Tanning

Is it really that bad?

I just went tanning for the first time in my life and I was scared.
1. Because I am a hypochondriac and 2. I fear I will burn to death

But the second and third times (with no color change I must add) I finally was able to relax like I would in the sun.

Why am I tanning?

I have been pale all of my life and I am traveling to Europe (Italy and Spain) this summer. It's really hot over there and really sunny.

I personally do not want to get skin cancer in Europe because I am not used to a higher exposure of sun, nor am I willing to go through any amounts of sunburn pain while on vacation which brings me to the question, is tanning bad? How much is too much?

I think if you are getting a base tan (like I am) it is completely fine but if you are going everyday for a year and turning into leather, that is bad. A base tan can provide a small layer of protection against a nasty sunburn when the sunscreen unknowingly wears off.

I have personally see a mixture people who say one or the other.  Here is one that says all tanning is bad news while this one says that  talks about both.

I have seen versions where the final picture is a leather couch

There are always going to be positives and there will always be negatives.  Like everything... It's okay in moderation.

What do you think?

Countries I Hope to Visit this Summer

A 86 days until England! I CAN'T WAIT!

Here are the countries that I hope to visit this summer!

England 
duh.  It would be pretty hard to not go here seeing as how my study abroad is located in East Sussex and I'm staying with my family..

London, England

France
Mostly Paris. :-D  Another easy one to get to because it is so close to England

Paris, France

Ireland
It's so close, why not?

Spain
I have a friend who is studying abroad in Spain and we agreed that we were going to come and visit each other!

Barcelona, Spain

Italy
How can anyone go to Europe and not visit Italy? I mean come on.  The Colosseum, the Vatican, the art, the architecture?  A must see.

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

Germany
Germany has so much history involved it would be hard to pass up a trip here.

Greece
How beautiful Greece is!! Just by looking at the pictures it is to die for! Not to mention all of the Greek temples like the Parthenon.

Parthenon, Acropolis

Egypt 
This one may be a long shot this summer but I defiantly want to go here at some point in my life. I would love to see all of the pyramids and I absolutely love Egyptian culture.

Now, I'm realistic enough to understand that I probably won't make all 8 countries in 10 weeks (it could be possible though!). But I will see where I end up and make the most of it no matter what and whatever I don't get to see will just be added to the travel wish list!