I remember the first time I went to an international gyaru meet; I went with my gal Chewiee and honestly it was one of my favourite gyaru meets ever. That’s not to say that it was a completely smooth process – about half an hour before we met everyone I had a panic attack in our hotel room. I was just getting so worked up about meeting everyone and fearing that they wouldn’t like me! But it turned out that I didn’t have to worry after all as I had the most amazing time and everyone was so lovely.
Fast forward to now – my gyarusa QueenE have recently announced our big international gyaru meetup, Gyaru Jubilee, that’s happening over here in the U.K. and we’re SO excited for it! We’ve decided to put together a lil’ list of advice for first-timers because going to your first international gyaru meet can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re a newbie.
Table of Contents
1. Ask the host(s) as many questions as possible
Ask them questions like where the venue will be and what hotels they’d recommend, as it’s good to try and stay somewhere near to the venue especially if you’re unfamiliar with the surroundings. This will also help you figure out what airport to go to and what public transport to take and how long it’ll take you to get there.
2. Try to travel with a friend
Going to your first international gyaru meet is both exciting and somewhat scary, and doing it solo? Even more so, so I would always recommend travelling with one of your gyaru friends or at least share a hotel with someone you know. I’m a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to travel as I get stressed/panicky pretty easily, and I was so glad that I had Chewiee with me.
3. Book your plane tickets & hotel as early as possible
This was a bit of a nightmare for me for the Paris gal meet because I didn’t really know where I was going until a few weeks or so beforehand, and so I just had to wing it. Luckily the hosts knew the general area of the meet and I managed to pick a hotel that nearby.
4. Google map every route you’re going to take
Google Maps was a huge friend of mine for the gyaru meet in Paris, as I was able to figure out what routes to take and how long it’ll be to get from the airport to the hotel, then the hotel to where we’re meeting up. I’d also screenshot everything so that if your data runs low or you don’t have WiFi, then at least you know where you’re going.
5. Bring the necessities; a portable charger, medicine, a pair of flat shoes, and plug converters
I spent the first morning of my second international gyaru meet trawling through local shops in the middle of Frankfurt trying to find Cold & Flu medicine because, lo and behold, I was ill. It was absolutely awful and I wished I brought some beforehand! And then I forgot to bring a pair of flats to the international gyaru meet in Paris and it was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. Luckily my circle sister Danielle had some with her that I could borrow, because I would have had to be carried. My portable charger was also one of the most important things I had with me during gal meets, because you never know just how many photos you’ll be taking and how quickly your battery will run out. And, of course, don’t forget your plug converters to charge everything and for curling your hair!
6. Find out where to buy necessities if you’ve forgotten/can’t bring them
This especially applies for those who are doing hand luggage only and you can’t bring things like sun cream, hairspray or liquids (or at least only able to have a very limited amount). You can probably get these as soon as you pass security, especially if you’re in the U.K. as there’s always a Boots store at the airport.
related posts: gyaru on holiday – travel tips!
7. Brush up on your parapara beforehand
I am awful when it comes to parapara and I cannot tell you how gutted I was to not be able to join in on the parapara workshop. I did try at the very beginning, but the more mistakes I made the more flustered I became so I just sat on the side and watched. Even if you don’t do parapara, make sure you learn the easiest ones (especially ones like Night of Fire) so you’ll at least know the basics.
8. Check out the weather forecast before you travel
This makes me sound like an old lady but always check the weather forecast before you travel. Sure, being fashionable is amazing, but comfy and fashionable is even more so.
9. Look up to see if any of your online friends are going
One of the most exciting things about international gyaru meets is that you get the chance to meet gals you never thought you’d meet in real life, so quickly have a look at all of their profiles to see if they’re going. I’m really bad with faces so I always do this so that I can recognise people when I see them.
10. Bring a comfy outfit for Sunday
You’re most likely going to be partying on Saturday, and even if you aren’t, bring a cosy outfit for Sunday. I am always bare-faced on the Sunday because that’s usually the day I need to go catch my flight back home, and the last thing on my mind is having to get up early to do my makeup and wear clothes that are uncomfortable. Face masks work wonders, too, so bring them along if you fancy it!
11. Make sure you have enough space on your phone/camera
There’s nothing worse than trying to take a group photo only to discover that you don’t have any storage left! So make sure you either have a blank memory card or you’ve cleared your phone beforehand.
12. And most importantly… Try to have fun!
If all else fails and you’ve forgotten your lash glue then just remember that a) you’re there to have fun and meet up with other gyaru and b) someone else will most likely have that thing you’re missing.
That’s all for now! Let me know if there’s anything else you’re stuck on in the comments below.
What advice would you give for a first-timer?
Love,
Lizzie xx
