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Americans admit they feel stuck in a social rut and are tired of repetitive hangouts with friends.

Americans admit they feel stuck in a social rut and are tired of repetitive hangouts with friends.

AMERICANS crave more fun in their lives when it comes to friends and the time they spend together.

More than a third of Americans feel socially “stuck in a rut” (37%), according to a new study.

Americans talk about their friendships and how they feel stuck in a social rut (file photo)

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Americans talk about their friendships and how they feel stuck in a social rut (file photo)1 credit
It comes as an expert insists holidays with friends are just as important as romantic getaways (file photo)

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It comes as an expert insists holidays with friends are just as important as romantic getaways (file photo)1 credit

A survey of 2,000 adults who traveled with friends found that 39% had not made a new friend in more than a year, and the same percentage had not gone to a party in at least six months (38%).

For many, it has also been at least a year since they went to a concert with a friend (59%) or vacationed with a friend (44%).

A survey conducted by Talker Research for CheapCaribbean Vacations found that while most describe existing friendships as fun and ever-changing (58%), a quarter of respondents said their social lives feel repetitive (26%).

When you think about the friends they have, the average person who said they have a best friend would dedicate that title to two of their lucky friends.

Friends remain forever for eight out of ten respondents who said they continue to be friends with someone after at least 10 years (81%).

But finding the time is difficult: The average respondent spent significant one-on-one time with their friends just seven times in the last year.

Americans are in need of a social upgrade: Only 21% said they spend more time with their close friends than with other people in their lives.

When they get together, those surveyed admit that they get bored with classic hangouts like drinking (25%), shopping (21%) or binge-watching TV shows or movies (20%).

However, half of respondents always or often leave their friends with the feeling that they did not spend enough time together.

Most Americans miss their friends, with 76% expressing a desire to spend more time together.

I have found the perfect adults only hotel for an all inclusive Greek island holiday.

“A vacation with friends is just as important as a romantic getaway,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of consumer brand marketing at CheapCaribbean Vacations.

“It can be hard to turn down a trip in a group chat, but I think all-inclusive resorts give friends the chance to relax, reconnect and create new memories—without the hassle of planning.

“With everything from food to entertainment taken care of, all you have to do is enjoy the experience together—whether it’s exploring new places, diving into adventure, or simply relaxing by the pool.

“It’s a light-hearted and fun way to bond and break away from the daily routine.”

For one in five, a trip with friends is exactly what they need (22%), even more than time spent with their partner or family.

On average, respondents have taken only two group trips with their friends over the past two years, while 37% have taken none.

Half of those surveyed even said that planning a trip with friends would ease their anxiety (53%).

From road trips to exotic trips or weekend getaways, 38% talk about traveling in a group chat at least once a month.

Best trips with friends

  1. Trip – 45%
  2. Beach – 43%
  3. Festival/event – ​​26%
  4. City – 24%
  5. Adventure – 22%
  6. Lake – 21%
  7. Mountains – 19%
  8. Wellness/spa – 13%
  9. Island hopping – 10%
  10. Hiking – 9%

Traveling by car is indeed the main theme of these plans (45%), while the same percentage dreams of spending time at the beach with friends (43%).

Others discuss attending festivals or other events (26%), exploring the city (24%) and taking adventure holidays (22%).

According to respondents, an ideal vacation with friends would last an average of a week and be filled with dining out (58%) and beach days (48%).

Immersion in the environment is important to 47% of respondents who would like to take time for sightseeing (47%) and cultural experiences (31%).

For other respondents, it is togetherness that matters: 46% would be happy with a holiday together, and another 37% are tempted by a shopping trip with their best friend.

“Vacations with friends are a valuable time to spend, no matter what activities you enjoy most,” said Michael Lowry, head of global consumer business at CheapCaribbean Vacations.

“When choosing a group destination, it’s important to consider everyone’s different interests and how they can be enjoyed together as part of a new shared experience.”

Survey methodology

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who traveled with friends; The survey was commissioned by CheapCaribbean Vacations and conducted online by Talker Research between September 20 and 25, 2024.