I never pre-tan either - just too many negatives associated with it IMHO, so we go the pale-skin route for the first couple of days, too.

Years ago, we didn't worry all that much about sunscreens, having grown up in the days of a dark tan being the sure sign of a great vacation and baby oil was often the lotion commonly used.

We started getting wiser later and today we are conscientious users of sunscreens at all times.

But on another note, a couple of years ago I got distracted while putting sunscreen on before hitting the beach and somehow I completely missed my shins and feet for that first and most critical sunscreen application of the beach day.

This was the only time in 43+ years of SXM vacations that I ever got a sunburn and I was in agony that first night because of it. The next day I was made aware of an otc product, Biofine (Biofane or might even be Biofene?) which took the pain out of the burn but it did cost me a couple of days out of the sun and a slight scarring on my shins which has never gone away completely.

My best suggestion to all concerned is be smart, people. A bad burn can totally take most of the pleasure out of an otherwise great vacation. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />