30-Second Summary: Across Florida and popular coastal spots, resort beach chair and umbrella rentals now average anywhere from $40 to $80+ per day. Over a 5-day vacation, that is a hidden $200 to $400 fee. Smart travelers are skipping the rental line and bringing their own Handy Umbrella and Blanket. It pays for itself by Day 3, guarantees you a front-row seat by the water, and gives you a massive, clean "Base Camp."
You did it. You booked the flights, found the perfect hotel, and mapped out your family getaway. But if you look closely at the fine print of your beachfront resort, there is a hidden fee waiting for you on the sand.
The Beach Rental Trap.
If you have traveled to Florida or the Caribbean recently, you know that renting two beach chairs and a sun-faded umbrella can easily cost $40 to $80 per day depending on the coast. Here is why savvy travelers are officially ditching the rental kiosk and packing their own gear.
1. The Math: It Pays for Itself by Day 3
Let’s look at a standard 5-day beach trip. At an average of $60 a day for a resort setup, you are spending up to $300 just to sit in the shade. And at the end of the trip? You give it back.
The Handy Hack: Investing in the Handy Umbrella & Anchor System costs about the same as two or three days of rentals. By the middle of your vacation, you are actually making money.
(Not sure what to look for? Read our complete Beach Umbrella Buying Guide to see why wind-resistance is the #1 feature you need).
2. The "Waitlist" and the Back Row
Resorts notoriously overbook. If you don't sprint down to the rental attendant by 8:00 AM, you are put on a waitlist or stuck in the very back row, staring at other people's backs instead of the ocean.
The Handy Hack: Be on your own schedule. When you bring your own gear, the entire beach is yours. You can set up right by the water's edge so you can watch the kids play, or find a quiet, secluded stretch of sand far away from the resort crowds.
3. The "Base Camp" Upgrade (Ditch the Plastic Lounger)
Resort loungers are often made of stiff plastic, shared by thousands of sweaty people, and covered with tiny, scratchy hotel towels.
The Handy Hack: Create your own private, clean island. By pairing your umbrella with a Handy Beach Blanket, you get a massive, sand-free surface for the whole family. It features a reinforced center hole perfectly positioned for your Handy Umbrella pole. It is infinitely more comfortable—and cleaner—than a shared resort chair.
💡 Pro Tip: The Ultimate Carry Hack
Worried about carrying it? Don't be. Our Umbrella comes in a sleek, ergonomic carry bag. Clip your Handy Wristlet (your "Micro-Go-Bag" with your phone, keys, and room card) directly to the umbrella bag strap. You now have a complete beach setup that you can carry hands-free!
4. The Quality Difference (Safety First)
Have you ever noticed that rental umbrellas are usually just staked into the sand without real anchors? That's why they constantly blow inside out or get chased down the beach by the attendant.
The Handy System uses a 10-second hammer-in anchor that uses the sand's density to lock the pole in place. Plus, our canopies feature a Lab-Verified Silver Lining that blocks 99.99% of UV rays (UPF 55+).
(Related: Want to know why a UPF 55+ umbrella protects you better than lotion alone? Read our core guide: Sun Safety Guide: UPF vs. SPF).
When you bring your own Handy gear, you aren't just saving money; you are upgrading your family's safety and peace of mind.
The Verdict: Take Control of Your Vacation
Your vacation budget should go toward sunset dinners and boat tours, not renting shade. By packing your own wind-safe, comfortable beach setup, you save money, skip the lines, and guarantee the best seat on the beach.
Ready to beat the resort fees?
Shop the Handy Umbrella System
About the Author
Written by Agnes, co-founder of Handy Beach Goods and a Florida mom. After years of paying ridiculous resort fees for flimsy beach chairs, she decided to build a better, smarter way for families to enjoy the beach.
