The bed you started out with is reffered to as a high-pressure tanning bed which may not have been your best choice. A "low power" or whats reffered to as an entry level bed may have been a better choice as long as you were doing VERY SMALL amt.'s of time. You should ALWAYS use an indoor tanning lotion. It really does make a difference and is good for your skin. Moisturized skin tans better as drier skin reflects the browning rays that you desire. Moderation is the key and with not much time to get tan you may want to get a cosmetic tan (a
spray tan ) to not appear so white. You will have to be extremely careful outside as this is not a protective tan !!!! Use a good quality Outdoor tanning lotion with a 30 SPF as this will allow you to stay out a little longer(on vacation people sometimes lose track of time and stay out way too long)You will still gradually tan. Don't worry if you don't appear to get much of a result at first. Wear the sunscreen. Re apply often. Have fun and visit a professional tanning Salon after your R&R to keep that golden color.