Tanning beds....

Ok, so I know that tanning in the sun and in tanning beds is horrible for you. But I'm going away in a month and my common sense tells me that burning like a lobster the first two days there, would be equal in damage as going for a base tan before I left.... any opinions? I've never been to a tanning salon before.

Second, if I chose to tan before going, is it better to do one of those platinum standing ones for 3 mins or the classic lay-down bed where I'd be in there for 8? (as far as UVA and UVB rays go)