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

AMERICANS crave more excitement in their lives when it comes to their 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)Credit: Getty
It comes as an expert insisted getaways with friends are just as important as romantic getaways (file photo)

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It comes as an expert insisted getaways with friends are just as important as romantic getaways (file photo)Credit: Getty

The survey of 2,000 adults who traveled with friends found that 39% haven’t made a new friend in more than a year, and a similar percentage haven’t 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 went on vacation with them (44%).

Produced by Talker Research for Cheap Caribbean VacationsThe survey found that while most would describe their existing friendships as fun and ever-changing (58%), a quarter of respondents said their social lives felt repetitive (26%).

Thinking about the friends they have, the average person who says they have a best friend would knight two of their lucky friends with the title.

Friends are forever for eight in ten people who say they are still friends with someone after at least 10 years (81%).

But making time is difficult: the average respondent only spent sufficient one-on-one time with friends seven times in the past year.

Americans are in need of a social refresh, with only 21% reporting they spend the most time with their close friends over others in their lives.

When getting together, respondents admit they’re tired of typical hangouts like grabbing drinks (25%), shopping (21%), or binge-watching TV shows or movies (20 %).

Yet half of those surveyed always or often leave their friends feeling like they haven’t spent enough time together.

A majority of Americans miss their friends, with 76% expressing a desire to spend more quality time together.

I found the perfect adults-only hotel for an all-inclusive Greek island vacation

“Getaways with friends are just as essential as romantic getaways,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of consumer brand marketing at CheapCaribbean Vacations.

“It can be difficult to take a trip out of a group discussion, but I think all-inclusive resorts offer friends the opportunity to relax, reconnect, and create new memories, without the hassle of planning .

“Once you have everything sorted, from meals to activities, all you have to do is savor the experience together, whether it’s exploring new places, diving into adventures or simply lounging at the poolside.

“It’s a fun, stress-free way to bond and break away from everyday life.”

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

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

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

From road trips to exotic getaways or weekend getaways, 38% discuss a trip in the group chat at least once a month.

The best trips to take with friends

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

Road trips are really the buzz of these plans (45%), while a similar percentage dream of days at the beach with their friends (43%).

Others talk about festivals or events (26%), going out on the town (24%) and adventure vacations (22%).

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

Immersing themselves in the environment is important for 47% of them who would take the time to go sightseeing (47%) and have cultural experiences (31%).

For the other respondents, it’s the conviviality that makes the difference: 46% would be happy to relax together and 37% would be attracted by a shopping day with their best friend.

“Vacationing with friends is all about enjoying your time together, whatever activities you enjoy most,” said Michael Lowery, 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 all be enjoyed together in a new shared experience.”

Survey methodology

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