Travel

Plan the perfect friends getaway without going broke

The Importance of, Friendship In Adulthood.'The New York Times' reports that friendship in the United States has been in decline for years. .This trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. .30 years ago, just 3% of Americans said they had no close friends in a Gallup poll. .In 2021, a similar online poll saw that number increase to 12%. .Just one year into the pandemic, 12% of women and 8% of men between the ages of 30 and 49 said that they had lost touch with a majority of their friends.Just one year into the pandemic, 12% of women and 8% of men between the ages of 30 and 49 said that they had lost touch with a majority of their friends.According to 'The New York Times,' friendship plays a crucial role in well-being. .Isolation and loneliness has been linked to an increased risk for depression and anxiety to heart attacks and strokes. .Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, suggests that between three and six close friends may be an ideal number for well-being.Jeffrey Hall, a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, says what matters most is having at least one important person in your life. .Going from zero to one is where we get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. But if you want to have the most meaningful life, one where you feel bonded and connected to others, more friends are better, Jeffrey Hall, Professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, via 'The New York Times'.Going from zero to one is where we get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. But if you want to have the most meaningful life, one where you feel bonded and connected to others, more friends are better, Jeffrey Hall, Professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, via 'The New York Times'.According to Dr. Hall's research, close friendships take about200 hours to develop.
By
Oct 21, 2022

Getting away with your friends doesn’t just have to be about celebrating big milestones. Why not plan the perfect weekend getaway — just because?

Spending quality time with friends helps one to feel accepted, supported and confident. Healthline reports that strong friendships, especially in our adult lives, is pivotal, and that the lack of meaningful relationships can contribute to loneliness, anxiety and depression.

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With that in mind, Travel + Leisure curated a list of the top destinations for a perfect friends getaway. Here are their top six:

Joshua Tree, California

If nature is calling you and hiking is in your blood, Joshua Tree has great trails and campsite. The area is best known for its new-age spiritually and retreats. Grab a good book and your friends for a peaceful adventure. Find out more at nps.gov.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport was once the hot spot for Gilded Age millionaires and big name celebrities; some of them still own mansions in the area today. Now, you and your friends can also stay in the area, tour some mansions, rent bikes, enjoy the beach and maybe do a little high-society people watching. Visit viator.com for more information on tours.

Key West, Florida

From private boat charters to drag shows — not to mention year-round tropical temperatures — Key West is a longtime hot spot for a friends getaway. To find the perfect place to stay, tips for a night out, and other things to do, visit the Keys’ tourism site.

Montreal, Canada

Brush up on your French and head to Montreal, which is one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world. You can get all the European vibes without having to travel to France. Check out mtl.org for trip ideas.

Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas is just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Atlanta — that’s closer than Vegas, making it perfect for a quick getaway.

Grab your sunscreen and take joy in the island life with amazing food, drinks and music while soaking up the culture. More information can be found at bahamas.com.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This city is vibrant with art, culture and history. There are plenty of areas for local shopping and tons of eateries along the way. Santa Fe is jam-packed with rich history featuring some amazing women — don’t miss the Women of the West Historical Walking Tour. Plan your trip at santafe.org.

About the Author

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Ebony Williams is a writer, indie producer and director, and journalist for a variety of magazine outlets. Her career has led her to create content for entertainment, sports, lifestyle, local breaking news and more.

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