take short 15 min session in a tanning bed 3-4 times a week,then increase to the longer bed.that will prep you for the beach.you will be fine ,you just have to start slow,do you have fair skin?is that what you aew worried about?
Just don't rush it. I have fair skin and burn easilly. So I start out going every 3rd day. Starting at 12 mins and going up about 2 mins each time. Then when I'm plenty dark, I only go once a week for 25 mins in a bed or 15 in a hex. Also, remember that a hex has more bulbs and will burn you more easily.