Traveller labelled ‘disrespectful & rude' over foul-mouthed reaction to street vendors on holiday, sparking debate

The Irish Sun

a day ago

WHEN you go on holiday, you expect to be able to relax, enjoy good food and the weather.
But one woman was left fuming after being targeted by street vendors, leading to a fierce debate online.
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Trechell had enough of the persistent street vendors in Rome
Credit: tiktok/@trechellfolkes
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But her reaction sparked a big debate in the comments section
Credit: tiktok/@trechellfolkes
Trechell Folkes, headed to Rome for a city break, taking in the culture and historical sites.
And while there, she decided to get her gorgeous purple dress on film.
She set the camera up to film her outfit but she instead captured a tense interaction on camera and posted it online.
"Trying to do a fit check video in Rome... I wasn't trying to be mean, but after my sixth 'no' I had to get firm," she captioned the video.
"The street selling in Rome was very intense this trip."
While posing for the camera, a man can be seen pushing a bunch of roses into Trechell's face.
It clearly wasn't the first time the street vendor had approached her, from what she said in the clip, and she had had enough.
This time she said: "I'm trying to do something. I don't want it," as she clapped her hands.
"F**k off," she added before heading to her phone to turn the video off.
She added: "I try not to show this side of me, and I don't like when it comes out. But sometimes, when they won't listen or take no for an answer, you gotta be firm.
Sun travel reporter recounts a nightmare interaction with fellow travellers
"Travelling as a woman means knowing when to stand your ground."
The clip has since gone viral on her TikTok account @trechellfolkes with over 3.7 million views and 276k likes.
People were quick to share their thoughts in the comments, with some claiming she was too 'rude' and others agreeing with her reaction.
One person wrote: "Imagine going to a different country and acting like the main character…"
Another commented: "Why does she have to be so rude."
""Could have just said no," penned a third.
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list.
'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.'
3. Try a hack or two
She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip.
"Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver.
'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
"These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
"I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived."
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
"Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it."
Meanwhile, many were on Trechell's side, a fourth said: "People defending the man have never been to Italy. They are so persistent.
"I bought flowers from them once cause I felt bad and they said 5€ and once he handed the flowers, he asked me for 20€.
"They really impose themselves on you and are so persistent to a point. You have to be harsh sometimes."
"Real travellers know you have to be like this sometime,' claimed a fifth
Someone else added: "People in these comments obviously have never been to Rome.
"This guy probably asked her once & she said no & he didn't take no for an answer & then still probably followed her wherever she went continuing to ask until she had enough & gave this reaction. I'm Italian, I've experienced this & her reaction is VERY valid."