Why 1 in 3 people feel ‘stuck in a rut’ socially

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

The survey of 2,000 adults who have traveled with friends found that 39% haven’t made a new friend in over a year and a similar percentage haven’t gone to a party in at least six months (38%).

For many, it’s also been at least a year since they’ve gone to a concert with a friend (59%) or been on vacation with them (44%).

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

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

Friends are forever for eight in 10 who said that they’re still friends with someone after at least 10 years (81%).

But making time is difficult: the average respondent has only spent enough one-on-one time with their friends seven times within the last year.

Americans are in need of a social refresh, as just 21% said they spend the most time with their close friends above others in their life.

When they do get together, those surveyed admit they’re bored of classic hangouts like getting drinks (25%), going shopping (21%) or binge-watching TV shows or movies (20%).

Still, half of respondents always or often leave their friends feeling like they didn’t spend enough time together.

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

"Friend getaways are just as essential as romantic escapes,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at CheapCaribbean Vacations. “It can be hard to get the trip out of the group chat but I think all-inclusive resorts offer friends the chance to unwind, reconnect, and create new memories — without the hassle of planning. With everything from meals to activities taken care of, all you have to do is savor the experience together — whether it’s exploring new places, diving into adventures, or simply lounging by the pool. It’s a stress-free, fun way to bond and break away from the everyday grind."

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

On average, respondents have only taken two group trips with their friends in the past two years, while 37% haven’t taken any.

Half of those surveyed even said that getting a trip on the books with their friends would ease their worries (53%).

From road trips to exotic getaways or weekend escapes — 38% chat about a trip away in the group chat at least once a month.

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

Others discuss going to festivals or events (26%), city outings (24%) and adventure-led vacations (22%).

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

Immersing themselves in the environment is important for 47% who would make time to sightsee (47%) and embrace cultural experiences (31%).

For other respondents, it’s the togetherness that makes a difference: 46% would be content with relaxing together and another 37% are enticed by a shopping day with their best friend.

"Vacationing with friends is all about cherishing time together, no matter what activities you love most,” said Michael Lowery, head of global consumer business at CheapCaribbean Vacations. “When deciding on the group destination, it is important to consider everyone’s different interests and how they can all be enjoyed together in a new shared experience.”

BEST TYPES OF TRIPS TO TAKE WITH FRIENDS
Road trip — 45%
Beach — 43%
Festival/event — 26%
City — 24%
Adventure — 22%
Lake — 21%
Mountains — 19%
Wellness retreat/spa — 13%
Island hopping — 10%
Backpacking — 9%

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who have traveled with friends; the survey was commissioned by CheapCaribbean Vacations and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Sept. 20 and Sept. 25, 2024.
We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are:
• Traditional online access panels — where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentive
• Programmatic — where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in
Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan.
Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value.
Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample.
Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes:
• Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speeders
• Open ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant text
• Bots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify bots
• Duplicates: Survey software has “deduping” based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once
It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.