criticism, he concluded the video with a positive assessment of the country: “Aside from this, I’ve already shared a video highlighting the things I liked the most; it’s a beautiful place, it’s a historic place, the food is spectacular, and I would return many more times. In fact, I want to go back in the summer.”
Both videos, which together have surpassed ten thousand interactions, sparked a debate on TikTok about tourists' experiences in Italy, with praise for its culture as well as criticism regarding high prices and service in certain destinations.
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