How can I get a great tan before vacation?

I'm 14 years old and white as a ghost. I want to get a really good tan this summer before I go to Florida the end of June. What is the best way for me to get a hot tan without costing me a lot of money? I want to look good when I go to the beach. Not like some vampire in a bikini thats going to blind everyone who looks at her because she is so white.

Getting a tan has its dangers, including sunburn, premature wrinkling, skin discoloration, sun sensitivity, immune system suppression, eye damage, and skin cancer. UV radiation - while ok in smaller doses - can be dangerous and even fatal when humans spend too much time in it. Because of this, various ways (relatively safe) of getting a tan have developed.

Traditional tanning in the sun - in small increments (limited time) with sunscreen
Tanning in tanning beds - in a controlled amount of time and with proper eyewear
Self-tanning lotions - used to color skin for a week or more
Airbrush tanning - in a booth where a machine or professional can apply the temporary tan

The key to getting a tan is choosing the method that works best for you and attempting to be as safe with it as you can be. Also, you can choose to eat and use foods that are known for helping your body tan, keeping it healthy, and otherwise being of assistance in getting a tan.

For you since you're so white, probably the best is limited time in the sun using a strong/protective sunscreen - have a great Summer !!

Executive Tans are a big chain and they are pretty cheap. If not, just start laying out in the sun wearing what you will be wearing on vacation!

Even if you to acquire a great tan before you go---still wear TONS of high SPF sunblock because it sucks burning when you are on vacation. And get a white linen tunic to put over your swimsuit or whatever after you've been in the sun for a while. It will prevent burning great!

if you are really white right now dont stay out in the sun forever...do it in small periods...or else you will just be really red