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NEW YORK — Social isolation didn’t stop with the pandemic, and a concerning new poll finds many Americans are still starving for human contact in 2024. Specifically, researchers found that more than a third of Americans feel their social life is “stuck in a rut” (37%).
The survey of 2,000 adults who have traveled with friends in the past also 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 poll finds that while most would describe their existing friendships as fun and ever-changing (58%), a quarter of respondents believe 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 that title.
Friends are “forever” for eight in 10 who said that they’ve been friends with someone for at least 10 years (81%). However, 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 lives. 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,” says Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at CheapCaribbean Vacations, in a statement. “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 said that getting a trip booked 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 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,” adds 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.”
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.
My spouse and best friend died five years ago. There has been nobody to fill this void. Oh, I tried a few years after that – but ended up getting burned by someone, so I am more cautious. As far as dating goes – no thanks. I don’t want to play games with self absorbed and boorish people.
Most of my friends have died, one most recently as a result of Hurricane Milton. That said, I am pretty much alone now.
Friends? Who said “Oh friends, my friends, there are NO friends?”
I reluctantly accept the imposed solitude. What was once important no longer is. I care not one iota for ‘fair weather’ friends.
I do miss the soulful connection I had with my spouse. It causes heartache at night.
I’m not sure this is a problem but a reflection of how people behave as they mature and take on responsibilities. As we age we usually become more secure in our environment, settling down. The possibilities of making new friends is limited by time and money to spend outside home or work.
You guys have friends?!?!
I am 65 years old. I don’t want any new “friends”. I’ve down selected to the 4 I trust the most over the years. If you think you have 100s of friends – you’re wrong. When it comes down to it – you’re lucky to have more than 2.
I have had the same half a dozen friends for over half a decade . Close as family , and trusted as same . Takes YEARS to earn my trust enough to be considered a friend .
That’s kind of sad.
people make a new friend every year?
Yep . They trust anyone and wonder why they get screwed over .
This seems more like an ad for multiple companies.
No new friends in a year? Try a decade. I would much rather have .y stable long term frie ships (most involving decades) than be constantly chasing new “friends.”
Mary here again, I prefer to travel alone. I like myself and enjoy doing whatever I please and do not want to go with people who are not as curious about beekeeping and related subjects. Why have someone go to travel if they have different interest. Plus it is hard to find someone who can pay for their own travel expenses
I make plenty of friends at 65. I am in a beekeepers club and meet new people every year. I am also a union member and go to meetings to see friends, I also go to IAPMO meetings to learn and also meet new people. Close friends are a different animal. I have 4 close friends and a sister as my best friend.