Vacation Ready in 2026: How to Get a Great Tan Before Your Trip
Published · Updated
The smartest move you can make before any sun-heavy vacation is building a base tan — and Tropitana Tanning is the place to do it.
Vacation season is right around the corner — and the last thing you want is to spend the first three days of your beach trip nursing a sunburn while everyone else is soaking up the fun. The smartest move you can make before any sun-heavy vacation is building a base tan — and Tropitana Tanning in Lake Country is the place to do it.
What Is a Base Tan and Why Does It Matter?
A base tan is a moderate level of UV-induced melanin in your skin that provides some natural protection against sunburn when you're exposed to strong outdoor sun. It won't replace sunscreen — you should absolutely still wear sunscreen outdoors — but a base tan means your skin is acclimated to UV exposure and far less likely to burn on day one of your vacation.
How to Build a Base Tan Before Your Trip
Start at least 2–3 weeks before you travel. It takes multiple sessions to build up meaningful color, and you'll want to give your skin time between sessions to develop melanin. Rushing the process with back-to-back sessions is a common mistake — patience produces better, longer-lasting results.
A typical pre-vacation tanning schedule looks like:
- Sessions every other day during the first week
- Sessions 3–4 times per week in weeks two and three
- Always use an indoor tanning lotion to accelerate and maintain your color
Getting vacation-ready? See all of Tropitana's tanning services — UV beds, spray tans, and more — to find the perfect combo for your trip.
Combine with a Spray Tan for Maximum Impact
Want to look your absolute best on day one of your trip? Pair your UV tanning sessions with a VersaSpa Pro® or custom spray tan 2–3 days before you leave — no appointment needed, just walk in. You'll arrive at your destination with deep, gorgeous color that will make your photos look amazing from the start.
Don't Forget Your Swimwear
Tropitana carries a selection of men's and women's swimwear — so while you're getting your tan dialed in, you can find the perfect suit to show it off. Stop in and browse our current selection.
Tanning Packages = Better Value
Buying sessions individually adds up fast. Ask us about our unlimited tanning packages — they activate on your first use, so you never lose time you've paid for. Unlimited packages are the best value for clients preparing for a vacation.
Come see us at either of our Lake Country locations in Delafield and Hartland. Open 7 days a week — walk-ins welcome for UV tanning.