Rather than pre-tanning (which offers minimal real protection), the more effective vacation prep focuses on exfoliation, hydration, and knowing your destination's typical UV before you arrive.
Exfoliate and moisturize in the days before
Starting with smooth, well-hydrated skin sets up more even results once you're actually in the sun, without adding any pre-trip UV exposure.
Check the destination's typical UV Index
Knowing roughly what UV range to expect — a tropical destination near the equator often runs meaningfully higher than a temperate-zone home location — lets you pack appropriate SPF and plan exposure realistically before you arrive.
Pack for reapplication, not just initial application
A single small bottle of sunscreen is rarely enough for a full trip — packing enough for genuine two-hour reapplication across the whole vacation, not just day one, is a more realistic prep step than pre-tanning.
Is it worth buying new sunscreen specifically for a trip?
Checking your current sunscreen's expiration date before a trip is worth doing regardless — expired or long-opened sunscreen loses effectiveness, and a big trip is a reasonable trigger to refresh your supply.