5 best travel board games to take on holiday this summer

Carry-on cardboard.

With vaccines rolling out it’s hopefully not long until we can once again shove ourselves into tiny airplane seats and lose our luggage on the way to stunning destinations around the world.

Whether you’re cruising around the Caribbean, sightseeing in San Marino or surfing off the coasts of South America, it’s always worth bringing a travel board game or two for those warm nights in the hotel.

Best travel board games

  • Railroad Ink Challenge
  • Tiny Epic series
  • Welcome to the Dungeon
  • Dice Academy

If you are taking cardboard abroad, you’re going to need portable board games that fit in your luggage alongside the rest of your holiday essentials.

1. Railroad Ink Challenge

Roll, write and ride your way across this travel-themed dice game

tourism board game

With travel on the mind it seems fitting that we start this list with a game all about train lines and roads - and thanks to a brand new entry in the series it also happens to be the newest board game of the bunch.

Railroad Ink, along with its new advanced version Railroad Ink Challenge, is a roll-and-write puzzler that can be enjoyed solo or with up to three other players. In the game you’ll spend a number of turns rolling picture dice and drawing whatever shapes and routes come up onto your wipe-clean board.

Each player board has the same arrangement of open train tracks and roads along each side of its 7x7 square grid. Your job is to draw the routes that pop up in each roll of the dice to try and connect those open paths together, with each connection worth more and more points if you can connect them all to the same route. You’ll also score points for filling in the centre squares of your board and for the longest unbroken railway and highway on your board at the end of the game.

Cover image for YouTube video

Railroad Ink is a delightfully simple game that can be picked up in a matter of minutes, hiding most of its complexities in the moment-to-moment decisions of each turn. You’ll need to gamble on certain dice rolls coming up in the future if you decide to strike out into new paths, as unfinished routes will lose you points in the final tally. Knowing where to put when and what will be the difference between victory and defeat - and as every player around the table is drawing from the same dice results, you’ll only have yourself to blame.

To step things up a notch, Railroad Ink Challenge adds some new scoring opportunities as well as an extra dose of complexity to the mix. Brand new buildings on the board can be connected to your routes in exchange for a special reward, while objective cards will have you racing against the clock or your competitors to fulfill them first in exchange for more points. Railroad Ink Challenge doesn’t necessarily reinvent the (train) wheel but it introduces a few new mechanics and concepts to give veteran players a fresh experience.

There’s a lot to love about Railroad Ink and it’s packed with plenty of replay value if you’re limited in the amount of games you can bring on your travels. While it’s probably the largest box in this list, it has a very small footprint on the table during plays. With just a handful of dice, a board and pen each you could very easily play this on a train table or flip-out airplane table without too much fuss. It's odd that there are so many great board games about trains , but this is the world we live in.

Buy Railroad Ink Challenge on Amazon US and Amazon UK .

2. Tiny Epic series

Tiny by name, Epic by nature

tourism board game

We’d be remiss to write up an entire list of tiny games and not mention at least one of the Tiny Epic series from Gamelyn Games. As you can probably guess from the name, each of the Tiny Epic games takes a popular genre or theme and condenses it all into the smallest possible package. There’s Tiny Epic Zombies, Tiny Epic Quest, Tiny Epic Galaxies, Tactics, Western, Kingdoms... The series already has a massive list of titles, and designer Scott Almes doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon with more already on the way thanks to Kickstarter.

What exactly is a Tiny Epic Game? Well, it depends on which one you pick up. While there are similarities between some of the titles, each is its own take on a different grander experience. Tiny Epic Zombies, for example, sees your players fighting off hordes of the undead in a bid for survival amongst the fluorescent lights and broken window panes of an abandoned shopping mall. Tiny Epic Quest follows your band of adventurers as they travel across a fantasy kingdom to fight goblins, delve into dungeons and source legendary items and spells. Zombies plays like a tabletop tower-defence game, while Quest is more like a movement puzzle with push-your-luck dice throwing.

The important thing is that all of these games, despite their absolutely miniscule packaging, can easily go toe-to-toe with games that far outweigh them in size and footprint. One of the most impressive aspects about the Tiny Epic series is the way Gamelyn Games is able to squeeze such big ideas into such small boxes. The components and solutions might get smaller and smaller, but their ideas never seem to shrink as a result.

Cover image for YouTube video

One problem you may run into with the Tiny Epic series is that the small box size doesn’t always mean that the game itself won’t take up much room when you start setting it up. Tiny Epic Quest sprawls across the table once it’s fully prepared for play - which is impressive if you’ve got the space for it, but pretty useless if you’re trying to squeeze the game onto an equally miniature playspace. Maybe avoid it if you’re looking for something to play on the train or in an airplane.

If you plan on picking up one game from the Tiny Epic series for your travels, go with Tiny Epic Galaxies, a dice-rolling strategy game in which you must seize control of planets to harvest their resources and grow your empire. As it’s mostly dice and cards it doesn’t eat up your entire table, making it an ideal travel space-based board game .

Buy Tiny Epic Galaxies on Amazon US and Amazon UK .

3. Welcome to the Dungeon

Dungeon-crawling in a travel-friendly package

Welcome to the Dungeon board game cards

Welcome to the Dungeon, we most certainly do not have fun and games. Instead we’ve got an absolute infestation of goblins, skeletons, dragons and demons. Whoever is bravest - or most unfortunate - out of you and up to three friends will need to delve into its depths in search of some lucrative treasure.

In Welcome to the Dungeon, you and your friends will be collectively building a dungeon full of creatures by taking it in turns to draw from a deck of cards. Each card will show an illustration of the type of monster you’re dealing with, but more crucially it’ll also contain a number and some icons to show how that creature might be defeated. Once you’ve drawn a card you can either place it into the dungeon facedown, so only you know what’s been added, or you instead remove it from the game in exchange for also removing one of the available pieces of equipment.

At the start of the game, the players each decide which character they’d like to play. There’s the warrior, the barbarian, the mage and the rogue. Each one comes with their own set of custom armour, weapons and spells. To try and avoid damage you can use your abilities and equipment to ignore the effects of certain monsters, leaving them for your companions to deal with later.

Cover image for YouTube video

Despite the name, only one of you sitting around the table will be forced to enter the dungeon each round. Instead of drawing a card from the deck on your turn - or if you can’t because the deck is empty - you can pass, removing you from the running. If everyone but you has already passed, it’s time to strap on your boots and light up your torch.

If you’re unlucky enough to enter, you’ll draw all the cards that you’ve collected in the dungeon one by one, discarding those that you can defeat with your equipment, and taking damage equal to the value on the card for each that you can’t. Make it through the deck with some health intact and you’ll earn one of the two victory cards you need to win the game. Die in the dungeon twice, and you’re out.

Welcome to the Dungeon becomes a game not just about dungeon-crawling , but of pushing your luck, knowing when to stick and when to fold. Do you go for glory and try to make it through the dungeon with your hide intact? Or do you ramp up the difficulty and watch your friends perish in the dark, claiming victory as the last player standing? Either way, it’s raucous good fun will leave you in stitches, and it takes up next to no room on the table - meaning you can travel far and wide in search of worthy (or foolhardy) adventurers.

Buy Welcome to the Dungeon on Amazon US and Amazon UK .

Guess your way through famous faces in this travel card game

tourism board game

Now we’re really getting tiny, because this Codenames-esque cooperative character guessing game for two or more players is literally just a deck of cards. Sporting one of these classic Top Trumps-style plastic boxes, Similo is an easy-breezy social deduction co-op game for all ages which will challenge your ability to communicate with limited information as you try to spot the differences and similarities from a range of different characters.

Depending on the set you choose you could be playing with fairytale characters such as Prince Charming and the Big Bad Wolf, or notable figures from history including Joan of Arc and Julius Caesar.

One player in the group acts as the clue-giver, while the rest will be trying to interpret their hints. At the start of the game, the clue-giver lays out a grid of 12 random characters face up for everyone to see. One of those cards is the character that all players are working to keep on the board until the end of the game - but only the clue-giver knows which one it is.

Each round the guessers have to remove an ever-increasing number of cards from the table: one card in the first round, two in the second, three in the third and so on until there is just one card remaining. If that card is the card the clue-giver has been hinting at, then everyone wins. Hooray!

Cover image for YouTube video

The clue-giver is able to give their team-mates one clue each round to help them narrow down their search. These clues aren’t spoken out loud - the clue giver can’t speak at all during the game - but instead delivered in a very specific way. At the start of the game, the clue-giver draws five random cards from the remaining cards in the deck. Each round, they must choose one of these cards to play either vertically or horizontally in front of their guessers. If the card is played vertically it means that the character you’ve just played is in some way similar to the card your team is trying to protect, while horizontally means the opposite - a lack of similarity.

The rules are as simple as that, but in play they become a lot trickier because you’ll have to weigh up those clues you’re given against an entire tableau of characters, each with loads of different elements to consider. Not to mention the clue-giver must just do their best with the cards they have available to them.

Similo is a fantastic travel board game for families on holiday, but it’s also just a great co-op game to play with some drinks at an airport bar when everyone’s a little too tipsy or jetlagged to learn something complicated. It’s a hub of debates and comes with some lovely illustrations, all in a single deck of cards.

Buy Similo Fables on Amazon US and Amazon UK .

5. Dice Academy

Few travel games are more portable than a handful of dice

tourism board game

Our smallest travel game on the list is also one of the best quick-playing board games out there. Dice Academy’s box is technically bigger than Similo’s - but if you look inside you’ll find just a handful of dice that are solid enough to just sit at the bottom of a travel bag unprotected, making this a highly flexible option for gamers on the go.

Dice Academy sees you and any number of friends battling it out to be the best word-knower of the bunch. The ten dice are split into five colours, with a letter die and subject die for each. The letter dice are pretty self-explanatory; they’ve got different letters on each side. The category dice, meanwhile, are covered in little pictures denoting the type of words you’ll be looking for. It could be the name of a country, a type of vehicle, a fictional character, or even just “something rectangular” - which is an absolute nightmare.

You roll the categories first, making sure everyone gets a good look at them and understands what they’re trying to guess. As soon as you roll the letter dice, the round begins. You and all the other players around the table will be racing in real time to try and think of words that start with the letter on one die and match the category on another. Country that begins with F: FRANCE. Tree or plant that begins with W: WYSTERIA. Item of clothing that begins with G: GILET.

Once you’ve thought of a word you’ll need to say it out loud and then grab the pair of dice you used to make your word, placing them safely in front of you (Unless someone else already grabbed them before you could get your mouth and hands to work properly.) Each pair of dice you pick up is worth a point, and you choose a total to play to at the start of the game.

Cover image for YouTube video

There’s only one complication that might trip you up, which is in theory very simple but becomes complicated in the rush to grab dice. You’re not allowed to grab a pair of dice that are the same colour. If you do, you have to put them back on the table and can no longer make any guesses for the rest of the round. The same rule applies if you grab a pair of dice and mess up, either because you thought a word started with a different letter or because it didn’t fit the category correctly.

That’s everything you need to know to play Dice Academy. You can learn in seconds and play for as long as you like.

The frantic scramble as you desperately try to think of literally anything rectangular that begins with the letter F is delectable. Dice Academy definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you love silly games that don’t outstay their welcome and enjoy getting shouty and racing against the clock then it’s a no-brainer. It’ll fit in the pocket of a pair of jeans and you can get it for about a fiver, making it the perfect travel game no matter how far you’re going.

Buy Dice Academy on Amazon UK .

The best board games for travel lovers

Ben Buckner

Jun 13, 2019 • 5 min read

The board game Tokaido is laid out on a white background

Tokaido © Funforge

You’ve got a copy of Risk or Sorry! collecting dust on a shelf. Or maybe last Christmas’ annual game of Monopoly led to tears and slammed doors. But we’re here to tell you – the board game industry is in the midst of a full-fledged golden age, with innovative gameplay systems, polished production values and star designers.

Here are some of our favorite modern classics for people who love travel – all are based on real places around the world. Each of these provides a level of depth you can’t find in a simple ‘roll-and-move’ game, but they aren’t rules-heavy or intimidating for first-timers. They’re known as ‘gateway’ games, so step through one and explore.

Our editors independently select the best products to help you have amazing travel experiences. If you purchase through links on our site, Lonely Planet may earn a commission from the retailer.

The board game Tokaido is laid out on a white background

The Tōkaidō road of Japan ’s Edo period was a seaside route between Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo ). In this gorgeous game players are travelers walking from one city to the other, in search of the most fulfilling journey. You must decide whether you want to focus on seeing beautiful landscapes, collecting souvenirs, having encounters with locals, relaxing in the hot springs, visiting temples or eating the most delicious meals.

The traveler who is furthest back always has the next move. You can jump ahead to make sure you don’t get blocked from an activity but if you do, you’ll be stuck for a while. Despite the tricky decisions to make, this is a zen-like game with stunning watercolor-style artwork in a minimalist white aesthetic.

Designed by Antoine Bauza; 2-5 players; 45 minutes; Age: 8+; Buy it on Amazon

The board game Ticket to Ride is laid out on a white background

Ticket to Ride

With more than 6 million copies sold, this modern classic is quickly becoming as ubiquitous as Battleship or Clue. Players take on the role of railroad barons, laying down train tracks between cities to build the most extensive, or most efficient, network of stations. Collect sets of cards to claim routes – the longer the route the more points it’s worth. Just make sure to connect the cities listed on your tickets before the end of the game, or you’ll lose points instead of gaining them.

The original Ticket to Ride is played on a map of the United States . But there are many different expansions, with new maps and game tactics to explore. From the Nordic Countries to the Heart of Africa , there’s a map for whichever part of the world interests you. For our taste, the stand-alone Ticket to Ride: Europe is the best combination of gameplay and travel theme.

Designed by Alan R. Moon; 2-5 players; 30-60 minutes; Age: 8+; Buy it on Amazon

The board game Scotland Yard is laid out on a white background

Scotland Yard

This classic introduced the ‘one-against-many’ system that has become a modern board game staple. One player is Mister X, a criminal mastermind on the loose in London . All the other players work together as detectives, trying to corner Mister X.  But it’s not as easy as it sounds – Mister X spends most of the game in hiding, and only shows himself on rare occasions.

The board for Scotland Yard is a map of London, with short taxi routes, longer bus routes and huge underground routes connecting spots all over the city. Detectives must communicate, use logic, and spend their transport tickets wisely in order to put the cuffs on Mister X. It’s a high-pressure thrill for detective and criminal alike, and even highlights some of London’s most iconic landmarks.

3-6 players; 45 minutes; Age: 10+; Buy it on Amazon

The board game Carcassonne is laid out on a white background

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a city in southern France with a fortified citadel dating back to the Gallo-Roman period. It was a key strategic point between the Atlantic and Mediterranean for centuries. In this award-winner, players take turns laying tiles with bits of roads, walled towns, fields and cloisters on them. When you place a tile, it must match up with the tiles on every side. You may also choose to put your own colored ‘meeple’ on a tile you place – once a feature is completed, any meeples on those tiles score points for the players who placed them.

As the tiled play area gets bigger and bigger, the extent of the region and its connecting roads becomes more and more impressive. And once you’ve mastered the base game, there are dozens of expansions to add everything from rivers to bazaars.

Designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede; 2-5 players; 30-45 minutes; Age: 8+; Buy it on Amazon

The board game seven wonders is laid out on a white background

The Pyramids of Giza ; The Colossus of Rhodes ; The Lighthouse of Alexandria ­– these were some of the real-life wonders of the ancient world. Take control of one of these regions and decide how you want to build your city. Will you put your resources toward building your wonder and other civic structures? Maybe you want your city to be known for its scientific discoveries. Or perhaps you will invite commerce – or war – with your neighbors.

At the beginning of each “age,” or round, everyone will have a hand of seven cards. You’ll choose one to add to your city, then pass the rest to your neighbor. Once you receive your new cards, you’ll do it all over again until all cards have been put into play. After three ages, points are scored in many different ways, depending on what kind of city you have built.

Designed by Antoine Bauza; 3-7 players; 30 minutes; Age: 10+; Buy it on Amazon

The board game Jamaica is laid out on a white background

If you’re just dying to chuck some dice, this gorgeously illustrated buccaneer adventure is a more strategic spin on the old roll-and-move system. Race around the island of Jamaica as one of several real-life pirates of the Caribbean . Along the way feel free to steal some treasure and battle your opponents.

You only have a few holds in your ship’s hull for food for your crew, gunpowder for your cannons and those all-important doubloons, so you’ll have to decide what to keep and what to throw overboard. Because it’s not only about who finishes the race first, it’s about who has the most gold when they do.

Designed by Malcolm Braff, Bruno Cathala and Sébastien Pauchon; 2-6 players; 30-60 minutes; Age: 8+; Buy it on Amazon

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17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You’re Stuck at Home

Last Updated: June 19, 2022 //  by  Ashley Smith 2 Comments

For those times we’re stuck at home and simply can’t leave the house, I’ve got 17 travel-themed board games to turn that “bored” upside down. Actually, I’m going to remove the e , push the r and the d together, then add in an a . But you get my drift!

Besides, flipping the board upside down doesn’t usually happen until like the third round when I’m losing by a large margin and this sh*t just ain’t fair anymore.

As much as we love to travel, there are some times when we just can’t .

  • Maybe we’re sick (or, if you’re anything like me, you got sick while traveling ).
  • Maybe we have work or family responsibilities.
  • Perhaps we’re going through some financial hardships (no doubt brought on by TMT—too much travel).
  • Maybe we live in the United States where our jobs offer only a pathetic excuse for a vacation policy.
  • Or, maybe there’s even a global reason forcing us all to shelter-in-place. Hey, anything’s possible.

And since we’re all masochists, we may spur on the pain by watching our favorite travel-related movies and TV shows. Or maybe we’ll turn to our favorite travelific (I’m trademarking that) books to take us to faraway places while our asses are busy socially distancing.

17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

However, since misery does, in fact, love company, maybe we’ll recruit our loved ones and roommates to join in our pain of staying put. And for those times when not leaving the house is just too sad to bear alone, pick up one of these 17 travel-themed board games. Self-quarantining: fun for the whole family!

17 Travel-themed board games

If you’re looking to pretend like you’re traveling when you physically can’t, start here with this list of travel-themed board games. (Maybe you’re just looking to show off how much worldly knowledge you’ve picked up in places like Mexico , Italy , or that toilet restaurant in Taiwan ? That’s cool too.)

These games will get you out of your sofa funk, though not off the sofa. They’ll get you back into a world of culture, unpredictability, and questionable logistical moves… without actually getting you back into the world. What more could you ask for! (Don’t answer that.)

This list of travel-themed board games is in no particular order.

Carcassonne Discovery / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

1. Carcassonne

Carcassonne the board game is named after Carcassonne the fortified French town home to about 50,000 people. It’s located in the far south of France and is just gluttonous with castles and jaw-dropping beauty. Blech. Besides tourism, Carcassonne’s key economic sector is wine-making. (Did someone say “Let’s make this a drinking game!” ?)

Carcassonne the board game involves arranging tiles to create rivers, grasslands, and mountain ranges. Then, stake your claim as a tiny wooden man called a ‘meeple’ for reasons beyond me. You get points for the length of the rivers/ranges/fields you’ve claimed and how many castles are on them. After all the tiles are placed, the person with the most points wins.

Carcassonne information

  • Players : 2-5, but best with 2
  • Solo variant : Rules here . Even if you’re completely self-isolating, you can still play this game!
  • Time : 45 – 60 minutes (more wine = more time)
  • Probability of a hissy fit : Low
  • Also Available : Due to its popularity, many additional versions of Carcassonne have been released. Maybe you have something against France? If so, check out: Carcassonne Hunters & Gatherers , Carcassonne South Seas , Carcassonne Amazonas , and a plethora of others not specifically related to travel. 

Carcassonne / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

2. Monopoly: Here & Now

Now let’s talk about Monopoly—I’m taking it back to the old school, ‘cause I’m an old fool, who’s so cool. (Though my use of Tag Team lyrics begs to differ.)

Monopoly is classic board gaming and now there are editions for just about everyone . There’s Monopoly for WWII buffs, Stranger Things Monopoly, even Monopoly Cash Grab where you stuff all the money into a “blaster” that shoots Monopoly money out. If turning your quarantine into a rap video is high on your agenda, then whoomp, there it is!

In the world of travel-themed board games, there’s even a Monopoly for that. Monopoly Here & Now is a modernized take on the classic with inflation out the wazoo, interest on credit card debt, and new game tokens like McDonalds french fries. Actually, this sounds a little too realistic to not be depressing.

Monopoly Here & Now: US Edition

Regardless, Monopoly Here & Now: U.S. Edition has you battling to own your favorite cities, where the goal is to collect stamps and fill up your passport faster than your opponents. (A glaring production error if there ever was one.)

Monopoly Here & Now: World Edition

Monopoly Here & Now: World Edition has you traveling to cities all over the world to build properties from mud huts to skyscrapers. You’ll actually learn interesting, real life facts from the cards and it utilizes an electronic banking device—no cash required.

Monopoly information

  • Players : 2-4
  • Time : 1 hour, said no one who’s played Monopoly ever
  • Probability of a hissy fit : Medium to High, I mean have you seen the price of bail nowadays?

3. Travel Blog, the board game

On this week’s episode of “I can’t even believe this is real” Ashley tells you about some travel-themed board games that she just. can’t. even.

In Travel Blog , you’re given a stipend and have to make it last as long as possible while traveling the world. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins. This is not a game. This is life. 

The back of the box reads:

Your task is to pick states or countries most suitable for your trip and to do it faster than your opponents. How many borders do you cross on your trip from France to Russia? Is it more or less than from Norway to Turkey? Detailed knowledge of the map is an advantage but can be easily beaten by good intuition and fast decision making.

So… Travel Blog the board game is like if travel bloggers had to plan trips without the use of the internet? You do know what blogging is , right?

Travel Blog is a game for up to 6 players which is just plain hilarious because no one knows self-isolation like bloggers. Our friends are often a globe away and you can typically find us holed up all alone in our living rooms under cat that drools in his sleep. And those are just our working hours.

Want to experience life as a travel blogger without leaving your house? You could just spend 80 hours a week in front of your computer in your pajamas. The player with the most heinous insults from strangers wins! Or maybe just play Travel Blog the board game. Travel Blog has been especially hard to find lately, but when you do, buy it with money you’ve made from display ads.

Travel Blog information

  • Players : 2-6
  • Time : 30 minutes, less time than it’s taking me to proof-read this blog post. Wildly inaccurate if you ask me.
  • Age : 8+ (but know the trolls in this game aren’t the cute sparkly ones who sing a lot)
  • Probability of a hissy fit : Depends on how close this is to real travel blogging. (You could have a potential meltdown on your hands.)
  • Want to understand this game better? Start your own travel blog . Good luck. You have chosen… poorly.

Travel Blog / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

4. Ticket to Ride

In Ticket to Ride , players compete to create railways across North America—I’m guessing somewhere in the timeframe of Back to the Future Part III based on the characters on the box. But also because there’s no way I’m taking a train across the country in 2020.

The longer the railway you build, the more points you earn. Seems pretty straightforward.

Given this game’s instant popularity after coming out in 2004, I’m left to believe its propensity for causing rage-induced table flipping is at a minimum. Likewise, it too has birthed many offshoot versions like: Ticket to Ride Europe , Ticket to Ride Japan , Ticket to Ride Germany complete with a dirndl’ed character and the child version of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and many more .

Ticket to Ride information

  • Players : 2-5
  • Time : 30-60 minutes
  • Probability of a hissy fit : I’m guessing low

Ticket to Ride / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

Wow. The building isn’t even complete yet and there’s already a board game named after it . Yes, I’m talking about Sagrada Familia—the unreal cathedral in Barcelona from the mind of Antoni Gaudí.

Construction on it began in 1882, around the same time ladies with parasols were taking trains across North America. Finally, after almost 140 years of construction, Sagrada Familia is scheduled to be finished around the first of… just kidding. It’ll never be done.

Regardless, it’s still one of the most amazing structures I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. Obviously the corresponding board game is super colorful, super pretty, and probably just as confusing as the real thing.

The interior of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

Official description

The official description of Sagrada says:

As a skilled artisan, you will use tools-of-the-trade and careful planning to construct a stained glass window masterpiece in the Sagrada Familia.

Since I am not a skilled artisan and “careful planning” is not a favorite board game quality of mine, I don’t foresee this ending well. (I’m more of a darts kinda girl where throwing things is already the main objective.)

Whatever kind of game you prefer, at least this game is way off course from the rest of them. Not many board games have the objective to “gain prestige by adapting to the preferences of your fickle admirers.” I feel smarter already.

Sagrada information

  • Players : 1-4, finally! A game you can play alone in your basement! (‘Cause probably no one is playing this with you.)
  • Time : 140 years (or 30-45 minutes)
  • Probably of a hissy fit : Well, it’s a game that revolves around “dice drafting” and since I don’t even know what that is, I already wanna throw things.
  • Also available : Sagrada: Passion –where you can get “rewarded for carefully meeting new symmetry and balance public objectives.” Because who wants to play travel-themed board games that lack the stress of real life careers? 

Antoni Gaudî's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

6. Puerto Rico

I’ve been playing the board game Puerto Rico for over a decade. And 100% of the time has been against my will. It’s a highly rated board game modeled after the European colonization of the island of Puerto Rico. (Wait a minute…)

You have to decide which role you’ll play in the New World: prospector, captain, builder, mayor, craftsman, settler, and trader. (Umm, this for real?) Throughout the game you work towards building the most profitable buildings (like factories and wharfs) and owning and staffing the most prosperous plantations (You serious?).

Okay, regardless of its lack of social awareness it’s actually a great game for those who love high stakes strategy games. For those of us who don’t, be prepared to play the “divorce” card once or twice.

Puerto Rico information

  • Players : 3-5 players – yes, you have to find 3-5 like-minded individuals to go there with you
  • 2-player Variant : Yes, it exists .
  • Time : For-f*cking-ever. (1.5 hours to 2.5 hours)
  • Age : 12+ but please explain “colonization” to them first
  • Probability of a hissy fit : the highest of all the travel-themed board games in this post. 
  • Also available : San Juan , the card game version based on the Puerto Rico board game
  • Fun fact : I once played Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico. Is that cool or extremely offensive? (Don’t answer that.)

puerto rico / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

7. Flags Around the World

As a big ol’ flag nerd I’m really excited these travel-themed board games exist. Flags Around the World is a fact-packed game utilizing questions on every country in the world. You get to learn about countries, flags, and world capitals! Score!

This game really comes in handy for learning about, not only flags, but world geography in general. I am so tired of people being like “Oooh Ashley!” when a geography category comes on Jeopardy! (…and I don’t know a single answer despite travel literally being how I earn my living).

You can make this game harder with open-ended questions, or easier by using multiple choice—like for when your kid crashes your very adult, high stakes wine-drinking game night.

Flags Around the World information

  • Solo Variant : Just go through the cards and see if you know the answers, while drinking wine
  • Probability of a hissy fit : Oh, I know I know nothing about geography. This will not shock me.
  • Fun fact : I collect miniature flags of all the countries I’ve been to. I may actually win at this game!!!!!!!!!!!

Flags of the World / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

Looking for other ways to pass your quarantine? Check out my post on how to recreate a Turkish hammam at home . It’s got 9 totally accurate steps to get you to baby-soft skin and tons of laughs.

8. Airlines: Europe

From the mind that brought us Ticket to Ride comes Airlines: Europe —a WTF board game of anxiety-inducing proportions.

In the game Airlines: Europe, the time is… a wicked long time ago. The objective, to start the most profitable airline in Europe by investing your influence and cash wisely. You earn points for the stock you hold in certain airlines.

Plan air routes, buy stock in airlines, try not to run out of airplanes. Bonus points if you can form a continuous path between your home airport and your target destination. (As opposed to a partial path? This is horrific gameplay.) Combine this with the #17 game on this list and you’ve got yourself a real challenge!

Airlines: Europe information

  • Time : 75 minutes
  • Age : 10+ because, sure, 10 year olds know about stock investing. (Do they?)
  • Probability of a hissy fit : Likely

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Admittedly, I was kinda shocked to see how well-received this of all travel-themed board games is. I chose it because it’s simply nice to look at and reminds me of faraway places. But it’s actually much more than that.

Where I was like, “Oh cool, this game is pretty and reminds me of Portugal !” Azul board game creators be like:

Introduced by the Moors, azulejos (originally white and blue ceramic tiles) were fully embraced by the Portuguese, when their king Manuel I, on a visit to the Alhambra palace in Southern Spain, was mesmerized by the stunning beauty of the Moorish decorative tiles. The king, awestruck by the interior beauty of the Alhambra, immediately ordered that his own palace in Portugal be decorated with similar wall tiles. Azul brings you, a tile laying artist, to embellish the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora.

In this game, you earn points based on how you’ve placed your tiles to decorate the palace. The player with the most points wins. (The King’s counting on you. Don’t f*ck this up.) Anyway, it’s won a crapload of awards.

Azul information

  • Time : 30-45 minutes
  • Age : 8+ (At what point do they assume you won’t swallow any of the pieces? Asking for a friend.)
  • Probability of a hissy fit : Pretty colors, no math, I’m guessing a low probability.
  • Also available : Azul: Summer Pavilion , Azul: Crystal Mosaic , and Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra (I certainly did not expect more than one stained glass board game when I drafted the outline for this post.)

Azul / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

10. Tokaido

Imma tell you right now, the number of cards involved in Tokaido kinda gives me anxiety just to look at. However, the description and the beauty of it all really make me want to play. According to the official literature, the objective of the game is:

The players are travelers in Japan in days of old. They will follow the prestigious Tokaido and try to make this journey as rich an experience as possible.

That’s quite lovely actually.

To do this: they will pass through magnificent countryside, taste delicious culinary specialties, purchase souvenirs, benefit from the virtues of hot springs, and have unforgettable experiences.

Okay, that sounds a little too Dungeons & Dragons to me. But , if you’re looking to travel without actually leaving your house, this sounds like a great way to use your imagination and forget that you’re actually on 24-hour lockdown.

Tokaido is full of beautifully-drawn scenery , accurate traveler descriptions, miso soup cards, and you even score points by collecting sushi. Count me in!

Tokaido information

  • Time : 45 minutes
  • Probability of a hissy fit : I’m not sure yet, but this one seems tolerable.
  • Also available : Tokaido: Crossroads and Tokaido: Matsuri

Tokaido / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

11. Passport to Culture

As far as travel-themed board games go, this one is pretty straightforward. In Passport to Culture you travel around the world testing your knowledge of different cultures, food & drink, customs and traditions, greetings, etc.

Maybe everyone should play this before they head abroad? Just a thought.

The goal? To fill your passport with stamps. Very much like real life! This game uses a 20” x 20” map game board, 370 question cards, 30 culture cards, 6 passports, 60 passport stamps (jealous!), and miscellaneous other playing pieces.

Time to sharpen your travel wit before heading out into the world again! While you’re at it, pick up one of these Culture Smart! guidebooks as well. 

Passport to Culture information

  • Time : 1 hour
  • Probability of a hissy fit : Low – what I don’t know will not surprise me
  • Also available : Passport to Culture: Travel Edition . Umm… hmm… and how is this different?

2 days in Liechtenstein passport stamp from the Liechtenstein tourism office in Vaduz

12. Trekking the National Parks

Trekking the National Parks is an award-winning board game that’s fun for the whole family! Or just for you and your husband who are about at your wits’ ends. The game is meant to be both fun and educational, like all the best board games are. (Okay, except Operation. I thought we had spare ribs this whole time.)

The product description reads:

Players compete for points by claiming Park Cards and collecting trail stones as they race across the country experiencing the wonders at each of these magnificent landscapes.

The Park Cards feature facts about the national parks and photos to coincide. The U.S. National Park Service is a real gift, and being on house arrest shouldn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.

However, I do think the saddest part of the product description is where it says, “It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves the outdoors.” Ahh knife! Gut! That one hurt. Maybe take this one out to the porch and play with your eyes closed for full effect.

Trekking the National Parks information

  • Probability of a hissy fit : Low, the meeples have little backpacks 🙂
  • Also available : Trekking the National Parks: the Trivia Game

Haleakala National Park | Haleakala Crater | Maui, Hawaii | Sunrise experience and mountain biking | Nene state goose | Wildlife, lavender, eucalyptus, scenery

13. Who Knows Where

Who Knows Where is the “ultimate global location guessing game.” Also known as Life Before GPS and Oh Crap I Fell Asleep On the Train .

This travel-themed board game features over 1,000 questions in five categories like cities and towns, capitals, events and facts, famous tourist sites, and iconic landmarks. I already like this one because the description lists “flexible rules.”

This game is a great way to learn about the world, but also to reminisce about the glory days when we could come and go as we pleased.

Who Knows Where information

  • Players : 2-4 players
  • Time : I couldn’t find this anywhere. Report back, mmkay?
  • Probability of a hissy fit : 5% – I’m solely basing this on the one guy who left a 1-star review on Amazon who clearly had one and blamed it on the game.

14. Tokyo Metro

In this game, players become private investors looking to build stations and increase train routes across a shared network in Tokyo. You can invest in train lines, ride trains across the Metro map, discover advantageous new station locations, all in a real replication of Tokyo, Japan.

I’mma tell you right now, the product description…

This heavy 120+ minute economic simulator brings a lot to the table in a small box. Featuring an era deck worker placement system, with an interactive map and separate train line income track, TOKYO METRO will challenge economists and gamers alike!

…gives me anxiety. A two-hour economic simulator? That’s actually my nightmare. Regardless, I know a large percentage of the population for whom economic strategies as games are like catnip. Bonus points if you’re familiar with the Tokyo metro. It may just bring back some terrifying, anxiety-ridden lovely travel memories.

Tokyo Metro information

  • Players : 1-5, oh good you can play this alone so no one can see you weeping
  • Time : 120+ minutes apparently
  • Age : 7+, because I can totally see a 7-year-old spending two hours on an economic simulator and not on picking his nose and wiping it on the kitchen table
  • Probability of a hissy fit : the likeliest of likelihoods
  • Also available : Tokyo Tsukiji Market and Tokyo Game Show which I bet is AWESOME.

Tokyo Metro / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

15. Mapominoes: Europe

Okay maybe it’s not the greatest name, but it does tell it like it is. Mapominoes: Europe combines maps and—drumroll, please—dominos. Oh, you don’t know how to play Dominos because you aren’t an 80-year old man in the park? Watch this video .

In this game, you’ll create a “map of Europe” by building on the Mapominoes country cards. But, you can only build with countries that have common borders. (If you knew how to play Dominos that would totally make sense.) No geography knowledge required (yes!), only acquired.

Mapominoes: Europe information

  • Time : 30 minutes
  • Probability of a hissy fit : Lowest of the low I bet.
  • Also available : Mapominoes: USA , Mapominoes: Africa , Mapominoes: Asia & Australasia , Mapominoes: North & South America

Mapominoes / 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgame #tickettoride #travelgames

16. The World Game

The World Game is listed as the most complete geography card game in the world that lets all 194 countries participate. Players compete with country facts and there are special challenges like location, flag, capital city, and the continent challenge.

It’s fun and educational! It’s great for kids and adults! I bet you could make a really stellar drinking game out of this! “ You missed the question on France, you gotta chug the champagne! ”…” You got Ireland wrong! Take a shot of whiskey. ”

Or, you know, you’re probably home-schooling your children right now so it’s good for the brain too. The options are endless .

The World Game information

  • Time : 20-60 minutes
  • Probability of a hissy fit : I would say ‘low’… but if you’re letting 5-year-olds play, I’m not so sure. It also depends on how many questions about Mexico you miss. (Too much tequila… I’m just saying.)

tourism board game

17. Pandemic

In the board game Pandemic , four diseases have broken out and it’s up to a team of specialists to find cures and save the world before mankind is completely wiped out. (Too soon?)

In this high-stakes strategy game, players must work together to best utilize each of their particular disease-fighting skills to eradicate the diseases before it’s too late.

For real though, this game has a 5-star rating on Amazon after 5,300 reviews and has won a long list of awards. Terrifying likeness to reality aside, it must be pretty damn good as far as travel-themed board games go.

I do like the fact that all the players must work together as a team to save the world. It’s simply beautiful and really the only way to win against this madness! I’m just saying.

Bonus if you’re playing travel-themed board games because you can’t leave your house: the 2013 edition of Pandemic features a Quarantine Specialist as one of the characters.

Pandemic information

  • Time : Who knows!? When will it all end!? I mean, 45 minutes
  • Probability of a hissy fit : How much toilet paper you got?
  • Also available : Pandemic: Legacy , Pandemic: On the Brink , Pandemic: In the Lab , and actually a ton more.

Have you ever played any travel-themed board games? Let me know below!

Save this post, pin me!

17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You Can't Leave the House #boardgames #carcassonne #tickettoride #travelgames

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 32 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

ATM Cave | San Ignacio, Belize | Actun Tunichil Muknal | Cayo District | Maya Mayan archaeological site | ruins skeletons remains spiders | Do This, Not That | Travel tips | Dos and don'ts | cenote | what to wear | Central America

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March 24, 2020 at 2:27 PM

Fun Post! I love Carcassonne and most people don’t know about it!

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March 24, 2020 at 2:58 PM

Thank you! And yes, that one is my favorite!

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20 Best Board Games for Travel for 2024 (+ Card Games!)

Want to know the best board games for travel? Here are some of the best travel board games for your upcoming adventures…

Board games for travel

The joy of being on the road is often the major reason we go on road trips. Sometimes there’s no zeal to do anything – just enjoy the air and time away. But even a short journey can quickly become boring when there’s nothing to do, especially if you’re traveling with someone, in a group, or with family. That’s why a good travel board game makes for a great addition to any packing list. They’re also great to keep everyone away from the TV in the evenings.

The best travel board games are an excellent way to pass the time whether on a trip or at home. From travel delays, long journeys, sleepless nights, or bad weather, board games for travel help kill the boredom. With this list, you can choose some of the best board games for travel. 

Best Board Games for Travelling 

There are tons of travel board games you can take with you on a trip, but you have to be sure they are sturdy, compact and designed for the road. Ranging from cards, boards, to dice, these are all the best board games for travel, for both kids and adults. 

Board games for travel

1. Monopoly Deal Card Game  

Monopoly is one of the most popular classic travel games you can enjoy with 2 to 5 players, but this is the portable version. It’ll keep you entertained for hours, whether at home or on the road. Collect three complete property sets of varying colours with the cards, and you’re the winner. 

Monopoly Deal Card Game

  • The fun of a monopoly game played with cards.

With Monopoly Deal you can pick up more properties on the way and receive rent from your opponent. This card version of monopoly is the perfect card game to keep you and your travel companions busy for hours. It is great for camping trips, long journeys, vacations, sleepovers, and just about anywhere else. 

Ben and I play this one a lot, or at least we did when we rented a VW campervan and went to rainy Wales. This is a great board games for travelling as it’s so compact.

2. Jax Sequence  

Jax Sequence is both challenging and fun, making it the perfect family game. It’s a board game for both kids and adults and allows 2 to 12 players. Using a card with you, and then placing a chip on the matching space on the board, you can win if you’re the first player to meet 5 in a row. 

All the while you’re trying to block your opponent or remove their chips, watch out for the jacks! 

Goliath Games Sequence | Five-in-a-row Fun for Everyone! | Family Strategy Game | For 2 or More Players, Ages 7+

  • Play a card from your hand, and place a chip on a corresponding space on the game board - when you have five in a row, it’s a SEQUENCE

This is one of those portable board games for travelling that offer fun for hours back at home and on the road. The game requires both strategy and a good amount of luck. It’s kid-friendly too.

3. Catan Traveler  

Catan Traveler is another exciting board game for travel with a space-saving box that reveals the variable board. The game allows for 2 to 4 players, so you and other players can plan together to keep your settlements, cities, and roads safe. It’s handy and easy to set up in only seconds. It comes with six double-sided board pieces, to be arranged randomly so that each play will be completely different.    

Catan Studios| Catan | Board Game | Ages 10+ | 3-4 Players | 60 Minutes Playing Time

  • STRATEGY GAME: Trade, build and settle the isle of Catan in this addictively fun strategy game previously called Settlers of Catan. Players control their own civilization and look to spread across a modular hex board in a competition for victory points

The game was designed for convenient portability, with a hex-shaped dice shaker, making it difficult to lost or drop it on the move. The cards are also held securely in holder trays.

4. Skip-Bo Card Game  

Skip-Bo , a sequencing card game perfect for camping trips and vacations, was designed by the famous UNO. You can create stacks of ascending cards, in sequence until there are no more cards left to play. The game can be played by 2 to 6 players.

Skip-Bo Card Game

  • Skip-Bo is the ultimate sequencing card game!

The Skip-Bo ‘Wild’ cards will help you to break off a tight situation. What’s more, you can play it as any number, while putting on your strategic thinking hat to defeat your opponent. The game is designed with bright colours and is quite easy to play. Be the first player to deplete all your Skip-Bo stockpiles to win the game.

After a game of Skip-Bo, you can re-shuffle and start all over. 

best travel board games

5. Loaded Questions On The Go Card Game  

This is a must-have travel game for road trips, especially if you’re travelling in a group. It’s a simple but super fun card game that offers hours of fun on the road and at home. It contains over 500 personality-filled, fun questions , and you can be the first player to get to the WIN space by matching other player’s answers correctly to your turn, and then writing the ‘favourite’ answer on the starred area. 

No products found.

There are no right or wrong answers, making it a fantastic way for the game to remain competitive while also getting to learn a little bit more about other players. This is the perfect travel game for passing the time on a long trip or during sleepovers. It requires 2 players.

6. Sorry! Game

This is one of those classic travel games where you drop manners to crush your opponent. Sorry! requires 2 to 4 players and as each player takes 1 to 2 cards, you can get 1 of your 4 pawns out of the start area and off around the game board.

Sorry! 2013 Edition Game

  • Classic Sorry! game is mystery-solving guessing fun

Like most of the travel board games on this list, you need strategies to win your opponents in this game of Sorry! You also need the luck to chase, slide, race, bump, and score your way around the board to end up as the first to move all your pawns home. 

That said, this is an updated version of the game. It’s perfect for all family outings, picnics, long trips and sleepovers.

7. Spot It!

Spot It! is an award-winning game that requires visual perception to test your reflexes and observational skills. With a keen eye and quick hands, and to win you’ll have to find the 1 single match between the 2 cards and the symbol, usually leading to a frenzy of fun while you and your opponents try to find it. 

Spot It

The game requires 2 to 8 players. And to make the game more exciting for travellers, this version is a combination of 5 different ways to play. It comes neatly packaged in a handy grab ‘n’ go tin. 

8. Qwirkle Board Game  

This travel-size board game of Quirkle is easy to play and fun. For a long time now, Qwirkle has grown in popularity for a lot of board game lovers. You can set up the game in seconds and it’s relatively easy to play from age 5. Expect each round to take around 45 minutes.

Mindware | Qwirkle UK Edition (NEW) | Board Game | Ages 5+ | 2-4 Players | 45 Minutes Playing Time

  • While Qwirkle is as simple as matching colours and shapes it also requires tactical manoeuvres and well-planned strategy

While Qwirkle is great as a board game for travel, it’s also great for home use so you can practice your skills. 

9. QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set  

This Quadpro version of the chessboard game was specially designed for chess lovers on the move. It’s a foldable, plastic chess set magnetically attached to the bottom of each of the pieces to prevent them from going missing on the road. It maintains the 64-square playing field with the complete chess pieces.

OkidSTEM magnetic Travel chess set With folding chess board Educational toys for Kids and adults

  • 【HIGH QUALITY】OkidSTEM chess board game set Made of durable HIPS plastic with Fine texture, gives you smooth hand-feel while lightweight and portable.

This travel board game is a great way to pass the time in transit, camps, at school, or home. The QuadPro magnetic travel chess set is designed for compactness to keep it safe, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking either.

board games for travel

10. Magilano SKYJO

Magilano SKYJO requires 2 to 4 players and with a little bit of space in front of you, you can enjoy this travel card game. The game also requires strategies and with 2 face-up, 12 hidden cards, each player picks it, in turn, to take the top card from the draw or discard pile. 

SKYJO by Magilano - The entertaining card game for kids and adults. The ideal game for fun, entertaining and exciting hours of play with friends and family.

  • YOUR GOAL: Try to get as few points as possible through flipping, trading and collecting cards over the course of several rounds. This is only possible as long as a player has not uncovered all his cards, because then ends a round. So beware, keep a close eye on the game and be cautious and wary of the other player's actions!

Exchange 1 card from your 12 cards display, and keep doing so until you or other players have only open cards. When the round ends, then it’s time to add your cards for scoring with the lowest number to win.

It’s easy to play with and also portable. The game is addictive and can be enjoyed on the floor, table, or anywhere else.

11. Connect 4 Grab and Go Game  

Connect 4 Grab and Go is easy to play, and it’s all about lining up your counters in order to ensure 4 are arranged in a row. It could be up-down, left-to-right, or diagonal. As long as you have four counters sitting together in a direction, you’ve won.

It’s a competitive travel game to play on a trip and is also a fun way to pass the time in a group.

12. Boggle  

Boggle isn’t as popular as some of the other board games for travel on this list, and it can be a little challenging to get right the first time, especially for non native speakers. However, it is fun-filled and after the first few games, you’ll get it.

Hasbro Gaming Boggle

  • Head-to-head word search game

All you need to do is shake up the letters and flip the timer. After that, you then spot the words that appear as fast you can. It’s a competitive and fun game that tests your command of the English language as well as your ability to think fast.

13. Apples to Apples Party Box

Apple to Apples isn’t just exciting, but also hilarious and the perfect travelling board game to play away the time. It’s just as much fun to play at home as it is on the road. To win the game, you have to win the most rounds by playing a ‘red apple’ card to best match the round’s communal ‘green apple’ card, as selected by that round’s player. 

MAT-BGG15 - Mattel - Apples To Apples Party Box

  • Apples to Apples is the game of hilarious comparisons

With 63 Green Apple Cards and 441 Red Apple Cards, there are tons of crazy combinations you can find. Also, the game requires 4 to 8 players. Mattel is one of the most popular travel board games – and for a good reason.

14. Czech Games Codenames  

This exciting spy game of Codenames requires teams to compete to find out who can make contact with all of their teammates (agents) first. With 1-word clues, you and your agents must try to discover (guess) the words of your team colour, at the same time avoiding the ones that belong to the opponents. 

Codenames Czech Games Edition CGE00046 XXL, Mixed Colours

  • Two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents. Their teammates know the agents only by their CODENAMES.

To play this game, get your spy mode switched on and work as a team to win. It is a fun game you can play in a group and on trips. Another thing is to be on the lookout for double agents and any assassin trying to get you. Whether you lose or win, it’s still fun to pick up all the clues in this portable game. It’s for both kids and adults and requires 2 to 8 players.

15. Taco vs. Burrito  

Taco vs. Burrito is a fun, crazy, and strategic game that involves a food fight. One of the major reasons the game is popular is because it was created by a 7-year-old and funded through Kickstarter. 

board games for travel

If you enjoy card games and food combos, Taco vs. Burrito is the game for you. The game requires 2 to 4 players and you can use the cards dealt to start making any crazy food combinations you want. You can as well switch up the game with action cards for extra ingredients to win. 

Also, remember to keep an eye out for Order Envy or Health Inspector that can ruin your appetite and meal. This is a great travel board game for kids.   

READ MORE: Have a go at my Road Trip Quiz – see how high you can score!

16. Mattel Games UNO: Classic Tin Box  

Like most Mattel games, this classic box UNO game is one of the most popular classic travel games out there. Race against 2 to 10 of your opponents to rid yourself of your hand as you try to match cards on the board by either number or colour.

UNO Card Game for Kids and Families in Collectible Tin with 112 Cards and Instructions, Makes a Great Gift for 7 Year Olds and Up, HGB63

  • It's the classic card game everyone loves, in a sturdy reusable tin And the contents inside are 100% recyclable

You can use special cards like Reverses, Skips, Draw-2s, and even color-changing Wild Cards to boost your chances of becoming the winner. The game is perfect for camp trips, family outings, sleepovers, campervan trips, etc. 

17. Smart Zone Games Hive Pocket  

This is a very strategic game that only requires two players. It’s a board game (can be played on any flat surface) that comes with its own travel bag. You and your opponent can break open the 22 pieces from the Hive Pocket to form the patterns to be used as the playing surface. 

Gutterhead - The Fiendishly Filthy Drawing Game - The Adult Board Game of Hilariously Dirty Doodles from the Makers of Beat That! - Great Stocking Fillers - Fun Party Game for Adults

  • 👉 TIME TO PLAY DIRTY! - This hilarious adult board game is perfect for your next trip, sleepover, stag do, hen do, or just a fun weekend night with friends.

The objective is to surround your opponent’s queen while keeping your queen safe. Anyone that surrounds their opponent’s queen first is the winner. 

18. Blokus Game  

Blokus is an exciting game that needs a strategy to win. The game requires only two players and can be enjoyed both at home and on the move. The rules are pretty easy to learn. Each player has to take turns to place their 21 pieces on the board to ensure that each piece touches another piece of similar colour – but it has to be at the corners. 

You can protect your territory by blocking your opponent’s moves at every turn to win. The game is made with wipeable, sturdy materials, making it perfect for road trips. 

19. Yahtzee

Yahtzee is one of the most timeless classic games, and for good reason – it’s portable, fun, and relies on a healthy dose of chance and skill!

In case you’re unfamiliar with the rules, Yahtzee is a game where the goal is to win the highest number of points by rolling three dice up to three times. Certain dice can be locked into place for the second and third rolls, so it’s important to plan your strategy accordingly.

This game’s player count is flexible depending on how many dice you have, and the best part is that it can be played online or physically. So if you’re stuck in the car and worried about little game pieces getting lost in the crevices, give the digital version of this game a try!

20. Solitaire

If you’re worn out and need to keep the kids quiet, why not have them try a game they can play by themselves?

That’s right – solitaire is the perfect game to try if you need that extra beauty rest on the road. The physical version of this game can be messy, what with all the cards and the order they need to be laid out in, but there are plenty of digital versions available.

The best board games for travel

travel board games

Travelling is a great time to play a board/card game or two. You’re in a beautiful new location, but it’s fun to keep your mind and hands busy, especially with kids around. Step away from the screens and invest in one of these great travel games for your next trip.

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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The 40 Best Small Board & Card Games [Travel & Space-Saving Versions]

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Amar Hussain

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The 40 Best Small Board & Card Games [Travel & Space-Saving Versions]

1. Jax Sequence

2. scrabble deluxe travel edition, 3. connect 4 grab and go game — travel size, 4. take ‘n’ play anywhere — bingo, 5. quadpro magnetic travel checkers board  , 6. battleship grab and go game, 7. catan traveler, 8. monopoly grab and go game — travel size, 9. amazon exclusive pressman rummikub, 10. quadpro magnetic travel chess set, 11. yahtzee, 12. guess who board game  , 13. hasbro gaming jenga mini game , 14. blokus game, 15. smart zone games hive pocket, 16. take ‘n’ play anywhere — tic-tac-toe, 17. cinco linko, a strategy board game, 18. pressman mancala — real wood folding set, 19. sorry game, 20. pop-o-matic trouble grab and go game, 1. monopoly deal card game, 2. mattel games uno: classic tin box  , 3. taco vs. burrito — strategic card game created by a 7-year-old , 4. czech games codenames, 5. taco cat goat cheese pizza , 6. mattel games apples to apples party box, 7. family feud survey says card game, 8. magilano skyjo, 9. goat lords game, 10. kids against maturity , 11. punderdome: a card game for pun lovers, 12. playmonster 5 second rule game, 13. spot it, 14. unstable unicorns card game, 15. our moments kids: 100 thought-provoking conversation starters, 16. loaded questions on the go card game, 17. scattergories the card game, 18. oh fruck, 19. mattel games pictionary card game, 20. skip bo card game, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Taking part in a game of cards or breaking out a board game is a great way to pass the time both at home and away. Long journeys, travel delays, bad weather, and dark winter nights can all be improved with a bit of competitive fun between you and your travel companions.

Get your brain ticking as you devise strategies to beat your opponent, or celebrate your good fortune in games based on sheer chance and luck. If you are heading out on a trip, check out some of these awesome travel-friendly board games and card games to help make the most of your next adventure.

Board Game

Note: We’ve included board and card game options for 2 people (or more), kids, and families!

The 20 Best Small Board Games

Players: 2 to 12

This fun and challenging game is perfect for families. Using a card from your hand and placing a chip on the corresponding space on the game board, the first player to achieve 5 in a row wins the game! Block your opponents or even remove their chips to make your sequence work out for you — but keep your eye out for the Jacks, as they can be wild!

Small enough to be portable, but offering huge amounts of fun both on the road and back at home, Jax Sequence is a game of strategy and luck that’s complete with a folding game board and travel-friendly pieces.

Players: 2 to 4

This classic word game comes in a finely crafted wooden case with a magnetic closure, making it perfect for game players on the go. With a raised letter tile grid, the board halves slide out easily to reveal a handy storage area underneath. Measuring just 9.8 x 9.2 x 1.2 inches when closed and 9.8 x 4.6 x 2.4 inches when open, this is an extremely compact version of one of the best-loved games of all time.

Beat your opponents by using the solid wood letters on your letter rack to make words with high scores. Classic and compact, this version is a winner wherever you are.

This simple but popular game has been scaled down into a convenient travel size, making it great for keeping you and your crew entertained on the move. Starting with 21 checkers each, you must outwit each other to be the first to get to 4 in a row. Block your opponent at every turn, and see if you can complete your connection before they block you.

This Grab and Go edition from the game experts at Hasbro has space to store the checkers in the columns and the trays fold up neatly for added portability.

For a modern and completely child-friendly twist on traditional bingo, this 6.75-inch square tin case holds everything young players need to enjoy a game of bingo on the go. Suitable for players from 4 years and up, the large magnetic playing pieces are easy for little hands to play with while big enough to not get lost.

Have your kids flick the spinner and place the magnetic markers on the corresponding animal as soon as they see it. When they get 5 in a row, it’s time to shout “bingo” and enjoy being the winner — until next time, of course.

Enjoy checkers anywhere in the world with this foldable plastic checkers set that’s durable yet lightweight. The 64-square board is complete with black and white magnetic pieces that can easily be moved around the board for the win. When you have finished the game, the same pieces can be stored away inside the checkerboard to keep them safe during transit.

Bottom Line: Perfect for bus, plane, or train journeys, camping trips, lunch breaks, and so much more, this compact, folding board game is easy to play and perfectly portable.

Sink your opponent’s battleship with this Grab and Go version of the ever-popular strategy game. Each of the portable game units opens upwards to block your opponent’s view while you track each other’s shots using the included red and white pegs. When you’re finished, fold them up again for easy storage.

With 2 carriers, destroyers, cruisers, submarines, and battleships included in this compact portable edition, you can get busy sinking battleships, even on the go.

With a space-saving box that unfolds to reveal the variable board, you and your fellow players can race each other to build your roads, cities, and settlements. This handy travel size edition of the popular Catan game can be set up in seconds, with 6 double-sided board pieces that can be assembled randomly to ensure that every game you play is completely different.

Designed with portability in mind, this handy travel edition even features cards that are held securely in holder trays and a hex-shaped dice shaker that can’t get dropped or lost as you play on the go.

Monopoly is one of the most popular and best-selling games in the world. This travel-size edition makes it more convenient for game fans on the go.

This set includes all of the classic properties, title deed cards, community chest cards, chance cards, get out of jail cards, houses, hotels, and the iconic Monopoly banknotes. There is still big fun to be had even with this smaller version.

Trade your way to success with this Grab and Go game that is perfect for budding capitalists of all ages.

This ever-popular tile-based game combines the very best elements of mahjong and rummy to produce a perfectly portable game of skill that is suitable for up to 4 players at a time. With a canvas bag for easy storage, each player starts with the same number of tiles and tries to put as many down into groups or runs as possible.

Fast-paced and easy to play, this game is not only a great way to pass the time, but it also helps to reinforce basic STEM skills, including sequencing, pattern recognition, and planning, making it a great choice for both older children and adults.

For chess lovers everywhere, this foldable plastic chess set allows you to practice your strategic skills on the go. The traditional 64-square playing field comes with all of the traditional chess pieces that glide effortlessly across the board when the time is right.

Perfect for playing at home or school, in transit, or virtually anywhere else you can think of, this compact chess set is designed to keep the pieces safe inside the case. You will have your opponent’s king in checkmate in no time.

The classic dice game Yahtzee takes a travel-sized twist in this portable version of an old favorite. You and your opponent get 13 rolls of the dice to find the best combinations of numbers to achieve different scores. Whether you decide to hustle for a full house or risk it all for a Yahtzee roll, you must fill in an empty box at the end of each turn.

Bottom Line: This game comes complete with 5 dice and a shaker that doubles up as easy and convenient storage for your tiles, making it a great choice for easy entertainment on the go.

This much-loved, classic 1980s guessing game is back, and this time it’s portable. While your opponent picks a mystery card, you must ask enough questions to be able to eliminate the sea of faces in front of you until you find their hidden identity. Is your opponent wearing a hat? Do they have blue eyes? A beard? Ask away until you can “Guess Who” they really are.

With 2 travel-size game units, 48 character cards, and built-in face frames for easy viewing, your kids will have hours of fun getting to guess each other’s new personas.

This pocket-size version of the popular balancing game offers gigantic amounts of fun. With 18 mini hardwood blocks, this portable classic takes skill and patience to ensure that you are the last person standing.

Simply stack the blocks as high as you can without causing the tower to crash to win the game. Compact enough to carry with you, this is a great game for sleepovers, camping, and travel.

This fun strategy game is perfect for the whole family to play both at home and away. The rules take less than a minute to learn, and you’ll quickly battle against each other for the win.

Each player takes turns to place their 21 pieces on the board, making sure that each piece touches another piece of the same color, but only at the corners. Protect your territory by strategically blocking your opponents at every turn to win the game.

Made from sturdy, wipeable materials, this game can easily be taken with you in its box to keep you amused on the go.

This highly addictive strategy game can be played on any flat surface. Complete with a travel bag, you and your opponent can break open the 22 pieces to form the patterns that become the playing surface. The object of the game is to surround your opponent’s queen while keeping your wits about you to ensure that they don’t do the same to you.

The first player to surround the queen wins in this bug-tastic travel game.

This super chunky edition of the timeless strategy game is perfect for playing tic-tac-toe on the go. The 6.75-inch tin is compact enough for carrying with you on long journeys, and the tin will keep everything safely stored when not in use. The magnetic board keeps your pieces in place and this compact version is complete with 6 magnets, 10 red markers, 10 blue markers, and a die.

Switch up your gameplay from pen and paper with this easy-to-use magnetic travel game.

This travel-size tile game is easy to learn and super fun to play, either back at home or on the move. Simply choose a color, grab your stack, and start laying down the tiles until someone achieves a line of 5 either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Completely designed for travel, the game comes in durable, waterproof travel-size stacks that can easily be clipped onto your bag.

Ready to play on any surface, Cinco Linko is the winner of multiple awards and a great little game for kids.

This simple but exciting game is one of the world’s oldest and best-loved strategy games. Players take turns to collect special stones and count them out 1 at a time into the pockets on the board. Drop a stone into an empty pocket and capture all the stones in the opposite pocket for the win.

Requiring plenty of skill and strategic planning, this game also helps to reinforce STEM skills for younger players. The wooden box folds up flat for easy gaming on the go.

Remember your manners as you beat your opponents in this classic game of sweet revenge! As each player picks 1 or 2 cards, get 1 of your 4 pawns out of the starting area and off around the game board. This super fun game calls on strategy, chance, and luck to see you or your opponents chase, race, bump, slide, and score your way around the board to be the first to get all 4 pawns to home base.

An updated version of the original Sorry! game, this is fun for the whole family on long journeys, campouts, picnics, sleepovers, and all kinds of adventures.

This compact and incredibly portable game is a reduced-size version of the Trouble game — small in stature but big on fun.

The all-in-1 game board is perfect for sleepovers, long journeys, camping trips, and much more and can be played by up to 4 players at a time. Complete with the famous Pop-O-Matic die roller and cover and 16 pegs, you can try and beat your opponent by being the first to get all your pegs across the finish line.

Bottom Line: Easy to play and full of excitement, this is a great game to play with the whole family both at home and away.

The 20 Best Small Card Games

Players: 2 to 5

This ultra-portable way to play the classic property-trading game will keep you entertained both at home and away. Be the first to collect 3 full property sets of different colors using the cards, and you’ll be the winner. Pick up extra properties along the way, charge your opponents rent, or even steal their cards when they slip up to show your ruthless side and become the next Monopoly property tycoon.

This card version of the world-famous and much-loved board game is perfect for playing on long journeys, sleepovers, camping trips, vacations, and virtually anywhere else, too.

Players: 2 to 10

This classic family card game is easy to learn and a ball to play. UNO has a huge following all over the world and is compact enough to take anywhere with you. Race against your opponents to rid yourself of your hand as you match cards on the deck by either color or number.

Take advantage of special cards such as skips, reverses, draw 2s, and even color-changing wild cards to increase your chances of standing victorious.

Perfect for the whole family to play, don’t forget to shout “UNO!” when you are down to your last card in this wild and noisy card game.

Created by a child and funded via Kickstarter, this crazy, fun strategic food fight is a smash hit with both adults and children alike.

If you and your opponents like card games and enjoy dreaming up weird food combos, this is just the game for you. Use the cards dealt to start making your crazy sandwich combinations, or switch up the game with action cards to gain the extra ingredients you need to win.

Don’t forget to keep a lookout for the health inspector or order envy that can spoil your meal, ruin your appetite, and eventually lose you the game.

Players: 2 to 8

This spy game sees teams compete to discover who can make contact with all of their agents first. Using 1-word clues, you and your teammates must try to guess the words of your team color while avoiding those that belong to the other team. Get your spy skills switched on and work together in this lively discussion game that can be played in groups.

Watch out for the double agents, though, as well as the assassin who is out to get you. Whether you win or lose, it’s still great fun to figure out all of the clues in this portable card game for older children and adults.

Players: 3 to 8

Perfect for hand-slapping fun wherever you are headed, this unique take on traditional snap-type card games is great fun for the whole family. Each player places a card from their hand face-up in a pile, while simply saying “taco/cat/goat/cheese/pizza” in player sequence. The magic is made when the card matches the mantra and players race to be the first to rid themselves of all their cards.

Bottom Line: For extra fun, throw a gorilla, narwhal, and groundhog into the mix in this travel-sized, super-fun, and addictive social card game.

Players: 4 to 8

This hilarious game is perfect for party play while away, and just as much fun at home, too. The aim of the game is to win the most rounds by playing a “red apple” card from your hand to best match that round’s communal “green apple” card, as chosen by that round’s judging player.

With 441 red apple cards and 63 green apple cards, there are plenty of crazy combinations to be found. As a former Mensa International “Mensa Select” game winner in 1999, and the “Party Game of the Year” in the same year, this is a great game that remains as popular as ever.

Players: 3 or more

If you love the game show, you will really enjoy this Family Feud Survey Says card game. Play alongside your friends or family as you work to find the top answers to a variety of topics. Download the Gamestar+ app and you can incorporate sound effects from the show into your game.

The pack includes 49 jumbo survey cards, 3 red strike cards, and 1 host cover card and are perfect for playing at parties, on vacation, or even at home.

All you need is a bit of space in front of you to enjoy this strategic card game. With 12 hidden cards and 2 faced up, each player takes a turn to take the top card from the discard or draw pile. Exchange 1 card from your 12 card display until your or your fellow player has only open cards. When the round ends, it’s time to add your cards for scoring, with the lowest number for the win.

Portable and easy to play, this addictive card game is perfect for playing around a table, on the floor, or anywhere you are all together on the move.

Players: 2 to 6

This fabulously fun card game features thieves, monsters, magic bombs, and lots, and lots of goats. Become the most successful Goat Lord by gathering the biggest goat herd simply by stacking pairs of goat cards in front of you and stealing your opponent’s goats right from under their nose.

Use your skill to attack other players, or hold your nerve as you keep your cards close to your chest. Whatever your strategy, this is a great party game for goat lovers of all ages.

Great fun is guaranteed and lots of laughter, too, as you strive to become Lord of the Goats with this crazy travel card game.

Players: 2 or more

Using the tried and tested fill-in-the-blank game method, Kids Against Maturity is a more family-friendly version of the more adult games usually found in this genre. While each player gets 10 white cards, they can make hysterical answers by turning over the blue cards to finish the sentence. Whoever manages to make the funniest answer will be declared the winner.

Bottom Line: Perfect for keeping the kids amused on the go, this multi-award-winning card game can be played virtually anywhere and is always guaranteed to bring smiles.

From the creators of the well-renowned game show, this travel version of Punderdome is part game, part conversation starter, and a whole lot of fun. The goal of the game is to make the worst bad pun jokes by drawing cards from the deck and reading the prompt to the rest of the players. The player who can create the most groan-worthy pun from the 2 prompts wins the round and the prompt cards.

Make your way to winning 10 pairs of cards to enjoy a glorious, fun-fueled victory over your opponents in this perfectly portable travel game for pun lovers everywhere.

This fast-paced and fun, travel-sized card game is perfect for players on the go. Simply pick a card, read out the topic, and set the timer. With just 5 seconds to go, you must name 3 things that fit in with the given topic before the timer runs out. It’s super easy to get tongue-tied when playing against the clock, so just say what comes to mind, no matter how ridiculous it might sound.

With a twisted timer that makes a fun zoooop sound when flipped over and balls that slide down to note the 5-second mark, it can be easy to get distracted. Try to stay focused and enjoy laugh-out-loud fun with this fast-moving card game.

This award-winning visual perception game will test your observational skills and help to hone your reflexes. With a sharp eye and a quick hand, you will need to find the single match between the symbol and the 2 cards, usually resulting in frenzied fun as you try to spot it fast.

To ensure even more fun on the go, this edition offers a combination of 5 different ways to play. Everything comes neatly packed away in a handy grab ‘n’ go tin.

Build yourself a unicorn army as the unicorns are your friends now! This strategic card game is great fun to play both at home and away. With over 20 magical unicorns to collect, you need to build your army as quickly as possible before getting destroyed by one of your so-called friends.

With twists and turns along the way that can lead to total destruction and utter madness, you need to outwit your opponents to be crowned The Righteous Ruler of All Things Magical.

Taking a slightly different approach to traditional card games, this innovative set of questions has been designed to lead to thought-provoking conversations with your child. Perfect for passing the time on long journeys, family bonding on vacation, or even just to help understand your child a little bit better, this is a card game that helps to build relationships.

In a fun game-style format, the cards ask a wide variety of leading questions that encourage children to talk about their thoughts and feelings without being pressured. Fun, upbeat, and simple — you can learn a lot from this game.

Rated one of the hottest card games by the likes of USA Today and Games Magazine, this simple but fun card game offers hours of family-friendly entertainment, both at home and away. With over 500 fun, personality-filled questions, can you be the first player to reach the WIN space by rolling high, matching players’ answers correctly on your turn, and writing the “favorite” answer on the starred space?

With no right or wrong answers, this is a great way to stay competitive while also getting to know a little bit more about your fellow players. Perfect for passing the time on long journeys or keeping away from the rain.

This fun and challenging game has been a family favorite since the 1980s, and this card game edition offers a twist on traditional gameplay. With 2 card decks, players need to name something beginning with the letter on the card in a certain situation to win the game. The player with the most cards at the end is the winner overall.

Easy to play wherever you are, this fun and fast-paced retro game will get your brain in gear as you try to beat your opponents.

If you feel too old for a game of Old Maid, but not quite ready for Texas Hold ‘Em, this crowdfunded game could be just right for you. By turning over the top 3 cards of the red deck, you and your fellow players discover the special rules that will disrupt your gameplay. If you can’t play a card, you’ll be the player that gets “frucked” as you get 1 card closer to losing the game.

Bottom Line: This is a raucous card game for more grown-up players that combines strategy with special rules.

Players: 2 teams

This clever travel game uses ready-made pictures instead of relying on the player’s artistic ability. In a cross between Pictionary and charades, you and your team will need to act out clues against the clock using nothing but the picture on the card. You can build scenes or use props, and the first team to guess the correct answers wins the point.

Crazy team fun comes standard in this fast-paced guessing game where silence is golden.

From the makers of UNO, this sequencing card game is great for playing while you’re on the move.

Use your skills to create stacks of sequentially numbered, ascending cards, until there are no more left to play. Break up a static situation with the Skip-Bo wild cards that can be played as any number, and put your strategic thinking cap on to help smash your opponents and win the game.

Brightly colored and easy to play, the winner is the first player to deplete all of his or her Skip-Bo stockpiles. Then you can shuffle, deal, and start from the beginning again.

Put down your devices and enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun with compact, travel-size board games or card games next time you hit the road. Long journeys will fly by, and bad weather will never spoil your fun. From traditional card games to fast-paced, super-fun board games, there is something to suit players of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular board games right now.

Some of the best-selling and reviewed board games on Amazon are Connect 4, Sequence, Battleship, Sorry!, Monopoly, Checkers, and Uno.

What are the most popular board games ever sold?

While it can be challenging to get exact sales figures for board games that are sold, it is generally agreed that classic board games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, Chess, and Clue are the most popular board games of all time.

Do people still buy board games?

People still buy board games, and they are as popular as they ever were. For example, in the toys and games category of Amazon’s bestseller list, 5 out of the top 25 are board or card games.

What is the best card game for travel?

One of the best-selling card games on Amazon is UNO, where you race against your opponents to rid yourself of your hand as you match cards on the deck by either color or number. UNO is compact enough to take anywhere with you and can be a wild and noisy card game as you shout “UNO!” to win.

What is the best board game for young children?

Guess Who is a popular travel board game that is suitable for children ages 6+. With 2 travel-size game units, 48 character cards, and built-in face frames for easy viewing, kids will have hours of fun getting to guess each other’s new personas.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Are your road trips and getaways a bit boring?

Do you see board games as a fun way to kill time during long hours while traveling?

If so, you have come to the right place. In this post, we share with you the nine best travel board games for adults this year .

These games can easily be played while in the car or at the airport. They are also great for when you’ve finally arrived at your destination and need to unwind.

Without further ado, let’s check out the best travel board games!

Table of Contents

1. Bananagrams

tourism board game

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Bananagrams is one of those board games that is fun to play over and over again. It’s just like playing Scrabble, except with fewer things to remember and less complicated rules. 

The objective of the game is simple, yet also quite challenging: Be the first person to use all of his letters once the “Bunch” is empty, then shout “Bananas!” to let the other players know that you are done.

You have to yell “Bananas” so that your opponents can check your combinations and see if you created real words. Otherwise, you will be called a “rotten banana” and get kicked out of the game.

The distribution of letters varies based on the number of players. This may affect the strategy of each player, but the goal remains the same no matter how many tiles you get. If no one is able to use all of his letters, the player who has the longest and most difficult word wins.

Bananagrams was named Game of the Year in 2009 by the Toy of the Year Awards. We highly recommend this word-anagram board game to adults who often travel with children or elderly people. In addition to the fact that it is fun, entertaining, and educational, it is also known to help improve mental and cognitive abilities.

  • A fast-paced game that is light and easy to pack, perfect for travel.
  • A friendly game that is suitable for anyone who can spell, regardless of age.
  • A helpful game that improves cognitive skills and prevents age-related illnesses.
  • Might be too short and easy for people who like more complicated games.
  • Not recommended for those who aren’t fond of playing word games.

2. Codenames

tourism board game

Codenames is another top-notch board game that is quite challenging, but still has simple rules that anyone can understand. The game is all about figuring out codenames, finding clues, deciphering hints, and identifying agents using investigative and critical thinking skills.

What makes the game rather interesting is that there are only two people who know the identities of the agents. These people are called spymasters. These two spymasters are rivals who have to give out one-word clues to their teammates to help them identify the agents.

Everyone has to be a bit cautious, though, because there is an assassin who can ruin everything and cancel all the points, bringing the team’s score back to zero. Each team also has to make sure that they don’t identify the opposing team’s agents.

Codenames won the 2016 Spiel des Jahres Best Board Game of the Year award, one of the most prominent awards in the toy industry. Whether you are at home, on a road trip, or going somewhere with your friends or family, Codenames will provide endless fun and entertainment.

  • The rules of the game are simple and easy to understand.
  • The gameplay is fast-paced, making it highly replayable.
  • Recommended for employees during team-building events or overnight activities.
  • Some customers feel like the game’s overall artwork is not that impressive.
  • Can be a bit of a drag if there are only a few players.

3. Connect 4

tourism board game

Connect 4 is a classic game from Hasbro (the maker of Monopoly and Scrabble). It only has two important goals to remember, which are to get four in a row to win and to block your opponent from doing so first.

There is no luck involved in this game. It is purely strategic, and one wrong move can hand the game to your opponent.

We recommend Connect 4 for adults—especially partners, because it is only for two players—who are on road trips and are looking to kill some time. It has a compact mobile version called “Grab and Go” if you want a more lightweight option, but even the original version is lightweight and easy to carry around wherever you go.

  • Rules are very simple.
  • An excellent way to practice hand-eye coordination (even for adults).
  • Purely based on strategy; absolutely no luck involved.
  • Be careful with your seller, as some deliver the game in poor condition or with low-quality materials.

4. Exploding Kittens

tourism board game

Exploding Kittens is yet another award-winning board game that has become extremely popular. It has sold over nine million copies worldwide.

The rules are simple and the goal of the game is not overly complicated. You just have to avoid encountering an exploding kitten until the game ends. If you find an exploding kitten, you lose and have to wait til the next round to play again. 

There is no guarantee that you can avoid the exploding kittens, even if you have a strong strategy. In other words, the game is partly based on luck. If you do come across an exploding kitten, the only way to stay safe is by using a “defuse” card, which can be drawn only by chance. 

What is most important is the fun you’ll have with your companions while playing this game. We recommend the party pack version if there are many people in your group, but the original version will suffice if there are only a few of you.

For travelers looking for something to do while  waiting to arrive at their destinations, this game is a must-try!

  • A fast-paced game that you can play in your car while traveling.
  • Very lightweight and does not have a lot of components to worry about when packing.
  • Extremely popular game.
  • Not recommended for players who like more complicated and strategy-based games.
  • Might not be entertaining enough for groups with only a few members (two to three players).

5. Spot it!

tourism board game

Spot it! is probably one of the loudest and most exciting games ever made. We really like it, especially for parties and gatherings, because it is a test of players’ reflexes.

The rules of the game are pretty simple: Look for identical symbols and shout the symbols’ names out loud. You gain a point for each symbol you say correctly, and the payer with the most points when all the cards run out is the winner.

Note that the symbols on the cards have their proper names written in the game’s manual. You have to shout those specific names in order to get points.

Spot it! is highly recommended for road trips or when you are on vacation. Since the game is fun and interactive, it will even help keep the driver alert. The game is so loud it keeps everyone awake!

  • Believed to be very helpful in developing cognitive skills like mental alertness, focus, and concentration.
  • Advertised as a game that improves visual perception, observational skills, and reflex abilities.
  • Can help people stay awake during long hours on the road.
  • There is a high probability that people who aren’t good at remembering names or who have slow reflexes will lose.

6. Monopoly

tourism board game

Monopoly is, without a doubt, one of the most classic games out there. It remains a favorite because of the fun and excitement it brings, generation after generation. The game was created by manufacturing giant Hasbro, and remains as popular today as it was when it was first released.

The goal in this game is very straightforward: to eliminate all the other players until you eventually own the whole board.

Monopoly is great for anyone who has been traveling nonstop and needs a rest day. It can take a while to finish, but with all the thinking needed to play this game, you are sure to enjoy a good night’s sleep afterward.

  • A perfect choice for friends who are also business partners.
  • A product of Hasbro, meaning it is guaranteed to be a quality board game.
  • Has a card version (Monopoly Deal) that you can play instead if you want to kill time while on the road.
  • Some of the game’s elements are not suitable for very young audiences (e.g., getting thrown into jail).
  • Be careful with your seller, as some sell imitations with low-quality features.

7. Cards Against Humanity

tourism board game

Cards Against Humanity is one of those games that doesn’t take much explanation. All you have to do is match questions with the most suitable answers. This game has the same rules as Apples to Apples, but the topics are a bit more risqué.

This is a great game for sleepovers, vacation getaways, and adult game nights. A self-declared “party game for horrible people,” Cards Against Humanity tests your opinions regarding sensitive issues like racial discrimination, political awareness, existential quandaries, and even sexual conduct.

We normally only recommend this game for adults because many of the topics are inappropriate for young people. However, we may also recommend it for teens or those who are about to enter adulthood.

  • The perfect game to inspire serious conversations between adults and teens.
  • Can be a good way to discover more things about other people (such as their thoughts and opinions).
  • Very lightweight and easy to pack; can be played while you are on the road.
  • Some of the statements may be too offensive for people who are more conservative.

8. Forbidden Series: Forbidden Island, Forbidden Desert, Forbidden Sky

tourism board game

The Forbidden series is most interesting if you own all three board games: Forbidden Island , Forbidden Desert , and Forbidden Sky . The island version is the original and was first introduced by game manufacturer Gamewright Store. The desert version is the second version, which is a sequel to the island version. Finally, the sky version is the latest continuation of the storyline.

In Forbidden Island, your goal is to collect all the sacred treasures before the island sinks. In Forbidden Desert, your goal is to recover the flying machine hidden deep beneath the desert before the desert swallows you and your team. In Forbidden Sky, your goal is to launch a secret rocket that will prevent the savage storm before the storm itself savages you all.

The objective for each game may be different, but the concept and gameplay are the same. You have to come up with a strategic plan to finish your mission. You will need to work together with your teammates to win the game.

You do not need to play all three games at once to enjoy the Forbidden world. But of course, if you want to get the most out of the game, it would be best to try them all. The next time you are on a trip we recommend that you try them all by playing one version per night. 

tourism board game

Catan is an excellent choice for travelers, especially those who travel through different countries.

It’s a civilization-building game, so it has elements of discovering new civilizations and cultures. Your travel adventures are sure to give you bright ideas about how to build your city and settle your community within the game.

Catan has around an hour’s worth of gameplay. It is designed for three to four players, so it is suitable for smaller groups of friends. If you and your friends are travelers and board gamers, try Catan and see how your traveling adventures can actually affect the way you strategize and plan.

  • Has easy-to-learn rules that are perfect for beginners.
  • Has high replayability because of the various possible endings.
  • Exciting enough for expert gamers and simple enough for first-timers.
  • Some expert gamers argue that it is more luck-based than strategy-based.
  • Has many components that may get lost if not handled properly.

10. UNO Tin

tourism board game

UNO is a classic, and it never disappoints. It is one of those games that is quite flexible—easy to travel with and easy to teach. No matter where you are, you can easily take it out of your bag and start playing with your travel companions (even the kids)!

UNO Tin is the travel version of the game. The cards are secured in a tin can for easy access, clean-up, and organization. This is what makes it different from all the other versions of UNO; the manufacturer has focused on storage to make the game more friendly for travelers.

We recommend UNO Tin for those who have always loved this card game—and who love to travel. While the original version is still travel-friendly, the tin version just makes it a lot easier for you to keep the cards organized.

  • Requires a combination of both luck and strategy.
  • Good choice for families with teens and kids (7+ years old).
  • Compact and lightweight; easy to carry anywhere.
  • Be careful with your seller, as some deliver in poor condition.

11. Throw Throw Avocado

tourism board game

This game is a sequel to the classic Throw Throw Burrito , which has been called the first dodgeball card game. The primary goal is to collect matching sets of cards while ducking, dodging, and throwing avocados at your opponents.

Collecting three-of-a-kind sets earns you points, but getting hit by an avocado loses them. You need a lot of luck to get a matching set, but the main goal is to enjoy yourself while throwing and matching.

We recommend this game for those who would rather have fun than think. It is best paired with the Throw Throw Burrito game, but you can also play it on its own.

  • Players have the option to combine it with Throw Throw Burrito.
  • Excellent travel game choice for those who like camping and picnics.
  • Rules are simple to learn and easy to understand.
  • Not recommended for those who like strategic board or card games.
  • Not for non-athletic people, since you have to dodge the avocado.

12. World’s Smallest Sorry!

tourism board game

Sorry! is yet another classic board game, but with the original version you need a space that can accommodate a 10.5 x 10.5 inch board. With this smaller version, you can now play the game anywhere you want—even in your car!

This smaller version has the same rules as the original. It comes with a case, a cute gameboard, 12 pawns, and 45 cards. All of the pieces fit perfectly inside the case, making it easy for you to store and organize them, no matter where you are.

  • Excellent gift idea for those who travel a lot.
  • Suitable for adults, teens, and kids ages 6 and above.
  • Board pieces are dangerous for very young children.
  • Board pieces are easy to lose if you are not observant.

13. Battleship Grab & Go!

tourism board game

Hasbro never fails when it comes to providing us with the best board games. Battleship, for instance, has been wildly popular ever since its release. With this miniature version, you can play it anywhere, even in your car!

Like the previous entries, this cute, Battleship Grab & Go! has the same rules and mechanics as the original. Your goal is to sink all your opponent’s ships before yours go down. Use the command features to make your move and implement your strategy, and make sure you are the last ship standing at the end of the game.

  • The case has a flip-open feature for easy storage of pieces.
  • Very lightweight and travel-friendly.
  • Pawns (ships) are small, so they are easy to lose.
  • Dangerous for very young children.

14. Scrabble-to-Go

tourism board game

Scrabble is an all-time favorite—a classic among classics. Scrabble-to-Go is easy to travel with, so now you can play Scrabble anywhere you go.

What is most interesting about this travel version is that you can pack it up in the middle of the game without messing up all the words you have already placed. The tiles fit tightly on the gridded space and your letter rack has a lid flip that can lock unused tiles in place.

We highly recommend checking out this mobile version of Scrabble, particularly for those who like traveling and outdoor activities like camping. It is one of the safest miniature board games and can make any trip more fun and exciting.

  • Lid flips provide additional privacy for your unused titles.
  • The board is foldable and comes with a zippered storage case.
  • Lightweight and small—perfect for road trips, camping, and picnics.
  • Might be too small for people with bigger hands.

15. Jax Travel Sequence

tourism board game

Sequence is both a card game and a board game. How cool would it be if there was a compact version? As it turns out, there is! This classic game and all of its components are now available in travel mode. The best part is that it can still accommodate many players (up to seven), even in this miniature style.

The rules of the game are the same as with the original version. You use your cards to determine where your chip will land on the board. However, winning is now a little easier, since the first person to complete two sequences is declared the winner.

Jax Travel Sequence is for strategists and mathematicians, but you really don’t have to be that logical to play it. You just need to understand the rules, master the gameplay, and pray for a little luck!

  • Has faster gameplay than the original.
  • Requires a combination of strategy and luck.
  • The compact kit allows you to take it anywhere.
  • Not recommended for loyalists to the original version.
  • Not suitable for those with bigger hands.

16. Magnetic Games 5-in-1

tourism board game

If you are looking for a set of games you can take with you on the road, Magnetic Games 5-in-1 is the perfect fit. It consists of game components for chess, dominoes, checkers, backgammon, and playing cards, all of which are packed into one box.

The board and all the pieces have magnets for easy playing, which is helpful if you want to use it while in a car, bus, train, or any other vehicle. The magnetic feature prevents the pieces from falling off the board, so they won’t easily get lost.

The board and all of its components are durable and made of high-quality materials.

  • Contains five classic board games.
  • The magnetic feature is a plus.
  • Portable and lightweight, so it is easy to bring with you anywhere.
  • Be careful of imitations, as many have reported unauthorized sellers.

17. Small Magnetic Board Travel Game Set

tourism board game

If you are not content with just five games in one set, then maybe this 12-in-1 Small Magnetic Board Travel Game Set is your jam. Enjoy this set of 12 exciting board games in their miniature versions while on a road trip, preparing tents for camping, or simply having a picnic.

The 12 games include checkers, chess, Chinese checkers, tic tac toe, backgammon, Snakes & Ladders, solitaire, NineMen’s Morris, auto racing, Ludo, Space Venture, and racing, all with their own boxes and storage, which fit in a bigger box.

  • Highly recommended as a gift idea for those who love board games.
  • Ability to purchase and enjoy many classic games at once.
  • Makes it convenient for you to pick the game that you want.
  • The bigger box is made out of cardboard.
  • The game boards may be too small for some people.

Final Thoughts on Travel Board Games for Adults

We hope that our list was able to help you determine which best travel board games for adults you should try on your next trip.

Traveling is fun, and your board games should be too. Try one or two of these games and enjoy your trip even more!

And if you're looking for more board games, be sure to check out these blog posts:

  • 9 Best Memory Board Games for Adults
  • 41 Best Board Games for Couples to Play on Game Night
  • 9 Best Party Board Games to Play with Adults

travel board games for adults | board games about travel | travel size board games

The 10 best travel board games

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

best travel board games

According to science, people who travel frequently show greater life satisfaction — and research shows that people who play board games are more likely to stay sharp in old age . So it only stands to reason that folks who play board games while they travel must be racking up the benefits. That said, the best travel board games need to check off certain boxes: lightweight design, streamlined packaging, and hardy pieces that you won’t lose as soon as you take it out of the packaging.

What To Look For In The Best Travel Board Games

It’s a given that travel board games need to be small and compact. You obviously don’t want a huge game of Risk or Monopoly to tote around when you’re on the road. The options below have extra small and/or folding boards, and most of them weigh less than 2 pounds (in fact, one weighs just 7 ounces).

In addition to size and weight, consider the pieces involved. When games have a million tiny parts, it can be easy to lose or misplace them, unless they are designed to stay put on the board. Special features like magnetic backs, pegs, or slots will help pieces stay in place, even if you get jostled around. These features are extra helpful if you’re looking for games to play while on a plane, on a train, or in the backseat of a car.

Lastly, the box or carrying case that it comes in is important. If you’re looking for portable games, the best options come packaged in lightweight tins, durable wooden cases, or secure zip-around pouches. This will help prevent pieces from falling out when you’re on the move.

With all that in mind, these are the best travel board games on Amazon.

Shop The Best Travel Board Games

In a hurry? These are the best travel board games

  • Scrabble Deluxe Travel Edition
  • Clue Nostalgia Tin
  • Juegoal Portable Chess & Checkers Set
  • Sequence Folding Board Game
  • Bananagrams
  • Gamie Magnetic Board Travel Game Set
  • Catan Board Game Travel Edition

1. This classic game of Scrabble with a folding wooden travel case

scrabble travel edition

The lowdown: If you’re a Scrabble lover, this is one of the best travel games you’ll find. It’s small and lightweight with a folding wooden case that’s compact and easy to store. The board slides apart so that you can keep the pieces inside, and it has a magnetic closure that prevents it from popping open on the go. Rather than a flat surface, the board has grooves to fit each tile, so the pieces won’t slide around as you play.

According to a reviewer: “This is just the perfect size for fitting into your suitcase, car or RV. It's a smaller footprint than the full size game but for traveling it's fits the bill and we use it all the time now. I like the fact that the board folds in half and has a magnetic clasp that keeps everything inside. For us this is a great addition and we would highly recommend it for anyone who loves the game and travels extensively.”

Number of players: 2 | Dimensions: 9.8 x 4.6 x 2.4 inches | Weight: 1.64 pounds

2. A travel-sized Clue game with 1963-style graphics

travel-sized clue

The lowdown: Fans of the classic mystery game will love this travel-sized Clue set that comes in a convenient tin box. The playing board has nostalgic graphics inspired by the 1963 edition of the game, and the small size makes it easy to pack and carry around. Reviewers noted that it’s lightweight yet sturdy — and tons of fun to play.

According to a reviewer: “Love the game and love the extra durability with the tin boxes. I bought several games in tin for our RV Travels. The slightly small board sizes are perfect for the RV tabletop. They stack and store well and you don’t have to worry about torn boxes.”

Number of players: 3 to 6 | Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: not specified

3. This chess-checkers combo set that comes in a portable carry bag

travel chess set

The lowdown: Whether you’re traveling with a friend, family member, or partner, this combo set of chess and checkers is one of the best travel games for two adults . The two-in-one game set offers a roll-up board constructed from thick rubber that’s tough but lightweight. It fits into a durable canvas carry bag with a handle and zipper. As a bonus, the board is even UV- and scratch- resistant.

According to a reviewer: “A nice durable chess set that doesn’t take up too much space. Foldable and comes with a bag for carrying makes it great for storage!”

Number of players: 2 | Dimensions: 21 x 6 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 2.89 pounds

4. A small and convenient board game that folds for easy storage

sequence board game

The lowdown: If the 27,000-plus five-star Amazon reviews are any indication of this game’s awesomeness, then prepare to have a lot of fun with Sequence. Not only is it a blast to play, but it’s one of the best board games for travel due to its relatively small and compact size. The game has a folding board and easy-to-store box. Plus, the only components are chips and a couple decks of cards so you don’t have a bunch of complicated pieces to worry about losing.

According to a reviewer: “My husband and I love playing this game. This is our second copy of the game. Our first game went with us on our travels cross country from the east to west coast of America and back. It also traveled with us to Europe this summer. I would strongly recommend this to anyone.”

Number of players: 2 to 12 | Dimensions: 8.08 x 2.18 x 10.38 inches | Weight: 7 ounces

5. This Bananagrams game that’s like Scrabble but faster

bananagrams game

The lowdown: With more than 4,000 reviews on Amazon — a whopping 91% of which have five-star ratings — this travel-sized game is an incredibly popular option for entertainment on the road. It’s similar to Scrabble except that there’s no board and the game moves much faster, as speed is involved. The small size makes it extremely portable, and the pieces come in a convenient Banana-shaped carrying case with a zipper.

According to a reviewer: “This game is really fun, plain and simple. It’s easy to learn, has multiple ways to play and can be played anywhere there is a flat surface including the floor. It’s great for traveling, camping or at home.”

Number of players: up to 16 | Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.35 pounds

6. A 12-pack travel set of all your favorite boards games

small board games for travel

The lowdown: This 12-pack of small board games for travel is the perfect size for road trips, plane rides, or anywhere that you want to be entertained in transit. The set comes with a variety of classic games (for example, chess, backgammon, Chinese checkers, and tic-tac-toe), as well as some more original offerings (like Space Venture, Auto Racing, and NineMen’s Morris). Best of all, the pieces that attach to the 5-inch boards are magnetic so they’re harder to lose.

According to a reviewer: “These are perfect little games. I mix up which ones I throw in my purse for variety when traveling or waiting at a restaurant.”

Number of players: 2 | Dimensions: 9.6 x 5.5 x 3.1 inches | Weight: 1.85 pounds

7. This miniature version of Catan to take on the road

travel size catan

The lowdown: Game enthusiasts who love Catan — and who also love to travel — will go crazy for this mini-sized Catan . It offers all of the same strategy and civilization-building fun as the original game condensed into a 6-by-11.5-inch travel edition. It features special holder trays for the cards to keep them in place and a hexagonal shaker so the dice won’t roll under car seats or into the travel abyss.

According to a reviewer: “ My partner and I play this game nearly every night - we travel full-time and this lunchbox sized CATAN fits perfectly in our small camper. [...] If you camp, travel, or live in a tiny apartment...this version of CATAN is a must have!”

Number of players: 4 | Dimensions: 11.5 x 6 x 1.75 inches | Weight: 1.64 pounds

8. A magnetic strategy game with pieces that stay put

magnetic travel board game

The lowdown: For strategy lovers, this magnetic travel board game is another fantastic choice. The goal of the game, which is based on the Ancient Indian game Pachisi, is to race your opponents to the finish line by rolling the dice and outwitting them. The small, square-shaped board is lightweight with a compact design and magnetic pieces for added portability.

According to a reviewer: “I love this game. I was so excited to find it online, It's a fun family game to play. This has a lightweight board that would be easy to pack when traveling and to simply store away without taking too much space.”

Number of players: 2 to 4 | Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.8 x 1.8 inches | Weight: 2.87 pounds

9. A classic two-player strategy game with a small, lightweight box

othello travel set

The lowdown: As far as portable board games go, this travel edition of Othello is an excellent option. For the uninitiated, you play the game (also known as Reversi) by surrounding your opponent’s pieces with two of your own and then flipping them over to “conquer” them. It’s similar to Connect Four or Tic Tac Toe but with more strategy involved. This version comes in a small, lightweight set with magnetic pieces.

According to a reviewer: “I used to play Reversi/Othello with my brother growing up and was excited to share that with my kids. This travel version was perfect for a car trip we took. The kids picked up the game quickly and were able to play again and again, even in a bumpy car ride. Magnets are good and pieces were easy for the kids to manipulate (though my kids are 10+). I'm glad we got this.

Number of players: 2 | Dimensions: 7.56 x 3.78 x 1.16 inches | Weight: 9.6 ounces

10. This backgammon set that packs into a leatherette briefcase

backgammon travel set

The lowdown: This version of backgammon , which is specifically designed for travelers, boasts more than 8,300 five-star reviews on Amazon. The folding board fits in a sleek leatherette case measuring 7.5 by 11 inches with lightweight brass buckles and a felt interior. It has a handle like a briefcase for easy carrying and a shaker for the die to keep them together. The set also comes in medium, large, and extra-large versions, too.

According to a reviewer: “I love backgammon and I was looking for a travel case. This is a great option. Easily put it in my backpack and take with me on the plane and play with family while traveling.”

Number of players: 2 | Dimensions: 11 x 7.5 x 1.75 inches | Weight: 2.09 pounds

About the recommender

Rachel Cavanaugh has been unearthing the best games (and other products) for Inverse readers since 2019. She's also researched and reviewed products for publications like Mic, Bustle, Elite Daily, and more. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana School of Journalism.

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Exploring Through Life

The Best Travel-Themed Board Games (& Games to Pack In Your Suitcase)

The Best Travel-Themed Board Games (& Games to Pack In Your Suitcase)

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Post updated February 13, 2021.

One of the things my husband and I love to do in our down time is play games and of course, many of our favorite travel-themed board and card games!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. We make a small commission if you shop using these links, but you aren’t charged any extra! You can read more in my disclosures .

Whether it’s jet-setting around the world, rebuilding famous churches or surviving a desert exploration, if we aren’t actually traveling we love to sit at our dining room table pretending we are!

We also love to bring a few games along when we travel for those nights we don’t actually crash as soon as the kids fall asleep or when we have a bad weather day or a slow morning. It’s such an easy and fun way to stay screen-limited while traveling.

Do you love traveling? Do you love playing board games? Here are all the best games that combine a love for travel with a love for gameplay. Plus, the best games to throw in your personal item or carryon for your next trip!

Best Travel-Themed Games

We have an entire closet-full of games and our most-used are definitely the travel-themed games! I’d love to share some of our favorites with you.

Trekking The World

This game is perfect for those with wanderlust! Travel the world, take tours of major tourist destinations and rack up souvenirs! One of the cool things about Trekking The World is that each tour card actually tells you a lot about the destination! So you’ll learn a lot and maybe add a few places to your real life bucket list while playing!

tourism board game

Trekking The World also has a companion game, Trekking The National Parks . Check both out on Amazon here .

In the game Airlines , you and your fellow game players (2-5 players) race to build flights routes around Europe.

Pick a city, build your hub and start expanding your flight empire! This is also a great game for anyone who likes investments and stocks because at the end of the game you are scored by how much stock you have in the leading airlines.

(P.S. if you are a fan of the next game on our list, Ticket to Ride, the same game designer created Airlines!)

tourism board game

To check it out on Amazon, click here .

Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is definitely more mainstream and well-known, but if you haven’t tried it yet, I’m here to tell you it should definitely be your next game purchase! Plus, it’s 2-player friendly, which is perfect for parents who like to play after kids go to bed.

In Ticket to Ride , each player gets objective cards to build rail routes between different cities. Just watch out for other companies (your competitors) who might try to cut you off!

We personally own and love the United States version , but there are so many options! We can’t wait to add more in the series to our collection. Especially Asia, and the kids version when our boys get older.

tourism board game

To purchase, click here .

Sagrada is a relatively new game that I bought on a whim a couple days before Jon’s birthday. The premise is really fun in recreating the beautiful mosaic stained glass windows of the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain.

We visited the basilica earlier this year, which makes it a particularly fun game to play and reminisce about our trip.

You play by rolling dice and having to match those dice to window panels. There are a few restrictions and rules and it gets more and more complicated as you play on. This game is perfect for two players, a huge plus for us!

tourism board game

Purchase this game here .

Forbidden Dessert

This game is a little less directly related to travel, but I had to include Forbidden Dessert because I love games where all of the players are collaborating for one goal instead of competing against each other. I love this game for family reunions with my siblings or in larger groups!

You and your teammates are stranded in the middle of the dessert and have to find all of the pieces of your ship to get out of the desert before running out of water or experiencing too many desert storms.

tourism board game

7 Wonders is also a great game for groups, as it’s 3-7 players. During this game, you can explore the 7 wonders of the ancient world. You experience military conflict, trade and government moves.

This game is definitely a bit more advanced game play, so if you are a board game newbie, just be prepared for a lot of “figuring it out”! Once you understand how the game is played, it will go quickly and you’ll have a ton of fun!

The objective of the game is to grow your civilization throughout three different “ages” or stages of the game and come out on top.

tourism board game

Best Kid-Friendly Travel Games

Ticket to ride first journey.

This is another super fun game that we got this past Christmas for the kids. Like the regular Ticket to Ride game, in Ticket to Ride First Journey you build rail routes from various U.S. cities. My five-year-old can play on his own and my 3-year-old only needs a bit of help, so if your kids love games, this is a travel game must-have!

tourism board game

United States Bingo

We got this game as a Christmas gift this past year and my kids love it! It’s easy for even the littlest of game player and you learn a lot about the different industries and popular recreation in different parts of the United States. Cards you can draw include Michigan Auto-mechanics, Colorado Skiing, California Hollywood and more!

tourism board game

Explore The World

This game is for kids 7+ but looks like a great game to test your family’s knowledge about world trivia and to learn new things about countries and landmarks all around the world!

tourism board game

World Bingo

Here’s another fun bingo game! In World Bingo, instead of drawing industry or landmark cards, you draw countries! This is a great way to learn about different countries and to recognize their maps!

tourism board game

Best Games to Take on Vacation

Cover your assets.

Cover Your Assets is the perfect card game for anyone heading on a trip. It’s a card elimination game where the first to get rid of all of their cards, wins. You make groups of assets (everything from diamonds to change under the mattress) and have to protect those assets.

The player at the end of the game who has the most accumulated wealth wins!

tourism board game

Purchase Cover Your Assets here .

Bananagrams

For all of my fellow word-lovers, Bananagrams is the perfect game. Spread out the letter tiles and create words scrabble-style until all of the tiles are gone. Super simple, quick and easy for a night in the hotel.

tourism board game

Phase 10 is a rummy-style game where you play multiple rounds trying to get 10 different card sequences. We like this game because it’s a bit slower and we can chat and talk about our day while we are playing instead of rushing through rounds or competing for tiles.

tourism board game

Purchase Phase 10 here .

Monopoly Deal

If you are a fan of the game Monopoly (or even if you kinda hate it because Monopoly is one of those games you either LOVE or HATE) this version, Monopoly Deal , is perfect to throw in your carryon or personal item.

The game lasts less than 15 minutes and each hand is action-packed. Duel your way into owning properties and collecting rent! Perfect for 2 players as well.

tourism board game

Hit the Deck

This game is a bit more fast-paced and is a competitive race to empty your hand. There is a lot of back-and-forth in Hit the Deck because as soon as you think you’re getting close to emptying your hand you can get hit with the deck and have a whole new handful of cards.

tourism board game

Purchase the game here .

Deck of Cards

Lastly, the options are endless with a simple deck of cards! Whether you are playing Solitaire, Gin Rummy or Hearts, a deck of cards will never let you down. Especially this fun Aviator set .

Card Games for Kids

Stack the scoops.

This game was designed by a traveling family and is a very engaging way to work on simple math skills while having lots of fun as a family! See you can create the most delicious (and highest point value) ice cream dishes!

tourism board game

To purchase the game, click here .

This is one of our favorite games! Both my 3-year-old and my 5-year-old can easily play this game without help and we can often play many, many rounds before they get bored! You can get a classic set or find one with your kids’ favorite movie characters!

Traditional Kids Games Deck

Of course, the old school hits are still super popular among our kids! We got this set that includes Match, Go Fish, Crazy 8s and Old Maid. We love it because the cards are a big larger than normal and much easier for the kids to handle. Plus the boxes are sturdy to throw in a carryon!

tourism board game

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It's a Family Thing

The 25 Best Travel Board Games (You can Play at Home)

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Table of Contents

THE BEST TRAVEL BOARD GAMES THAT’LL FIT IN YOUR SUITCASE

As a family that travels often, one of the ways we fight boredom and reduce screen time is through board games. Travel board games are a great way to pass the time, have fun, and spend quality time together.

Disclosure: “Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Click here for the full disclosure statement.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Board games are a great activity on a rainy day . Whether you are at home, at the airport, on the beach, or on an airplane, these are the best travel board games to take along with you or play at home.

Related Post: Best Travel-Themed Board Games

Backpacker – The Ultimate Travel Game

Backpacker - The Ultimate Travel Game

  • Recommended Age: 10 years old and up
  • Number of Players: 2-6

Don’t let the name fool you, the Backpacker – The Ultimate Travel Game is a great travel game for couples, families, and friends. This portable game can fit in your backpack or pocket while traveling .

The objective of the game is to return home with the most photos. No two adventures are the same so you can hang out on the beach, trek through the jungle, visit the different continents, or hang out at a bar.

The possibilities are endless, and you are sure to run into unexpected experiences as you travel the world. This is the ultimate travel game that everyone will enjoy.

Backpacker Travel Game Price

Monopoly Deal Card Game

Monopoly Deal Card Game

  • Recommended Age: 8 years old and up
  • Number of Players: 2-5
  • Included: 110 cards

The classic game of monopoly has been shrunk down to Monopoly Deal Card Game . Unlike the original, this version can be played in 15 minutes, so it’s the perfect board game for traveling.

The elements of this game are a little tricky, so you have to be on the lookout for debt collectors and deal breakers. You can steal properties, demand money, or swap properties, so trust no one.

This new and portable travel game is fun for families and doesn’t take forever to play. You will enjoy this class game with a few modern twists.

Monopoly Deal Card Game Price

Games on the Go

Games on the Go

  • Recommended Age: Varies (suitable ages are on the cards)
  • Number of Players: 2+
  • Included: 50 cards

Games on the Go is the ultimate portable travel game for families. It is so small that you can take it everywhere.

Although this is meant to be a game played in the car, you can play it anywhere. It’s a great way to keep boredom at bay during long car rides or dinner.

This travel game doesn’t have a winner. The objective is to get families and friends to interact in a fun way.

Games on the Go Price

Related Post: 15 Travel Games for Toddlers

Bananagrams Word Game

Bananagrams Word Game

  • Recommended Age: 7 years old and up
  • Number of Players: 1+
  • Included: 144 tiles, instructions, and a travel bag

Bananagrams is a fun word game that can be played anywhere. This version has large letters, making it easier to create words on the go.

For families with younger kids, this is a great travel game to help them with spelling and reading. What better way to keep busy while at home or on vacation than playing games?

Everyone from young kids to seniors will enjoy this portable travel game. Plus, the bigger letters and tiles make it easier for the young at heart to participate.

Bananagrams Word Game Price

Rummikub

  • Number of Players: 2-4
  • Included: Travel bag, 4 trays, and 106 tiles

Rummikub is one of the most popular board games. Now it is travel size and includes a travel bag, making it easy to throw in your carry-on.

This game is easy to learn, quick to play and requires some skill, and a little luck. The goal is to be the first player to clear your rack.

To play you need to use the numbers to create sets of 3 or more tiles. The sets can be the same number of different colors or a run of consecutive numbers of the same color. If you don’t have anything you play you can draw a tile from the pile.

The joker tile makes things interesting, so be sure to be on the lookout for it.

Rummikub Price

Qwirkle Travel Board Game

Qwirkle Travel Board Game

  • Recommended Age: 5 years old and up
  • Included: 108 tiles, rule book, and travel bag

Qwirkle Travel Board Game is a tactical game, all about strategy. You can think of it as Scrabble with shapes and colors instead of letters.

You have to combine logic and strategy to create columns of matching colors and shapes. This is the perfect game for kids to learn critical thinking skills.

You have to think several steps ahead, so it’s more than just a game. Qwirkle lessons that can be applied to life.

This is one of the best travel board games for kids and adults. You can play anywhere, especially at home.

Qwirkle Travel Board Game Price

Grounded for Life

Grounded for Life

  • Recommended Age: 12 years old and up
  • Number of Players: 2-12
  • Included: 500 cards

Grounded for Life is a fun family game that can be taken on the go. I will warn you, things will get interesting.

The person that comes up with the funniest sentence is the winner, so be creative. This is one of the best travel games for a family vacation and will have you laughing all night.

You may need to give the kids a pass for this game. Have fun!

3 Up 3 Down Price

UNO Flip

  • Included: 112 cards

The original UNO game is known all around the world, so I didn’t include it in this list. The latest version, UNO Flip is a twist on the original game.

Instead of playing with one side of the cards, you play both sides. When you think you have going to win, you may have to flip the card over and play different colors.

As if the different colors weren’t enough, the rules are slightly different. Remember to review the rules. They aren’t what you think. You’ll be surprised what is in store. It’s nice to have a new twist on a classic game.

UNO Flip Price

Taco vs Burrito Game

Taco vs Burrito

  • Number of Players: 2 -4
  • Included: 24 ingredient cards, 32 action cards, 4 tortilla holders, 4 quick start cards, and 1 rulebook

Can you believe the portable card game Taco vs Burrito was created by a 7-year-old? This is one of the most popular and best-selling card games on Amazon.

Although the concept of the game is basic, it takes some strategy to win. The action cards and send the game into different unexpected scenarios.

Can you create the weirdest meal? This game is fun for the entire family, which makes it perfect for your next family vacation or family game night. Although it isn’t the most portable travel game on our list, it is one of the most fun,

Taco vs Burrito Price

Catan Dice Game

Catan Dice Game

  • Number of Players: 1 – 4
  • Included: 6 dice and playing map (pen or pencil needed, but not included)

The Catan Dice Game is a fast and fun dice game that can be played with one player if you are a solo traveler. It can be played in 15-30 minutes, so it’s a fun and quick travel board game.

The premise of the game is to build a road, city, or building. As you finish building you record your points on the provided score sheets. The person with the highest number of points is the winner after 15 turns.

You’ll need to make tough decisions on whether to build a city or settlement, depending on the specific situation. You’ll need to use some strategy and critical thinking to make the best decision.

Good luck, and happy building.

Catan Dice Game Price

Phase 10 Card Game

Phase 10 Card Game

  • Number of Players: 4 – 6
  • Included: 108 cards

I recently learned how to play Phase 10 , and I must admit I love it. For some reason, it took me a while to learn (I’m biased and didn’t want to abandon UNO), but now I am on a roll.

The concept is easy, but it takes a little time to learn. To win the game you have to work your way through each phase on the card provided.

I will warn you, this game can get a little addicting. The first 10 phases remain the same, but you can find additional phases online.

The game only gets more fun after you master the game and use the more difficult combinations.

Plus, the tin holder is the perfect storage container for traveling.

Phase 10 Card Game Price

Loaded Questions On The Go

Loaded Questions On The Go

  • Included: 200 Question cards, answer/score pad, and two pencils

If you are looking for one of the ultimate road trip games then look no further. Loaded Questions On The Go is a fun family-friendly question-and-answer game that can be played anywhere.

In this fun family game, you write down your answer to a series of questions and try to guess who answered what. the questions are interesting, so be prepared to get creative.

There are different versions, so if you have younger kids, the Loaded Questions Junior may be best. Although this is the family-friendly version, there is a more explicit adult version that’ll make things interesting.

Loaded Questions On The Go Price

Clue Card Game

Clue Grab and Go

  • Number of Players: 4+
  • Included: 84 Cards (including characters and clues)

Clue is one of my favorite games, so I’m happy there is a travel version small enough to fit in your luggage, backpack, or even pocket. The Clue Card Game is slightly different from the original, but you will still have fun.

The concept is the same, you have to use the clues to find the killer, but there is no board. Kids will enjoy putting the clues together and solving the mystery.

Since this is the card version, it is slightly easier than the board game. If you are an expert at Clue, you’ll pick this up in no time.

Take this murder mystery card game with you on your next vacation. You can play on the beach, on the airplane, at the airport, or while eating dinner. What better way to bring the family together than finding a killer?

Clue Grab and Go Price

​Pictionary Card Game

Pictionary Card Game

  • Number of Players: 3+
  • Included: 88 Picture cards and 66 Clue cards

In the newest version of the Pictionary Card Game, you can combine two games into one.

Pictionary is mashed with Charades to create a fun game that families will love. The best part, there is no drawing involved.

Kids of all ages will love this game, especially energetic little ones because they can act out the photos or use them as clues.

All you have to do is use the photos to great clues, while your teammates guess the answer. If you don’t want to use the cards, act them out. The possibilities are endless.

The first team to score five points wins the game, so guess fast.

Pictionary Card Game Price

Jenga

  • Recommended Age: 6 years old and up
  • Included: 54 Jenga hardwood blocks

Jenga is my wife’s favorite game. We take it everywhere we travel, and it is always a lot of fun.

Although this game isn’t travel-size, it is small enough to fit into your suitcase without taking up a lot of space.

For competitive families, this is the perfect travel game. If you aren’t familiar with the game, the objective is to pull out a block and place it on top of the tower without making it fall.

The more people, the more fun, so get everyone to join in the game.

Jenga Price

Yahtzee to Go

Yahtzee to Go

  • Included: 100 scorecards, 5 dice, and game guide

The classic game of Yahtzee is now available in a travel-size container. Yahtzee to Go is the same as the original game in a smaller package.

The rules are the same but are small enough to take in the car, on the plane, or to a friend’s house.

There are a few complaints about the noise of the dice when shaking inside the cup. This shouldn’t be an issue for families playing on a rainy day. I’m sure the fun will drown out the sound of the dice inside the cup

Note: The pencil isn’t included, so you’ll need to have one if you plan on keeping the score.

Yahtzee to Go Price

What Do You Meme? Family Edition

What Do You Meme? Family Edition

  • Cards Included: 300 Caption cards 65 Photocards

If you love seeing memes, then this is the perfect game for your next family game night. What Do You Meme? Family Edition is a game based on some of the most popular memes online.

This game seems to be a hit with teenagers. The objective of the game is to create the funniest meme using photo and captions cards.

There is a rotating judge for each round that decides the winner. The first person to win 5-7 rounds is the winner.

Remember, this is the family version, so it is tamed in the captions. Many of the caption cards focus on poop or fart because we all know kids find that funny.

So if you are looking for a fun and creative game to take on your next vacation, try this game.

What Do You Meme? Family Edition Price

Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets

Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets

  • Cards Included: 110 ( 2 decks of 52)

Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets is a fun game that the entire family will love.

The objective of the game is to reach 1 million dollars in assets. You have to use wit, cunning, and strategy to build your assets.

It is the perfect travel board game for a rainy day or family game night. Although the recommended age is 7 years old, kids as young as 6 could join in the fun.

Plus, it helps kids with their math skills. You can’t beat a night full of learning, laughter, and fun.

Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets Price

Lost Cities Card Game

Lost Cities Card Game

  • Number of Players: Only 2 players
  • Included: 54 Expedition cards, 18 wager cards, rulebook, and game board (double-sided)

The Lost Cities Card Game is a fun travel-themed game that has been modified to be travel-friendly. This is their latest version, which packs more fun in a small package.

Lost Cities is the perfect 2-player game for adults and kids that enjoy a challenge. The objective of the game is to complete your expedition. You will need to use strategy, card tactics, take risks, and have a little luck.

This is a great game for kids that are struggling with math, they can learn while having fun. Plus, it’s quick with most games lasting less than 30 minutes.

Lost Cities Card Game Price

Apples to Apples: Marvel Edition

Apples to Apples: Marvel Edition

  • Number of Players: 4-8

Apples to Apples is a popular game, so Marvel lovers will appreciate the new Apples to Apples: Marvel Edition .

Apples to Apples: Marvel Edition Price

BEST TRAVEL BOARD GAMES FOR KIDS

Travel board games are one of the best ways to keep kids busy while traveling.

They are a screen-free way to spend time together and have fun. Here are some of the best travel board games for kids.

Related Post: Best Road Trip Toys for Toddlers

Travel Scavenger Hunt

Travel Scavenger Hunt

  • Recommended Age: 2 – 8 years old
  • Included: 96 Flashcards

Travel Scavenger Hunt is one of the best road trip games for younger kids. It’s the perfect travel game for kids from 3 to 6 years old.

Not only is this game fun for toddlers, but it is also educational. Help your little one find the objects on the flashcard to improve their memory, recognition, concentration, and awareness.

These flashcards are perfect for little cards, so they are the perfect travel game for kids. Take this with you on your next road trip or family vacation.

Note: There are different educational versions of this game to help your kids learn numbers, letters, and shapes.

Travel Scavenger Hunt Price

Countries of The World Travel Game

Countries of The World Travel Game

  • Included: 50 cards and 1 game box

Let’s be honest, Americans are notoriously bad at geography. Countries of The World is the perfect travel game that helps kids and adults learn about countries around the world.

There are 100 countries to identify, and it fits in your pocket. The rules are simple. Use the picture and unscramble the words to guess the country. At the end of the game, the person with the most correct answers is the winner.

This portable travel game can be played alone or with family and friends. See who really knows the countries around the world.

Countries of The World Travel Game Price

Connect 4 Grab and Go

Connect 4 Grab and Go

  • Number of Players: 2
  • Included: Grid playing board, 21 read checkers, and 21 yellow checkers

Connect 4 Grab and Go is the travel version of the original game. Connect 4 is one of my favorite games from my childhood. My siblings and I played this game all the time, and always had fun.

The travel version is the same as the original, except for the smaller pieces. I will say the chip holder is a little annoying.

Since the chips are smaller, the holder is small. Putting the checkers in the holder will test your fine motor skills, which can be a little challenging in a car.

Connect 4 Grab and Go Price

Travel Scavenger Hunt

  • Recommended Age: 4 years old and up
  • Included: 54 cards

The best-selling travel game for young kids is Travel Scavenger Hunt . It is one of the best ways to keep kids, especially toddlers, busy on road trips or while running errands.

The game is easy. All you need to do is see, feel, or hear the thing on the card. You may be wondering why I said feel or hear instead of seeing because this game gets all your senses involved.

Kids of all ages will enjoy this fun road trip game. The first player to discard 10 cards is the winner, so keep your eyes and ears open.

I SPY: Travel Card Game for Kids

I SPY Travel Card Game for Kids

  • Recommended Age: 3 years old and up
  • Included: 48 cards and instructions

A classic that has been played forever is I-Spy. It usually involves picking random objects and guessing the item. This version of I SPY has cards with objects to find.

Since this is the travel edition, all of the objects have something to do with travel. Kids and adults will have fun finding the objects on the cards.

If you have an energetic toddler, this is the perfect game to play in the airport to burn some of that energy. Time flies when you are having fun, so take this on your next family vacation.

I SPY Travel Card Game for Kids Price

World of Disney: Eye Found It Card Game

World of Disney Eye Found It Card Game

  • Included: 57 cards and the instructions

The World of Disney: Eye Found It Card Game is a lot of fun for kids and adults who love Disney. The board game is now available in a travel version.

Kids learn attention to detail, and matching skills, and hone their observation skills. Some of these are things my wife says I need to learn (I always ask her where things are instead of looking lol).

To win, be the first one to find all of your objects and discard your cards. Good luck!

World of Disney Eye Found It Card Game Price

Apples to Apples: Disney Edition

Apples to Apples: Disney Edition

  • Included: 360 Cards

The classic game Apples to Apples gets a makeover with Disney, with the latest Apples to Apples: Disney Edition . If your little one is a Disney fan, this is the perfect travel game for them.

Apples to Apples is easy for anyone to play, especially younger kids. You can easily pack this game in your backpack to play at the airport, on an airplane, and in the car.

This is one of the best board games for traveling families . Be sure to watch out for the poison apple. Even if you aren’t a frequent traveler, you can play this game at home after dinner.

Apples to Apples: Disney Edition Price

Check out our other travel toy and activity guides:

The 25 best travel toys for babies.

  • 20 Toys to Keep Toddlers Busy on an Airplane
  • 25 Beach Toys for Toddlers
  • Our Favorite Travel Toys for 3-Year-Olds
  • 15 Travel Games for Toddlers
  • 20 Fun Travel Toys for 4-Year-Olds
  • Our Favorite Headphones for Toddlers
  • 20 Screen-Free Road Trip Toys for Toddlers
  • 10 Mess-Free Travel Activities for 2-Year-Olds
  • 50 Road Trip Activities for Toddlers
  • LeapFrog Tablets for Toddlers to Promote Learning
  • 20 Educational Travel Toys for 5-Year-Olds
  • 15 Fun Airplane Activities for Toddlers
  • The Best Learning Tablets for Toddlers
  • 20 Snow Toys for Toddlers and Big Kids

Related Posts

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The 25 Best Travel Toys for Babies

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Best Kids Travel Pillow for Families on the Go | From Toddlers to Teens

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The Whole World Or Nothing

41 Best Travel Games 2024: Tried & Tested

Disclaimer : We may receive a small fee for any purchases made through links in this post. Learn more

We always make sure we carry a couple of our best travel games with us no matter what trip we’re on. Because travel isn’t all about beautiful beaches and exciting adventure.

Sometimes we need a bit of downtime and relaxation. Other times we want to get the party started. And believe it or not there are plenty of situations where we even get pretty bored (think travel delays).

We’ve always loved playing games. So for us they’re the perfect way to pass away a few hours in an airport, entertain ourselves after a long day of exploring and even make new friends.

If you’re wondering which ones should make it into your backpack, we’ve put together a list of the best travel games on the market right now.

How We Chose the Best Travel Games

The main considerations we have for choosing a game to take on the road are the game’s size, weight and portability. All of these mini travel games tick those boxes.

But most of all, to be considered one of the best travel games, they have to be awesome fun to play!

This list is broken down into helpful categories depending on what you’re looking for. It covers the best travel board games, the best travel card games, the best dice games, and the best car games for adults.

Some are self contained mini travel games. Others require a standard deck of cards. But many just need some willing players with a bit of imagination who are up for a laugh.

Our Top 5 Best Travel Games

After being taught Dobble by our young nephew, we absolutely fell in love with it!

Okay, so this one is technically a kids card game. But once you play it you’ll understand why it’s also one of the best travel games for adults.

Basic premise

Everyone has played snap as a child and Dobble takes its basic premise and elevates it to a.whole.nother.level. It’s like “snap” on steroids.

There are five different travel card games within Dobble, all of them as simple as it gets. Every card has 8 pictures on it, each with one symbol in common with every other card.

Players all go at the same time to try and spot the matching symbols and either accumulate or pass cards on to opponents depending on which game you’re playing.

You can have up to 8 players involved at a time, but it’s also one of the best travel games for 2 adults. Dobble is a good one to break down language barriers as well because it’s so simple to get.

What makes it awesome

Dobble gets pretty raucous. Shouting, snatching and even hand slapping are all unavoidable as you get swept up in the excitement. Undoubtedly one of the best mini travel games available.

Players: 2-8

Expect: rip roaring fun

Game Time: 10 minutes

Size & Weight: 2.1 x 2 x 1.2 inches, 7.4 ounces

Rules: Read here

Click Here to Check Prices and Reviews

2. Monopoly Deal

The traditional Monopoly isn’t really a practical game to carry with you when you travel. And let’s be honest, no one actually enjoys it do they.

Come on, strip away the nostalgia and you’re left with a pretty ridiculous, never ending snorefest that could be renamed Monotony (I’m prepared for the backlash).

But the clever guys at Hasbro have reimagined one of the most iconic board games ever made as a wicked card game.

tourism board game

Basic premise:

It retains the fun bits of traditional Monopoly so you still play as a real estate tycoon trying to collect sets of properties.

You still have to come up with a kickass strategy, treading the line between boosting your bank balance and building your empire. And you can still go from kingpin to down and out in one swift turn of fate.

But that’s where the similarities end.

Collect property cards to complete sets and money cards to build your fortune while swapping and stealing your way to glory.

Monopoly Deal is one of the best travel card games out there. It’s fast paced, exciting and we’ve met people of various nationalities who love playing it all over the world.

Players: 2-5

Expect: rapid gameplay

Game Time: 15 minutes

Size & Weight: 0.8 x 3.6 x 5.6 inches, 4 ounces

Monopoly Deal

Alternatively known as Skull and Roses, it’s like a picture version of poker played with beautifully designed components. After one game you’ll be hooked, we guarantee it.

tourism board game

Each player has three circular cards with a rose on and one with a skull as well as an individual double sided game board.

Players take it in turns to place a card of their choice on the game card face down, this continues until one player decides to make a challenge.

They do that by making a guess at how many roses they can flip before hitting a skull. If you get it correct then you turn your game board over and you have to turn your game board twice to win.

You have to kid and calculate your way to victory in this straightforward game of bluff. It involves a mixture of skill, memory and luck.

This is one of the best travel games adults everywhere will enjoy playing on their adventures.

Players: 3-6

Game Time: 30 minutes

Size & Weight: 2.1 x 5.2 x 5.2 inches, 1.01 pounds

4. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

This simple game is bound to get your tongue in a twist and the party started. Anyone can play, but it hurts to win.

tourism board game

Cards are distributed evenly among all of the players, face down without anyone looking at them. There are 5 different cards, taco, cat, goat, cheese, and pizza – hence the game´s name.

The first player takes the first card from the top of their deck, turns it over while saying “taco”. The next player follows suit but says “cat”, the third player does the same but says “goat” and so on.

Play continues like this until the card laid matches what the person playing it says. At which point everyone tries to avoid being the last person to slap their hand down on it.

If you´re too slow your hand will end up on top of the pile of everyone else´s hands. This means you must take all of the cards underneath and put them into your deck.

But there’s a twist – the deck contains three special cards. If you pull a gorilla, you must beat your chest before slapping the pile. If you draw a groundhog card you need to tap the tabletop with both hands before slapping the pile. And if you get a narwhal you need to make a horn above your head with your hands before slapping the pile.

Any mess ups or mistakes result in the player taking the pile, so no flinching or pretending or even pausing. The winner is the first person to get rid of all their cards and then win another round with no cards in their deck.

If the name itself doesn´t make you smile then you´re dead inside. This is the simplest of games but will keep you entertained for hours. Or until your knuckles are raw from them being repeatedly slapped. This could get rowdy.

Players: 3-8

Size & Weight: 3.5 x 2.5 x 1 inches, 3.52 ounces

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

5. Bananagrams

Calling all wordsmiths – if you’re a fan of Scrabble or any similar word games then you’ll enjoy Bananagrams. It also comes in a cute banana shaped carry pouch perfect for chucking in your luggage. One of the most convenient mini travel games.

144 tiles with different letters (called the bunch) on are placed face down on the playing surface. Each player selects the same number of tiles, the exact number varies depending on how many player there are. They are placed face down in front of the respective players. There are still some remaining in the bunch.

Once everyone has their tiles, anyone can shout “split” and the game begins. Players must then turn all their tiles face up. The aim is to get rid of all your tiles by creating words, but they must all interlink like a crossword. There are no turns, each player works as quickly as possible on their own grid.

If a player uses up all their letters, they take a new letter from the bunch and shout “peel”. This means that everyone else playing must also take a tile.

If a player wants to swap a bad tile then they can return it to the bunch by shouting “dump”. However, in exchange they have to pick up 3 tiles.

Players can’t win until there are less tiles in the bunch than players. Once this happens, the first player to use up all their tiles and shout “bananagrams” wins. That’s providing all their words are legit. If there are bad spellings then they’re crowned the “rotten banana” instead.

This game is easy to learn, quick to play, and highly addictive. You don’t need to know long words, you just have to be able to string words together. It’s fun in small or large groups.

Players: 2+

Game Time: 5 minutes

Size & Weight: 9 x 3 x 3 inches, 4.8 ounces

Bananagrams

Top Tip – Want to make your travel board games even more portable? Remove the pieces from their box and put them in a smaller container like this snaplock box . Then separate different components using mini ziplocks to keep everything neat and tidy.

Best Travel Board Games

Pass the Pigs

This is a classic version of the old dice game “pigs” that uses actual miniature model pigs instead of dice. It all packs down into a small plastic case making it one of the best games for travel.

tourism board game

Players take it in turns to throw the pigs like dice. They then gain or lose points depending on how they land. Positions include pig-themed names like “Pig Out”, “Trotter”, and “Snouter”. Each combination means a different thing and can see players making big gains or huge losses.

A turn lasts until a player decides to stop and cash in. That’s unless they completely wipe out their current or total score before doing so. If they stop in time to accumulate a score on their turn then it’s added to their total score. The game then progresses to the next player and the first player to reach 100 points wins.

The element of luck keeps it tense as players have to decide when to stick or twist. Yet there’s still enough strategy and skill involved to make a difference. Big highs and massive lows can see you going from hero to zero and back again in quick succession.

Players: 2-4

Size & Weight: 1.8 x 4 x 8.5 inches, 0.32 ounces

Quickly becoming a classic, Codenames is an awesome game of teamwork and strategy. You need to get on the same wavelength as your teammate(s) to have any chance of cracking the puzzle. Prepare for laughs, frustration, and jubilation in equal measures.

tourism board game

The idea of codenames is to be the first team to get in contact with all of their secret agents. Players separate into two teams before each selecting a spymaster. The rival spymasters sit on the same side of the table, opposite their respective accomplices/field operatives. 25 codenames are then randomly selected from the deck and laid out in a 5×5 grid.

A “key” card is then chosen which reveals to the spymasters which of the agents in the grid belong to each side. In among the agents are also a number of innocent bystanders. Plus there’s an assassin who you want to avoid at all costs.

Spymasters work to enable their team to identify their own secret agents. They do this by providing them with one word clues and a number. The clues can link numerous agent’s codenames, while the number tells the team how many are linked.

For example, if the spymaster says “bottle, 3”, the team knows there are 3 agents with names in some way related to the word bottle. Operatives then make guesses as to which secret agents the spymaster is trying to direct them to.

Selecting the wrong one can have bad consequences, and if you hit the assassin that’s game over. The wins team to identify all of their secret agents first.

While it may sound complicated, when you’re playing it’s really simple and easy to follow. At heart it’s a word association game and the spy aspect just adds to the fun. Seeing the random ways that players’ minds connect words can be hilarious meaning the game is fun even when you’re not doing well.

Players: 2-8 (competitive 4-8)

Expect: tense strategy

Size & Weight: 2.8 x 6.3 x 9 inches, 1.25 pounds

Secret Hitler

Best with larger groups (the closer to 10 the funnier), Secret Hitler is a game of deceit, infiltration and conspiracy. Get your poker face on because you’re going to need to lie through your teeth to win.

Players are secretly divided into two teams of fascists and liberals, while one player gets cast as Hitler himself. Liberals have the advantage of a majority, however, they don’t know anyone else’s allegiances. The fascists on the other hand know who the other fascists are as well as who Hitler is. Hitler meanwhile begins without knowing who his allies or enemies are.

Everyone is trying to advance their agenda and gain power whether fascist or liberal. The way to do this is by winning elections and passing legislation.

To do this you have to gain allies and use them to win votes. However, because everyone is trying to gain power it can be hard to figure out who is who. Also everyone is going to lie to make other players believe they’re a liberal.

The game is won by the Liberals if they enact five liberal policies or manage to kill Hitler. The fascists win by enacting six fascist policies, or if Hitler gets elected Chancellor after three fascist policies have been enacted.

Secret Hitler is all about skullduggery and convincing people that you’re telling the truth. Never has lying to your friends and family been so much fun, and it will make you see them in a new light. It quickly gets pretty loud and boisterous so be prepared for a lively game.

Players: 5-10

Game Time: 45 minutes

Size & Weight: 14.9 x 5.8 x 2 inches, 1.9 pounds

Connect 4 Grab and Go

Connect 4 Grab and Go is exactly the same as the classic Connect 4 game, just smaller. This means it’s the perfect size to take on your travels. One of the best travel games for couples of pairs of travellers.

Each player starts with 21 checkers, one player takes red, the other yellow. You then take it in turns to place a checker into the playing grid.

The aim is to get four of your checkers lined up in a row. This can be diagonally, vertically, or horizontally.

But while you’re trying to connect your four checkers, so is your opponent. They’re also going to be blocking your attempts at the same time.

It’s simple to learn and quick to play but can also be played with some strategy. It does require a bit of concentration but is a great game to relax and unwind with that anyone can play. It was also (falsely) rumoured to have been invented by David Bowie! As if his legacy isn’t amazing enough.

Size & Weight: 1.9 x 6.3 x 9.2 inches, 7.2 ounces

Catan is nothing short of a modern day classic board game. It’s loved by everyone from families to Silicon Valley execs and for this reason makes one of the best travel games. Wherever in the world you crack the Catan box out, you’re likely to find a fellow fan.

Each player is a settler looking to establish their own outposts from scratch on the mythical island of Catan. The island is represented by the game board which is made up of 19 individual hexagons. These can be placed in virtually infinite combinations meaning you could play with a new board each time. Each hexagon has a corresponding number places on it.

Players take turns to roll two di on their turn, and the number rolled allows the corresponding hexagon to produce resources. These can be either brick, wool, ore, grain, or lumber.

Collecting these resources in certain combinations allows players to build up their settlements. You can also trade with other players if they have something you need. And watch out for the robber who stops production on the hexagon he’s on.

The aim of Catan is to get 10 victory points and you collect these mainly by building settlements or cities. There are also bonus points awarded for various other achievements like longest road or biggest army.

Catan is a game of strategy, cooperation, and skill, but you still need the roll of the dice to go your way. It’s also the original “gamers game” and helped kick off the whole board game phenomenon we have today.

Players: 3-4

Game Time: 60 minutes

Size & Weight: 11.6 x 9.5 x 3 inches, 2 pounds

Combine the best elements of poker, bingo, add a board and throw in a large dose of strategy. The result is Sequence, a classic game that’s a whole lotta fun. While there is a travel version, we’d recommend the standard version instead. Though it’s far smaller, the travel edition is a limited abridged version that’s nowhere near as good.

Players get dealt a set number of cards each, this changes depending on how many people are playing. The board has an assortment of cards printed on it. As the name suggests, the aim of the game is to create a sequence of 5 connected cards.

You do this by selecting a card from your hand on your turn and placing a marker over the corresponding card on the game board. If you get 5 connected markers then you win the game.

There’s a lot of strategy involved because you can’t simply concentrate on your own hand. You need to pay attention to your opponents and try to figure out where they are going in order to stop them. It’s simple to pick up and exciting to play.

Players: 2-12

Size & Weight: 10 x 8 x 2 inches, 1.79 pounds

Qwirkle Travel

Described as a cross between dominoes and scrabble, Qwirkle is a super simple game of pure strategy. Anyone can play, but not everyone can play well.

The game of Qwirkle consists of 108 individual tiles. Each has one of 6 different shapes printed on it in one of 6 different colours. To start each player randomly chooses 6 tiles from the tile bag.

Players must then take it in turns to lay connecting tiles in rows and columns. In order to do so you must make runs of either the same shape or the same colour with the tiles in your hands. If it´s a run of shapes, only one of each colour can appear in each row. If it´s a run of colours, only one of each shape can appear in each row.

You can lay as many tiles as you´re able to on your go, so long as they´re all connected in a straight line. Alternatively you can use your go to swap your tiles with new ones from the bag. At the end of each turn you take enough tiles to make your hand back up to 6.

Scores are awarded after each turn depending on how many tiles have been laid and how many columns they fall into. Bonus points are given for completing full lines of 6 tiles. The game ends when one player has used all their tiles and there aren´t any more in the bag to draw.

This game is unbelievably easy to understand and get going. However, as soon as you begin, you start to realise there´s some deceptively deep strategy that can be employed. The satisfaction from building big scores can be addictive

Size & Weight: 10.5 x 10.5 x 2.7 inches, 2.45 pounds

Be transported to the time of the European Renaissance as you become a merchant aiming to amass a huge fortune.

In Splendor players compete to build the biggest and most prestigious jewellery business in Europe. To do this you need to collect raw gems which you can then use to fund the building of mines.

But you then need to create ways to transport the gems, pay jewellers to cut and polish them, and also buy shops where you can sell them. Develop your cards, collect the gem chips, and watch your wealth soar. With wealth you can then attract nobles who provide you with the prestige – and points – to win the game.

This game is easy to understand and yet the more you play the more you start to discover the intricacies. While it’s very strategic the game play is still extremely quick with only 4 basic options for each player per turn.

Size & Weight: 8.5 x 2.4 x 10.8 inches, 2.41 pounds

Best Card Games for Travel

Top trumps wonders of the world.

Top Trumps is ancient, simple, and yet resoundingly good fun. There are endless versions of it from Star Wars to Harry Potter. But this Wonders of the World one is on topic when it comes to the best travel games.

All the cards in the pack are dealt out to the players face down. Players then pick up their cards, holding them so they can only see the top card. The first player picks a category from their card and reads it out along with the value next to it. All the other players take turns to read out the same value on their card.

The player with the highest value wins, gets to take all of the cards that were read out and places them at the bottom of their pile. Play carries on until one player has all the cards.

This version of the classic game Top Trumps is conveniently travel themed. Not only will you have great fun out trumping everyone, you’ll also learn a few facts that might help you win a pub quiz one day.

Game Time: 2 minutes

Size & Weight: 3.5 x 0.8 x 5.5 inches, 4 ounces

Ever wanted to design your own ginormous fireworks show? No? Me either. Regardless, this game will probably change your mind.

Hanabi is a cooperative game, which if you’re new to board games could be something novel for you. It means you work with the other players instead of competing against them to achieve a common objective. This objective is to rescue a mahoosive fireworks display that’s about to go terribly wrong.

Each player is dealt 4 or 5 cards depending on how many people are taking part. The cards come in 5 colors with a number from 1-5 on them. Players need to order them correctly in their colors from 1-5.

While this sounds simple, there’s an added complication. Players can’t look at their own cards! Instead they must display them in their hand so only the other players can see them.

Hanabi is unique and imaginative and more than likely like nothing you’ve ever played before. Plus the fact that it’s a cooperative game means there are no losers or winners as such. So it’s perfect for those who get a little too competitive to play normal games with new friends.

Expect: cooperative challenge

Size & Weight: 7 x 4.2 x 2 inches, 5.4 ounces

Exploding Kittens

Players try to avoid being an exploding kitten in this wonderfully bizarre quickfire card game. At the same time you can affect the game depending on what cards you play, putting your fellow gamers in trouble.

Each player starts the game with 4 action cards and a diffuse card. The remainder of the deck is placed face down in the middle of the table and players take turns to draw cards from it.

If someone draws an exploding kitten, they’re out of the game. Unless they’re holding a diffuse card which allows them to diffuse the bomb and carry on. They can also put the exploding kitten card back into the deck anywhere they want.

Action cards are played before players draw from the deck and allow them to do various different things. These range from stealing cards from other players to getting a sneak peek at the top 3 cards in the deck.

This game is unbelievably easy to pick up. You explode, you lose, you manage to be the last person unexploded you win. The action cards are self explanatory and the quick gameplay keeps things moving quickly. Difficult not to fall in love with the cool illustrations and whacky cards with names like “hairy potato cat”.

Size & Weight: 11.2 x 16.2 x 3.8 inches, 6.4 ounces

What do You Meme?

Memes are a normal part of everyday life now and this game makes players into meme generators. Even if you’re not funny IRL, you’ll feel like a comedian playing What do You Meme.

Each player gets dealt 10 meme cards which have humorous captions printed on them. The pile of photographs gets placed in the middle. Each round the picker gets to draw a photo card and place it in the holder. It’s then down to the other players to choose from their captions which one they think matches it to make the best meme.

Once payers have chosen all the cards are put in a pile and read out by the picker. They then get to choose the winner of the round for the funniest meme created. The winner gets to keep the photo card, play continues until one player has a pre decided number of photo cards.

This game is strictly X-rated and just the written captions themselves are hilarious. But when paired with the right photo they will have every player in stitches. This game is a laugh a minute so your cheeks are guaranteed to ache by the end.

Players: 3-20

Expect: adult laughs

Game Time: 30-90 minutes

Size & Weight: 6.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches, 1.85 pounds

What Do You Meme?

Unstable Unicorns

Love unicorns? Love strategy? This is the game for you. Funded by a huge $1.8 million kickstarter campaign, Unstable Unicorns has got a cult following of enthusiasts.

Your single aim is to build up a complete army of unicorns in order to win. But to do this you can’t play nice. You’ll need to betray your fellow players, destroy their armies and crush their dreams.

Players start with a single baby unicorn and 5 action cards. Each turn consists of four set phases where you lay cards to build your stable of unicorns, stop other people from playing, upgrade your stable, downgrade other people’s, and create general mayhem.

The winner gets the brilliant title of “Righteous Ruler of All Things Magical” and ultimate bragging rights.

Unicorns! Need I say more? Ok, Ok, the gameplay is unpredictable, the cards are hilarious and despite the cute unicorn theme, this game is about pure destruction. It gets better with every play so you’ll never get bored.

Size & Weight: 5.8 x 4 x 2 inches, 12 ounces

Forbidden Island

If you’ve ever fancied an Indiana Jones style adventure but wold prefer to do it from the confines of your armchair, Forbidden Islands is the one for you.

Each player is an adventurer with a different skill, from a pilot to an engineer. Together they must rescue 4 hidden treasures from Forbidden Island. However, the island itself is rapidly sinking meaning you have to work quickly.

Each character’s card has instructions on the back for what to do on your turn which makes it super simple to follow. Every turn allows a player to do up to three actions, and each go sees the water levels on one part of the island rising.

As the water levels rise, so does the tension and finding the treasure and getting off the island becomes more urgent. Cooperation and problem solving skills need to be employed in abundance.

Forbidden Island looks great with beautifully made components. The cooperative aspect means you play with your fellow gamers instead of against them which is refreshing. The pace of the game picks up as you play making the fun build and build and the consequences of your plays more significant. Thanks to the changing board, the game is different every time.

Size & Weight: 6.5 x 8.8 x 2.8 inches, 1.4 pounds

Like a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, the idea of Sushi Go is to build yourself a delicious plate of sushi. Don’t forget the wasabi, and definitely don’t skip pudding!

The cards get dealt out at the start of the game, the amount depending on the number of players. The round starts with each player looking at their hand and choosing one card they want to play. Once everyone has chosen, all players reveal the card they picked by placing it ace up in front of them.

Players then pass the remainder of their hand to the player on their left. They then choose one card to keep from their new hand. Play continues like this until no one has any cards left in their hand which signals the end of the round.

At this stage the played cards are added up with each one worth different points. You can also do combinations and boost scores by adding additional extras to your sushi like wasabi.  There are three rounds per game and the player with the highest score wins.

This game is as addictive as great sushi and will definitely leave you hungry for more. It’s fast paced, engaging, and fun to play. Beware though, if you’re a sushi lover you’ll definitely be craving your favourite sushi roll after playing.

Size & Weight: 4.2 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches, 8.5 ounces

Mille Bornes

A classic racing card game that sees players compete against each other to win a long distance race. You need to avoid accidents, top up your gas, and try to trip your opponents up to secure victory.

Players are racing to be the first driver to reach 1000 miles. Along the way there are obstacles that will slow you down and maybe even bring you to a complete standstill.

Each player begins with 6 cards being dealt to them. The remainder of the pack going into the middle to form the draw pile. When it’s your turn you take a card from the draw pile before playing a card into your, or someone else’s, driving zone.

These will act to speed you up or slow your opponents down. Actions range from things like flat tyres to running out of gas. Evade the hazards and keep on track while tripping up your rivals to win.

Games go at breakneck speed in this rapid fire card game. It’s easy to learn, simple and quick to play, and can be played individually or in competing teams.

Size & Weight: 4.7 x 1.5 x 4.7 inches, 8 ounces

A game that requires strategy, skill, and a touch of luck, Jaipur is all about buying low and selling high.

You and your fellow player are the two most powerful traders in Jaipur. But to secure an invite to the Maharajah’s court as his official trader you need to become undisputed top dog. To do this you must out trade your opponent.

Each player begins the game with 5 cards in their hand, between them are three camels and two merchandise cards. On their turn players can perform one action – either take take cards or sell cards.

To get what you really want you generally have to sacrifice something that your opponent really wants. This means you have to weigh up what’s going to provide you with most value in the long run.

Jaipur is quick, exciting, and is constantly throwing up little twists and turns. You can often see a player’s personality in how they play – greedily gathering commodities, slowly but steadily accumulating their rupees, or simply throwing caution to the wind.

Size & Weight: 3.8 x 1.5 x 7.8 inches, 7 ounces

These Cards Will Get You Drunk

If you enjoy a tipple and like laughing then These Cards Will Get You Drunk is for you.

Players take it in turns to draw a card from the pile and read out the instructions written on it. These will almost always result in one or more person being required to drink.

The longer it goes on and the more cut everyone gets the dinner the game becomes. Prepare for a messy night.

Zero strategy involved, zero skill required, this is a straight up party game where everyone’s a loser. It can help to break down inhibitions and get a group going making it a brilliant travel card games.

Players: 3+

Game Time: n/a

Size & Weight: 3.6 x 2.6 x 1.2 inches, 5.6 ounces

Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets

Cover Your Assets is a race to be the first player to become a millionaire. But forget about playing fair, you’re going to do it by any means possible.

Each player is trying to be the first to accumulate a million dollar fortune. Sure you can save and collect and invest. But it’s much more fun to steal and cheat and screw your competitors over on your way to the top.

But watch out because your assets are also liable to be nabbed at any time. Fortunately you can also steal from other players to climb that greasy pole.

Build your fortune by stacking pairs of asset cards crisscrossed on top of each other. These can be anything from family jewels to fancy cars. And watch your back as your fellow players will have their eyes on your stacks too.

You can go from winning to losing in just a few hands and vice versa. This means that it really ain’t over til it’s over and keeps all players on their toes for the whole game. Cover Your Assets can be an emotional rollercoaster of extreme highs and rapid lows.

Players: 4-6

Size & Weight: 2.2 x 1.6 x 0.4 inches, 9.6 ounces

Cover Your Assets

Cards Against Humanity

This game definitely puts the “adult” in the best travel games for adults. Trust us, it’s strictly top shelf.

It’s a card game where the dealer reads aloud a phrase card they’ve picked at random. It has one or two words missing from the sentence written on it and the other players have to complete the sentence by choosing the best from a selection of options in their ten card hand.

The winner is chosen by the dealer so it’s wise to consider their sense of humour and just how easily offended they are. Some of the cards are best described as depraved.

Probably the least politically correct card game ever invented. You’re either gonna love it or be horrendously offended by Cards Against Humanity. Many of the jokes are pretty close to the bone and will get even the most hardened deviants wincing.

Players: 4-20

Size & Weight: 7 x 4.1 x 2.7 inches, 2.25 pounds

UNO has been around for almost 50 years but it never gets tired.

There are 108 cards in an UNO deck and while most have a number and a colour on them, some are wildcards or “pick up” cards.

The basic idea is to get rid of your cards before anyone else, as players take it in turn to put down or pick up cards that correspond with the colour or number that’s on top of the game pile.

There are missed goes, penalties and a whole lot of strategy that can affect your ability to win, and don’t forget to shout “UNO” when you’re one card away from the win or you’ll be blocked from finishing.

Frenetic, colourful and full of unexpected laughs, you can easily lose hours to its thrills. It’s  simple to pick up but hard to put down, easily making it another of the best travel games for adults.

Players: 2-10

Size & Weight: 6.2 x 1.3 x 5.2 inches, 6.61 pounds

Five Crowns

If you´re a fan of Rummy then you´ll love Five Crowns. It´s based on the same premise but takes it to another level by adding an extra suit and a roving wild card.

tourism board game

The object of Five Crowns is to have the lowest score after all 11 rounds are played. To do this you´re going to need to create books and runs of cards. There are also wild cards which change each hand depending on how many cards are dealt i.e 3 cards dealt means 3 is the wildcard.

Play starts with one player picking up from either the deck or the discard pile. After assessing their hand they then discarding one card they don´t want. Players take it in turns to do this until one or more players forms a full hand of runs or books.

Any cards in a player´s hand that aren´t part of a run or book are then added up to produce a score at the end of each round. Remember, you need the lowest score to win, so high scores are bad!

This game is really easy to pick up and play, rounds go quickly, but there is still a good amount of strategy you can employ. The further down the rounds you are the higher the stakes meaning even if you lose a few at the beginning you can easily be right back in it with just a couple towards the end.

Players: 1-7

Size & Weight: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1 inches, 6.4 ounces

Best Card Games for Travel With a Standard Deck

We never go anywhere without a deck of standard cards in our bag but we found out the hard way that normal ones don’t tend to stand up to the rigours of travel.

Avoid that mistake by getting a deck that comes with a protective case instead of a flimsy card box. And go one better by opting for some that won’t get ruined if they get wet around the pool or on a sticky bar table.

This set of Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards are ideal and designed to withstand anything you throw at them.

Inbetween, Outbetween

This can be played for money or chips but we´ve only ever really played it as a drinking game. It´s lightning fast and while there can be a little bit of skill involved, it´s largely down to chance.

The game is played in turns with each player being dealt a pair of cards face up with a gap in between them. That player then has to guess whether the next card drawn will be numerically within those two cards.

To do this a player says either “inbetween” or “outbetween” and then the third card is drawn. If they guess correct then their turn is over and play moves to the next player. If they guess incorrectly they have to drink. If the card drawn matches either of the cards already on the table they must drink twice.

Most people aren´t advanced enough at probability to turn the game in their favour. This means that if you´re playing it as a drinking game there tends to be quite a lot of drinking going on by everyone. This sees it get pretty raucous pretty quickly.

Players: 4+

Size & Weight: n/a

Chase the Ace

What’s more fun than watching everyone else around the table drop out on your way to glory? Royally royally screwing your play mates over as you do it.

The aim of Chase the Ace is to avoid having the lowest card at the end of each round. Play starts with the dealer dealing out a single card face down to each player including themselves.

The first player to the dealer´s left starts and can look at their card before deciding whether to swap or stick. If they choose to swap, they do so with the card of the player to the left of them.

If any player has a king they can turn this over and it prevents the player to their right from swapping with them. Once play returns to the dealer, everyone turns their cards face up.

The dealer is not allowed to swap. However, if they choose not to stick they can pick any card from the deck to try and get a higher card.

The person with the lowest card loses a life, Kings are high and Aces are low. If multiple people have the same low card they all lose. For the next round, the role of the dealer rotates to the player on the left of the previous dealer.

Generally players start off with three chips and lose one for each round they lose. The winner is the last remaining person to have any chips.

This is a great game for large groups of people. It can be played as a drinking game instead of with chips with the loser(s) drinking after every round. This is a fantastic party starter and because there are only two options per play, rounds go extremely quickly.

Calling blaggers everywhere. Convince people the hands you´re throwing down are what you say they are to literally bullshit your way to the win.

The dealer deals out the entire deck to the players, and don’t worry if they’re not evenly distributed. Some players may end up with more cards than others but it doesn’t matter for Bullshit.

The object of the game is to get rid of all your cards. Players take it in turns to discard 1 or more cards face down into a central pile. This happens in a descending sequence changing each turn. So player 1 must put down aces, moving to kings for the next player, then queens and so on.

At the same time as laying them down, players must declare the number of cards they are discarding. And this is where the fun starts. Players can lie about what they´re putting down. In fact players have to lie about what they´re putting down.

Because the cards have to go in sequence, often you have to claim to have cards you don’t in order to play. If anyone suspects foul play they can call you out by saying “bullshit”.

At this point the player being challenged must reveal their cards. If they’re telling the truth, the challenger picks up the entire deck. If they’re lying then it’s them who gets the big hand.

First player to get rid of all their cards wins.

You have free licence to lie your face off. The more audacious you are with your untruths the more funny t gets. Until you have to pick up a massive stack that is.

Crazy Eights

Eights are good and help you get rid of the rest of your hand. Which is what you need to do to be crowned winner.

Players are each dealt 5 cards unless there are only 2 players in which case they each get 7. The rest of the cards are laced face down as the draw deck. The aim is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.

To start the dealer turns over one card from the remaining deck. Each turn consists of a player discarding one of their cards. However, it must match the preceding card in either suit or number.

For example if someone plays a 6 of clubs then the next player must play another 6 or a different club. If that’s not possible then they have to pick up from the draw pile.

The exception to this is if you’re holding an 8 which can be played on anything. Hence the name Crazy Eights. Anyone playing an 8 also gets to name what suit the next player must play.

Easy to pick up and simple to explain, Crazy Eights can also be modified to add more strategy and difficulty. For example, some variants include “special cards” that produce different actions. For example, in some versions a Queen skips a go and an ace reverses the direction of play.

Back in the day an “old maid” was a woman who had been left unmarried for so long it was unlikely to ever happen. Despite the somewhat sexist connotations, this game relies on everyone aiming to avoid the fate of being left holding the last card.

The dealer adds a single joker to the deck before dealing out the entire pack. Players then sort through their hands to identify any pairs they’re holding. These are placed face up on the table.

The player to the left of the dealer must then select a card from the dealer’s hand to put into their oen. This carries on with the player to their left and so on.

As soon as any player has a pair that must be put face up on the table with the rest of the pairs.

The game ends when one player is left holding the joker or “Old Maid”. Naturally they’re the loser.

That sinking feeling when you pick the old maid out of your neighbour’s hand is devastating. But it’s quickly eclipsed by the elation when the next player along plucks it from your fingers.

Best Dice Games

LCR Left Center Right

There´s no strategy in LCR and it´s impossible to forget the rules – the dice dictate what you do each turn. It´s fast, great fun, and sees your excitement build and fall rapidly. Brilliant entertainment for largegroups.

LCR is a game made up of just chips and dice. Unlike normal dice, in LCR they have different symbols or letters on each side that require players to do various things with their chips. A dot means you keep a chip. L means you pass one to your left. R means you pass one to your right. C means you put one in the centre pot.

Each player starts the game with 3 chips and the first player rolls the three dice. They then distribute their chips according to what the dice say. Players only roll the number of dice that corresponds to the number of chips they have, up to a maximum of 3.

So as the game continues you may be rolling 1, 2, or 3 dice depending on how you fare. Each round sees you accumulate and lose chips in rapid succession. Play continues until all of the chips but one are in the centre pot, and the person with the remaining chip is the winner.

This game is one of pure chance meaning anyone can play and it´s a great party starter, particularly with lots of people. Even when you think you´re down and out your neighbour can be forced into giving you a lifeline getting you right back in it. Play for money instead of chips and you´ll have even more invested, even if it’s just a few bucks.

Game Time: 20 minutes

Size & Weight: 4.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches, 3.2 ounces

This entertaining dice game is one of pure chance and can be great for large groups of people. While it can be played with standard dice, this handy travel pack comes with scoring sheets and a portable carry box.

Farkle is a supremely simple game made up of just a cup and 6 dice. Players take it in turns to roll the dice on their go. On the first roll of a turn you must roll all 6 and there´s a minimum number of points you must score to be allowed to keep them, usually 350.

Only certain dice and combinations will score you points, and if you don´t manage to bag any points that´s called a Farkle. Hitting a Farkle also ends your turn immediately and loses you any points you have already banked for that go.

Each turn can consist of one or more rolls of the dice. Players can bank scores before each further roll by leaving those dice on the table and only rolling the remainder.

The idea is to get the highest score overall, but first one player must get to a predetermined number of points. This forces sudden death and gives everyone just one more go and a final shot at winning.

There are numerous different variations of the rules so it´s important to nail down which one you´re playing before the game begins.

While it´s largely a game of chance, Farkle also pushes you to try your luck by continuing to roll in order to secure higher scores. Sometimes you´ll play safe, others you´ll be forced to gamble to score big. The higher the stakes the more exciting it gets.

Size & Weight: 4.2 x 3.6 x 3.1 inches, 5.6 ounces

This classic word game is quick, simple, and uniquely can be played on its own. It comes in a ready made plastic travel case making it one of the most suitable mini travel games.

Shake the dice up in the box and make sure they’re all settled in their grid. Next lift the lid off and turn the sand timer over to start. Players must then write down as many words of 3 or more letters as they can spot. Letters can be “chained” in virtually any direction so long as they’re touching.

Words that more than one player have don’t count, you only score for unique ones. Points are allocated depending on how long they are with longer words gaining exponentially bigger scores. The player with the highest score wins.

Because you can chain letters in weird orders it’s easy to spot different ones to other players. The game is frantic with each round lasting just a few minutes. There’s no limit on how many players can play, but it can also be played solo by trying to beat your own high score.

Players: 1+

Game Time: 3 minutes

Size & Weight: 2 x 4.3 x 4.3 inches, 7 ounces

Every roll counts for every player in this unique and engaging fast paced dice game.

Play is based around the coloured scoring cards in Qwixx. They have 4 rows in each colour numbered from either 2-12 or 12-2.

A turn consists of a player rolling all of the dice, 4 colored and 2 white. On each turn players are able to make two scores, one by adding the two white dice, the other by adding one white dice with one colour of their choice.

This number then gets crossed off in the corresponding box on the score-sheet with the white one counting as any colour you like. But once you’ve crossed a number off you’re not allowed to cross anything else in that line off that lies to the left of it.

The game continues until players can physically no longer go or they lock 2 lines. this is done by crossing off 6 numbers in the same line as well as the number furthest to the right.

Scores are then added up according to the score-sheet and the player with the highest score wins.

No one gets bored waiting around for other players to go. There’s zero downtime so everyone stays fully immersed in the game at all times. It’s also exciting and fun to play with lots of twists and turns along the way.

Size & Weight: 5.2 x 3.8 x 1.2 inches, 5.9 ounces

Best Car Games for Adults on a Road Trip

The famous name game.

Into your celebrities? Get ready to name drop like never before in this fast paced word association game.

The first player starts by saying a famous name that everyone would know. The next player has to think of another famous person whose name begins with the first letter of the last name.

If the first name has the same starting letter as the surname for example Marilyn Monroe, play switches direction.

If a player can´t think of a name, takes too long, or drops a name no one knows, they lose and have to do a forfeit.

Play has to go quickly so there are inevitably a lot of forfeits, the worse the better. The random names that people say can also be hilarious. Expect plenty of blasts from the past and Z-list celebs to crop up.

Just a Minute

If you´re the chatty type then this game could be right up your street. But can you keep on topic for a full minute?

Someone (not the driver) sets a timer on their phone for a minute and becomes the chair. The first player then has those 60 seconds to speak on a subject chosen randomly by the chair.

They have to do this without “hesitation, repetition or deviation” and the rest of the passengers are judges. If they think the speaker is taking too long, going off topic, or has repeated a word, they are able to challenge. The timer stops as soon as this happens.

If a challenge is deemed correct by the chair, they receive a point and also take over the subject for the remainder of the time. If it´s not correct then the original speaker continues.

Being the person to be speaking at the end of a minute is rewarded with a point. If a player manages to speak for the entire minute they´re rewarded with a bonus point.

This game sounds super easy but it´s unbelievably hard! Speaking for a full minute without breaking the rules is virtually impossible. But the ways that people attempt to win are hilarious and the arguments over challenges can get pretty involved.

Three Stories

Are you a great liar or do you possess a terrible poker face? Well it doesn´t matter too much in this game, it´s all about coming up with fake stories that are less believable than the truth. The more you can fool your fellow players the better chance of winning you have.

Players take in in turns to say three stories or “facts” about themselves that the other players don´t know. However, only one of them should be true.

The other players have to try and figure out which one is the true story and which two are lies. To get this they each get to ask two follow up questions.

Each player to guess right gets a point and the first to a predetermined number of points is the winner.

This is a great way to get to know your fellow road trippers a whole lot better. And regardless of how well you know them, you´ll learn some pretty surprising stuff. This game gets funny quickly and will have the whole car in stitches.

I Know Them

Fancy yourself as a bit of a story teller? This is a great game that involves some serious imagination as you build a story about someone you´ve never met or seen before in your life.

One player selects a passenger in a car that you pass and makes sure everyone gets a good look. Then they begin by “I know them…” and starting to tell a story about them.

Each player takes it in turns to make up something funny or interesting to add. Start with the basics like name, age, and occupation, then work up to the good stuff.

The more outrageous the backstory you construct the better. And if you pass them again on the road you won´t be able to resist laughing.

There are no losers or winners, just a journey into the bizarre and twisted minds of your fellow road trippers. This can go on for as long as you´re all entertained, and when you get bored simply switch target.

The Wave Game

This game takes nerves of steel, a bit of luck, and plenty of persistence. It´s time to get social on your road trip!

Players take it in turns to wave at the the occupants of each car they pass. If someone in the car waves back then they carry on, each wave back receives a point.

Bonus points are received for extra reactions. A smile is a bonus point. If someone flips you the bird you get 5 points. And if every passenger in the car waves back you get 10 bonus points.

A player´s turn is over when no one waves back. It then moves onto the next player´s turn. The winner is the person with the most points after everyone has gone. Play as many rounds as you dare.

Other people´s reactions can range from happy to play along to thoroughly pissed off. You´ll have great fun playing and may even brighten up someone else´s drive along the way.

Those are our picks for the best travel games for adults, but have you got an alternative game that you think would be perfect for stuffing in the backpack? What travel board games do you always carry with you on the road? Drop us a comment below and let us know!

Looking for more awesome gear to take on your travels? Check out these posts to find out what we recommend:

  • The Best Water Bottle With Filter for Travel 2019
  • Best Packing Cubes for Backpacking 2019
  • The Best Towel for Travel 2019
  • Best Rainy Season Clothes For Backpackers

Pin Me For Later…

Ultimate List of Travel Games For Adults Pin

***This post was originally published in February 2017 but has been completely revamped and extended to provide you with the most up to date and accurate information.***

Games with text overlay THE 5 BEST TRAVEL GAMES FOR ADULTS

Travel lover, professional writer and football (soccer) obsessive, James loves nothing more than getting outside and exploring little known corners of the globe. He’s also very partial to a drop of Guinness.

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Mike

Wow, I thought I knew a lot of games to play on the road. Really love Exploding Kittens and Cards Against Humanity. Have you tried PIT? That is one of our favorite games. Great list guys!

James McAlister

Hey Mike, yeah we’re big fans of those two as well but we have actually never played PIT!! We’ll have to get it on order and test it out to see if it needs to be added to the list 🙂

Debbie Smith

Hi Jamie and Sarah, I just googled games to take on holiday and your website came top of the list! i thought I recognized the name. Have got a couple of tips for games to take to Turkey in a couple of weeks.

Debbie Smith (Charlie’s mum)

Hi Debbie, Hope you’re well, it’s been a while! It’s always funny when people we know stumble across our site – glad you found it useful. Turkey sounds great, hope you get amazing weather and have a brilliant time. Enjoy! Take care, Jamie x

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Hi, we’re James & Sarah

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Full time backpackers turned vanlifers.

We’re here to provide you with valuable travel tips, kickass destination guides & serious vanlife inspiration to help you get your travel adventures off the ground!

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  • Board Games

The 13 Best Travel Board Games You Can Play Anywhere (Even on a Plane)

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When you're stuck in a plane, train, or even the backseat of a car, you need a way to kill time... and board games are great for that!

Of course, mobile games are more convenient—unless you're like me and prone to motion sickness. Plus, these days I much prefer the tactile experience of cards and pieces, and we could all stand to spend less time staring at digital screens.

So, I think everyone should have at least one portable board game or card game that they can take with them while traveling!

What makes a great travel board game?

  • Small box. When you're traveling, space is at a premium. Carrying the game around shouldn't be a nuisance and it should fit comfortably inside a carry-on bag. If the entire game can fit inside your pocket, that's as good as it gets!
  • Minimal footprint. It can't take up too much table space. (Ideally, no table space at all!) Plus, it should have very few components. Not only are game pieces hard to handle while traveling, they're easy to accidentally bump off and lose forever.
  • Length and replayability. Whether your flight is 1 hour or 12 hours, the game should keep you engaged and help make time fly by. But it should also be under an hour per game so you aren't forced to cut it short if it happens to run too long.

Here are my picks for the best travel board games that are tiny, portable, and able to be played pretty much anywhere!

Note: You'll notice a distinct lack of Button Shy games on this list. While Button Shy games are famously tiny—each game is only 18 cards—they tend to take up a lot of table space. I've yet to find one that can comfortably play on an airplane tray.

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13. The Mind

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Designed by Wolfgang Warsch

Supports 2 to 4 players

About 15 to 20 minutes

The Mind is a cooperative card game where everyone has their own hand of cards—from a deck numbered 1 through 100—and the goal is to play all cards in ascending order... without ANY communication.

With larger starting hands, the game gets more difficult. You start on Level 1 with one card each, then Level 2 with two cards each, up to whatever Level you can reach. Or you can just play (and replay) it on whatever Level you want to see how often you can win.

The Mind is a great card game for planes because it's mainly held in your hands (all cards played to a single pile) and the no-communication rule is a good fit when you're stuck in a loud plane with others around you.

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Designed by Mark Tuck

Supports 1 player

About 5 to 15 minutes

Grove is a brilliant solo puzzle-style card game that only consists of 18 cards and 15 dice that are used as point trackers.

The cards are basically tiles, which you place by overlapping previously played cards. When you overlap trees of the same color, you increase the value of those trees (which are tracked using the dice).

How bountiful will your grove be? Grove is a beat-your-own-score type game with a lot of replayability. The backs of each card have different victory conditions for variety.

Each game of Grove is relatively short but punchy, and it's a fantastic game to play while traveling.

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11. Timeline

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Designed by Frédéric Henry

Supports 2 to 8 players

Timeline is a compact card game about figuring out where different events belong on a timeline.

Players have a hand of cards that each depict a specific event. Cards are played to a shared timeline and on each turn you have to place one card into the timeline. If it's not placed correctly, you draw another card. Otherwise, first to get rid of their cards wins!

Timeline is less about knowing the exact years when things happened and more about logically reasoning when things happened in relation to events already in the timeline. It's fun even if you know zero history!

Note: Timeline comes in several themed packs, which can be mixed and matched for more variety and difficulty. In addition to Timeline Inventions , there's also:

  • Timeline Classic
  • Timeline Events
  • Timeline British History

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Designed by Martino Chiacchiera, Hjalmar Hach, and Pierluca Zizzi

Similo is a deduction game where one player is trying to get everyone else to guess the right character from a grid of twelve.

On each turn, the active player plays a card and marks it as either SIMILAR or DIFFERENT. Based on that, the other players have to eliminate characters from the grid. If the correct character remains at the end, everyone shares victory!

Similo is like a better, more compact, and more fun Guess Who . The grid is randomized every time so there's replayability, plus the discussions that arise during elimination can be surprisingly funny.

Note: Similo comes in several themed packs, which can be mixed and matched for more variety and difficulty. In addition to Similo History , there's also:

  • Similo Myths
  • Similo Fables
  • Similo Animals
  • Similo Wild Animals
  • Similo Harry Potter

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9. Hive Pocket

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Designed by John Yianni

Supports 2 players

About 20 to 40 minutes

Hive is one of the best head-to-head two-player board games if you want a pure abstract strategy game—and Hive Pocket is the portable travel edition that you can take anywhere.

There's no board in Hive ; the pieces ARE the board! As you place pieces and move them around, they dictate where future pieces can be placed and moved to. Each insect type has its own rules for how to move.

Hive Pocket has a tiny footprint and the tiles are made of durable plastic resin that's satisfying to play with. Moreover, Hive Pocket comes with two expansion insects already included!

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Designed by Kei Kajino

Supports 2 to 5 players

Scout is a ladder-climbing card-shedding game in the style of Crazy Eights or Chinese Poker , but it has a few twists that take it to the next level and make it one of the best in the genre.

First, you can't re-order your hand once it's dealt. Second, when you play cards, you collect the cards played by the previous player. Third, if you can't play any cards, you "scout" by taking a card from the previous player and adding it to your hand—and they earn a point.

When someone empties their hand, the round ends. Each player scores a point for each card they collected plus any scout points they earned.

Scout is a simple but deep card game that feels like an old-school card game but plays like a modern classic. It's the perfect travel card game for families who want something a little meatier.

7. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea

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Designed by Thomas Sing

The Crew: Mission Deep Sea is a cooperative trick-taking card game—a lot like Euchre or Hearts , except everyone is trying to accomplish certain tasks and helping others to achieve their tasks.

Examples of tasks in this game: "Win exactly 2 Blue cards" or "Win only the last trick" or "Win at least 1 card of each color." There are nearly 100 task cards and a random set is chosen every game.

The hard part is, there's no communication allowed! Except using the one-time communication token. With that token, you can reveal one card and mark it as either your HIGHEST of that color, your LOWEST of that color, or your ONLY card of that color.

Trick-taking card games have been a staple of societies for centuries, but the cooperative twist in The Crew: Mission Deep Sea makes it one of the best of its kind. It's so addictive!

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6. Zombie Dice: Horde Edition

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Designed by Steve Jackson

Supports 2 to 100 players

About 10 to 20 minutes

Want to play a travel board game that's literally nothing but a set of 13 custom dice? Then Zombie Dice is your jam. ( Zombie Dice: Horde Edition includes the base game plus both expansions!)

In Zombie Dice , you're rolling and re-rolling three dice at a time, trying to score as many Brains as you can on your turn. Dice with Footsteps can be re-rolled, but dice with Shotguns can't—and if you ever have three Shotguns showing, you lose all the Brains from that round.

This is one of the purest push-your-luck games in existence, and it's so compact that you can play anywhere. Just make sure to roll inside the box cover to minimize the risk of losing any dice!

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Designed by Steffen Benndorf

Qwixx is what's known as a "roll and write" game: you roll dice, then use the results to write on your score pad.

In Qwixx , you're trying to fill out blocks 2 to 12 for each of four colors. The thing is, once you fill in a block, you can no longer fill any blocks to the left of that block for that particular color.

Once a player has five blocks filled in a color, they can choose to lock that color (no one else can fill that color anymore). Once two colors are locked, the game ends. The more blocks you've filled, the more points!

Ultimately, this game is a balancing act between smart decisions and pushing your luck. Qwixx packs a ton of fun into such a small box, and it's so easy to play anywhere—even on a plane.

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4. Love Letter

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Designed by Seiji Kanai

About 15 to 30 minutes

Love Letter is one of the best portable card games of all time. It consists of a deck of 16 cards numbered from 1 to 8, with higher-value cards rarer than the lower-value cards.

This is a game of deduction and hand management. Each player starts with 1 card and the entire game is played like so: draw a card, play a card. The winner is whoever has the highest-value card in hand at the end.

But here's the twist: each card also has a special ability that triggers when played. One lets you peek at another's hand, another lets you trade hands, another lets you name a player and a card—if they're holding that card, they get eliminated from the round.

A round of Love Letter plays in just a few minutes, and whoever is first to win a predetermined number of rounds wins the game.

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3. Fantasy Realms

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Designed by Bruce Glassco

Supports 2 to 6 players

Fantasy Realms is my ultimate choice for portable card game. It's easy to learn and compact in size, with tons of gameplay packed in.

The game consists of a deck of 53 cards: 10 suits of 5 cards each, plus 3 wild cards. Each card has a base point value as well as a scoring mechanism that grants extra points (or loses points) depending on what other cards you have in your hand.

Players start with a hand of 7 cards, then turns are as a simple as drawing a card and discarding a card. Your hand at the end of the game determines your score and highest score wins.

Fantasy Realms can be taken anywhere and plays quickly. Every game is different as you try to figure out the best way to manage your own hand, and you can kill so much time without getting bored.

Note: Scoring can be unwieldy in Fantasy Realms , but the scoring companion app makes it much easier—just pick the cards in your hand and it'll spit out your score.

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2. Palm Island

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Designed by Jon Mietling

Supports 1 to 2 players

There's one thing about Palm Island that makes it so perfect as a travel card game: it can play entirely in the palm of your hand. You don't even need a table or a lap! No other game is this portable.

Palm Island consists of 17 double-sided cards, with each side split into top and bottom halves. You'll go through the deck several times, tapping cards into resources then spending resources to upgrade cards (i.e. rotating and flipping them to their better actions).

It's a simple but thinky solo game that's played in a beat-your-own-score manner, so there's plenty of replayability.

But the key feature of Palm Island truly is its portability. Hand-only games are exceedingly rare and very few of them are worth playing long-term. Palm Island is the best of its kind.

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1. Dungeons, Dice & Danger

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Designed by Richard Garfield

Supports 1 to 4 players

About 45 to 60 minutes

Dungeons, Dice & Danger is the meatiest experience you'll find for a game that's nothing more than a sheet of paper, a pencil, and five dice. You can really play it anywhere and lose yourself in it.

On your turn, you roll the four white dice and split the results into two pairs. Then, everyone uses those two pairs to mark off rooms on their personal dungeon sheet. (The active roller can also use the fifth black die to substitute one of the whites, but no one else can.)

You can only mark rooms that are adjacent to rooms you've already visited, and if you have no rooms to mark on a turn, you lose health which will reduce your score at the end.

You'll also be finding gems, looting treasure, unlocking special actions, and fighting monsters for more ways to earn points.

It's both surprising and impressive to get this much game out of just five dice. If you're going to be traveling a lot—especially on planes—I highly recommend Dungeons, Dice & Danger above all else.

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10 of the Best Travel Board Games to Take on Holiday

Our guide to the best travel board games to take on holiday – for couples and families!

Although sitting on a beach soaking up the rays is a perfect way to recharge your batteries, for some people two weeks doing just that can make you go stir crazy. I love a bit of R&R as much as the next girl, but I can’t just lie around all day every day. So, when we have a day off exploring we often hang out at the bar and play some travel board games.

Travel-friendly board games

A lot of the best board games are sadly rather large and heavy – not great for packing in the suitcase, especially if you’re trying to stick to a small luggage allowance – but there are a number of games that are small and perfect to take on a trip with you.

Justin and I have some favourite two-player games that we always take with us when we go away as a couple then there’s another selection that’s perfect to take when we go away with the kids. Here’s our guide to the best games to take on holiday…

Best two-player games to take on holiday

Mr Jack is a two-player game is based around Sherlock Holmes – one player is the detective and the other is the criminal. As Sherlock your goal is to narrow down the list of suspects in just eight turns, while the criminal does everything that can to stop themselves from being found.

Compact and quick to play, this is a good one to get out before you head off for dinner. 

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7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders Dual has to be one of my favourite two-player games. The original 7 Wonders is one of our fave family games to play at home, so it was great to discover a two-player version to take on our travels, as it comes in a travel-friendly small box.

7 Wonders: Duel is resource-based game played over three ‘ages’, just like the original, but with subtle variations that makes the two-player version as challenging as the full size game.

You need a decent sized flat surface to play this, and it’s one of the longer two-player games on our list – potentially 30-45 mins but well worth packing!

10 of the Best Travel Board Games to Take on Holiday

This addictive strategy game is not restricted by a board and can be played on any surface. The object of Hive is to surround your opponents’ queen while protecting your own. There’s no setting up to do prior to playing, making this a quick starter.

Players square off as merchants trying to win the maharaja’s favour in this card game. Trade wisely to come out top!

Jaipur is another quick-play game, which takes around 15 mins to run through and is quite easy to pick up.

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Best family/group games to take on holiday

Whatever you’re into there’ll be a version of Fluxx  that you’ll love.

The classic game is simple to pick up and with constantly changing rules every game is different. The game has become so popular that you can now get versions of everything from Firefly and Batman through to Monty Python and pirates . The game is just made up of a pack of cards so it’s really easy to take a few different versions with you on the plane…

10 of the Best Travel Board Games to Take on Holiday

Kawaii-styled game with cutsie sushi cards. Sushi Go! is pass and play 20 minute game that anyone can play – perfect for families. Weigh up which cards to keep and which to pass on to make the highest scoring sushi combinations…

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Exploding Kittens

Another great card game, Exploding Kittens is small and easy to play on the plane or in the hotel. This was actually the most funded game in the history of Kickstarter and features weird and wonderful cards illustrated by The Oatmeal. Players take turns drawing cards until someone picks up an exploding kitten and Boom! They’re dead. Last one standing wins.

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This dark and miserable game will make everyone laugh! Gloom is quite a unique game in that each player is assigned a family of five eccentrics and your goal is to make each of them as miserable as possible before killing them off.

Beware your competitors will be trying their best to turn their fates around, adding cards that increase their happiness while attempting to kill them with smiles on their faces. One of the weirdest games I’ve played, but great for kids with imaginations as you can create storylines that follow your characters untimely demises.

Although there is a large board for this game, it’s not essential for play, meaning Dixit is suitable for taking on trips. All you need are the picture cards and your imagination. One player is the storyteller providing a one work or sentence ‘story’, while the others pick from their cards the image they feel fits this best. Everyone votes and the one who ends up with the biggest score wins.

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Sussed is very simple to play and is a great road trip game. The aim of the game is to rack up the most points by answering questions about the other players likes, dislikes and habits. This is great for tight nit groups of friends and families. Find out what people really known (and think) about you!

Pin for later!

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Full disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means that if you buy something via the link, it helps support our website. Please be aware there’s no extra cost to you though, so thanks for your support!

Suitcases and Sandcastles

By day Co-Editor Keri is a freelance journalist and copywriter, but spends most of her free time either travelling or planning her next trip!  A complete travel fanatic, she has a love of tropical climates, wildlife and afternoon tea (hence the creation of her Global Afternoon Tea Challenge!)

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24 comments.

What a useful guide! Christmas presents sorted!

Happy to help Liz – glad you liked our round-up! 😀

Nancy | MapandFamily

Great post – I only know two of these. We always used to take board games on uk family holidays cos we could fit them in the car (along with the kitchen sink!) but it’s trickier when you’re packing to fly. I like the sound of these travel sizes!

There’s so many small ones you could easily pop in a case without taking up much space Nancy – if you’re after something particularly small then a version of Fluxx is a great option!

I really love a good game – and I haven’t heard of most of these, so thank you for the tips. I think both my kids would love the Sushi Go game. #farawayfiles

have to say Sushi Go! was one of our kids faves too.

Oooh, there’s loads here we don’t know. Is it wrong that I like the sound of Exploding Kittens 🙂 #farawayfiles

Ha ha, it’s got nothing on Crimes Against Humanity, if you’ve ever heard of that one Claire?

This is a great post. Lost Cities is a game which we have turned to on many trips from trekking in South America to boating on the river Thames. Always good to have a game in the bag. I shall investigate some of these! #farawayfiles

Excellent stuff Angie – I’m off to check out Lost Cities, cheers for the recommendation!

Clare Thomson

Most of these are new to me and it’s always a good idea to have a few travel board games ready for long journeys or inbetween meals when you’ve got kids. Thanks for sharing these suggestions on #farawayfiles

Hope this has helped you find a few new ones to take on your travels Clare!

Annabel Kirk

This is so useful! I’ll definitely be referring back for Christmas presents, I hadn’t heard of most of these! #fearlessfamtrav

Happy shopping Annabel! x

Ariana - World of Travels with Kids

I’ve not heard of any of these, so this is an awesome list!!! #fearlessfamtrav

aww, thanks Ariana!

We love games and some of these we’ve never heard of! Exploding kittens is one of your favorites though! Great list. Pinning for future reference! #fearlessfamtrav

Hope this comes in useful then Lauren – enjoy!

Cath - Passports and Adventures

We have a huge collection of board games but are seriously lacking in the travel sized ones department, so this post has given me some great ideas of ones to add to our collection for our travels. #fearlessfamtrav

Glad to help Cath, there’s quite a few out there these days!

We love Sushi Go but haven’t tries the others so may need to do some shopping before our next trip! Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav this time around.

My pleasure, hope you discovered some new ones the family enjoys!

This Bristol Brood

Great tips! My kids are just getting to the stage where they can sit and play games (although we need to work on the losing…), will definitely look up some of these #fearlessfamtrav

Ah yes, the losing. Not the most fun to work through. Good luck! 😉

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Jones Around The World

The 14 Best Travel Board Games | On the Go Games

Travel board games are a nice little thing to keep with you and spend some time playing with a partner or even a stranger if you’re feeling friendly . Imagine you and your partner are out on an adventure with no cellphone signal, no places to charge up your iPad and you have read that book you brought cover-to-cover. What on earth are you going to do?

A travel-size board game is perfect for when you want a little facetime with someone and to have a laugh or get super competitive. So, here are some of the best travel board games to help pass the time on those long layovers and make some new friends.

Just like a travel board game will go well with any frequent flyer, any of these travel gift ideas for men will be perfect for the traveler in your life.

1) Bananagrams Travel Games

If there was a game that was a crossover between Scrabble and Dominos, Bananagrams would be it. The objective of this anagram word game is to build crossword grids faster than your opponents, there is no points system here. Just get ready for players to start shouting ‘peel’ as they finish their tiles and others must pick up another one.

This isn’t a traditional board game but whatever flat surface you find becomes your board. Probably one of the best small board games for travel thanks to its extremely compact size and all the tiles being kept in a banana-shaped soft bag. It will take up almost no space at all in your bag and weighs next to nothing as well.

There are seven different ways to play the game so expect hours of laughing and shouting. Sounds fun doesn’t it, so pack a different kind of banana into your bag with this mini-board game.

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Bananagrams Travel GamesBananagrams Travel Games

A different kind of word-based game that doesn’t really have a board but relies on letter dice instead. This classic is all about searching for words after shaking up the different letter dice and then whoever finds the most words in 90 seconds, wins. This is one of the easiest games out there but when that timer starts, the pressure is on.

If you have a large vocabulary, this is the game for you as any words that are shared with other players don’t count. Its ultra-compact size also means that it can go anywhere with you and can be played anywhere as long as you have a pen and some paper. So, can you handle the pressure of those 90 seconds? There’s only one way to find out, so put yourself to the test and grab Boggle.

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Boggle Board Game

3) Connect 4 Travel Size Game

This is one of the simplest yet most popular games. And you can now take it with you, thanks to its small size. It will keep you and your travel buddy entertained while you are on the move. You will each start with 21 checkers and the goal is to outsmart your opponent and be the first to get four in a row while blocking their attempts.

This sounds simple enough but wait until you play, it is actually challenging. This is one of the best compact games with the checkers being stored in the different columns and the tray also folding up for added portability. Why not keep it simple and try out this game?

Connect 4 Travel Size Game

4) Magnetic Chess Travel Set

Chess is growing in popularity again thanks to The Queen’s Gambit so now is the time to brush up on those skills. This is a classic when it comes to board games and when it comes to helping the time pass by.

The board and pieces are magnetic so your king or queen won’t go flying if you hit a spot of turbulence. The pieces store on the inside of the board once folded closed making it easy and convenient to travel with. Put your chess skills to the test on your next layover with one of these portable board games.

Magnetic Chess Travel Set

5) Deluxe Scrabble Travel Edition

To bring a little luxury to travel size board games, this deluxe Scrabble set will have you feeling like you’re in first class while flying in economy. A stunning folding wooden case houses 100 solid wood tiles and a raised tile grid to ensure no slippage occurs. This set weighs just 1.5 Lbs so it won’t take up all your weight allowance.

This is one of the best small board games that you can get and will provide hours of intense concentration. This is a timeless game that can be played with anyone and is something a little different to other games for on the go. Why not get creative and play a travel-themed game of Scrabble?

Deluxe Scrabble Travel Edition

6) Battleship Portable Board Game

This is another one of those compact games that are the same as their larger versions, just easy to travel with. Try and sink your friend’s ships for a few hours while you’re waiting for that connecting flight or on a quiet evening in your holiday accommodation. Each player will get their own little game unit with ships and pegs to track hits and misses.

The little pegs can be easy to lose so be careful when packing away. Once the ships and pegs are pushed in though, they won’t move. When it comes to the best portable board games, choose whichever floats your boat but why not choose a classic like this?

Battleship Portable Board Game

7) Catan Board Game Traveler Edition

Bring an element of strategy along with you when packing this traveling board game. This Catan is on the larger side of small board games when compared to other travel versions of games. Normally made for a large group, this compact version includes rules for only two players so no need to worry about finding a large group to play with.

If space is an issue, these travel hacks could help you find a little more extra space somehow.

The case folds open to reveal the board to play on, you can then slide open the drawers that house all the different pieces to play. This is an intense strategy game that can be replayed countless times. No two games are ever the same. Imagine playing a game back at your hotel that is based on building your own civilization after a long day of exploring one?

Catan Board Game Traveler Edition

8) Mastermind

A fast-paced strategy game that also happens to be one of the best-selling games of all time. Mastermind is all about making a secret code and the other player attempting to crack the code. This two-player game comes with a compact tin case that houses the game board and storage compartment for the code pegs.

Don’t worry, you won’t be blindly guessing as the code maker has to give clues to the codebreaker after each move. Weighing just over seven ounces and being around eight inches long, it won’t take up too much space and will keep you and your travel buddy busy.

Do you have what it takes to tap into that inner Sherlock Holmes and apply a little deductive reasoning and break the code?

Mastermind

9) Backgammon Suede Roll-Up Game

Another classic game with this travel version being designed by backpackers. This was built with the aim of keeping the weight to a minimum and to be a high-quality travel game. This suede board rolls up into the size of a pocket umbrella, while still housing the pieces and dice in a zipper pocket.

This is one of the most stylish pocket board games available, adding a touch of elegance to your game session. It was designed in Germany and is built to last so expect it to accompany you on many journeys for the years to come. This is one of the oldest known board games and is simple to play once you get the hang of it, want to try it out?

Backgammon Suede Roll-Up Game

10) Chinese Checkers

Chinese Checkers, or Sternhalma, is a strategy board game that can be played from two to six people either as individuals or on teams. This travel version is compact and suits two to three players and has a foldable magnetic board that also houses the pieces. It is a simple game that will stimulate any strategic thinkers.

When it comes to airplane travel games, this is a fun board game to pack. Thanks to the magnetic pieces, they won’t jump around if you hit a touch of turbulence. A timeless classic when it comes to games that have a few different iterations but still remain just as fun, no matter the size of the board or pieces used. If you are tired of chess, why don’t you try playing Sternhalma?

Chinese Checkers Travel Game

11) Monopoly Travel Size Game

Everyone has memories of Monopoly, with this game being known to test the limits of friendships and family love. It is still immense fun nonetheless and this travel-size version has all the classic components of the full-size board game. All the parts and pieces are stored in the fold-open board that just adds to the convenience factor.

The pieces are pretty small so make sure to keep track of them or they can get lost pretty easily. This will be a fun way to test the limits of your friendship with some buddies on a night off from exploring. Maybe you should bring the Monopoly Man with you on your next adventure?

Monopoly Grab and Go Game

12) Mancala

A board game that is somewhat unconventional but extremely easy to pick up and has very few pieces that are needed to play. Mancala has been used in Africa as a counting tool for centuries but is also a popular counting and strategy game. This particular travel version is made of wood and hinges open to reveal the board.

It can be played with anything really, from stones to beans but this particular version uses gemstones. The goal is to capture all the stones in the opposite pocket by dropping a gemstone into an empty pocket on your side. It may sound simple but there is a lot of strategy that is involved. If you want to keep it simple, this is a game for you.

Mancala - Real Wood Folding Set

13) Cribbage Travel Set

Now this isn’t technically a board game, Cribbage is actually a card game that uses a board and pegs to keep track of the points as you race the other player to the total. This particular design is the ultimate when it comes to airplane travel games. Its compact size is thanks to the end of the board swiveling open to reveal storage for a deck of cards and the four pegs inside.

For an on-the-go game, this is a simple one that can be played pretty much anywhere. It is intended for two players but can be adapted to three or four players if you wanted to. It does not lock when the swivel top covers the cards and pegs so be wary of where you store it. For the ultimate in simplicity and ease of play, grab one of these cribbage sets for your backpack.

Cribbage Travel Set

14) Guess Who Travel Size Game

There are plenty of travel games for kids out there but Guess Who is a staple that is simple to set up and incredibly easy to play. The two game trays connect together for easy transport and have 40 face cards to split between the trays. This two-player game will keep your kids occupied on your travels.

The aim of the game is to guess your opponent’s character by asking specific questions to remove potential persons. Sounds easy enough but as always, there is an element of strategy involved. This is one of those games that can provide hours of enjoyment for your kids and even yourself and some friends. Who is your first choice of character going to be when you play?

Guess Who Travel Size Game

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GlobeTrove

25 Epic Travel Board Games for 2024 -Perfect for all kinds of trips!

Categories Travel Accessories , Board Games

25 Epic Travel Board Games for 2024 -Perfect for all kinds of trips!

Board games became part of our life a little over two years ago. It started out when we met a board game enthusiast from Netherlands who has a collection of over 250 different kinds of board games.

In India the average population is exposed to games like Snakes and ladders, Ludo, Chess and oh yes… Monopoly! We aren’t even aware of the treasure trove of different kinds of board games that exist across the world.

Quite frankly you can’t blame us. Laying our hands on these elusive pieces is difficult.

Almost every single board game is more expensive in India when compared to other countries. At times these prices can be double or triple the original cost.

So, when our friend Sander introduced us to his collection a few years back, it was a revelation. Now we have our own tiny ever-growing collection!

Let’s not forget the subset of travel board games that we absolutely adore.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.

Table of Contents

Travel board games.

I remember being astounded when Sander handed us a game just before our trip to Indonesia. He treasures his games and the idea of traveling with one of his prized possessions really scared me.

What if I accidently damaged it? Or worse… What if I lost something?

Sander however was cool as a cucumber and insisted that board games make amazing travel partners. That was the start of a new phase.

A phase where travel always meant carrying a pocket sized game aka travel board games.

Here are a few travel board games that we tried out and really enjoyed. These are the ones that can fit into a traveler’s supplies easily.

Note that we have scoured for travel board games in so many different countries. One big realization is that they are the cheapest in the USA.

Hence, we’ve included links to the respective games on the US Amazon site. We did also have a good experience at Meeples Café in Malaysia which had a great collection and really reasonable prices .

They also have a great stock of travel board games for you to browse through. Make sure that you have this list handy or the store can get overwhelming with all the choices on display.

GlobeTrove is an amazon affiliate and receives an advertising fee for every successful purchase.

Requirements That Travel Board Games Should Meet

So, everyone who travels will probably have different requirements. Over time we have perfected our own. Don’t get me wrong… There are times when we make exceptions but that is usually if Shawn is travelling on a business trip and we are going to be in a single spot for a long time. Anyway, our requirements for travel board games is as follows.

  • It needs to be light and not bulky: Weight definitely matters when you are backpacking and so does the dimensions.
  • It should be a 2 player game at least: Shawn and I always travel together so the minimum number of players should be two. A game that requires a minimum of three players would be useless on the road now wouldn’t it.
  • It should be fun: This sort of goes without saying. Board games for Travellers need to be particularly versatile. That means that every round should be different, or the game never gets old. Remember, you will probably just be carrying one or two games on your trip.

The Ultimate List Of Board Games For Travellers

So without further ado, we are going to go through the list of travel board games that we have found fit the above description. Bear in mind that people travel in different ways.

So when we talk about a game fitting in with a travellers weight restrictions, you need to consider what works best for you.

Backpackers prefer the smallest and most compact games while luxury travellers don’t mind carrying slightly bigger boxes.

You will need to explore a bit to find the perfect match with your signature travel style and the travel board games you carry.

Number of players: 2-5 (Best with 4) Board Game Geek Rating: 7.0 Details: Read More Here

Hanabi is a great game if you have a good memory (which I don’t!). The game comes in two forms: either tiles or cards.

We prefer the tile version because they are so much cooler to play with, but cards do the trick to.

It doesn’t matter which version you get, Hanabi is a small game which shouldn’t weigh more than a couple of grams. It can be played with as many as 5 players.

The game doesn’t require much space when laid out. So, it meets all our requirements for board games for travelers.

I love Co op games and this one is super fun. It’s easy to learn but difficult to master. You have great fun and the fact that you have limited community and a challenge to get better scores is really engaging. It’s super replayable because the cards and even the way people play changes. Percival ( read more reviews now! )

Qwirkle with its colorful tiles is one of the smallest travel board games.

Number of players: 2-4 (Best with 4) Board Game Geek Rating: 6.7 Details: Read More Here

Qwirkle is an easy and yet abstract travel board game. It doesn’t have a board to follow. Rather, you place the tiles down in your turn such that you either match colors or shapes. Each tile counts for a point. The rules of Qwirkle are so easy to follow!

If you manage to complete an entire set of either all six colors or all six shapes, then you make a Qwirkle. This means a bonus of 6 points!

Like Hanabi, Qwirkle comes in cards and tiles. It also comes in cubes. Again, we prefer the tile version.

Note that the version of Qwirkle that we carry comes in a traveller’s pouch . Qwirkle is one of my favorite board games for travellers.

It is an easy game to explain to people, so if you make friends along the way it’s a great ice breaker.

“The tiles are made from wood and feel as if they will stay in good condition. The bag is also well made. Quirkle is colourful and easy to learn. If you can play Dominoes and Scrabble you can play this. My grandchildren (8 and 6) picked it up easily and enjoyed it and were able to add up their scores. It would have been even better if there had been some racks included for the tiles without having to buy them as an add on.” Dorothy ( read more reviews now! )

The downside is that you need a nice medium to big table to play the game. We’ve played it at restaurants and coffee shops too.

3. Lost Cities

Lost cities with its bright yellow logo is one of the iconic travel board games.

Number of players: 2 Board Game Geek Rating : 7.0 Details: Read More Here!

Lost cities is a card game. It has a single long board in pack. The deck of cards comprises of five different colours representing the five different archeological expeditions that one can undertake.

The game progresses by stacking up cards in the correct order. Each successful expedition adds to your points while each unsuccessful one deducts a sum from your score.

Lost cities is easy to carry. It is slightly bulkier than Qwirkle and Hanabi but it doesn’t weigh much. Its bulkiness is largely attributed to the box that it comes in.

“My husband and I wanted to find some board game for 2 of us, to have some alternatives to watching Netflix during winter evenings. This game is a gem! We started to play and it’s really hard to stop. It involves all your brain in thinking and decision making. And another cool thing about it – design aesthetics.” Alice ( read more reviews now! )

You can work around that by leaving the box at home but make sure you don’t damage the board when packing it.

4. Citadels

Despite how large it looks here, Citadels is a really small box and an epic travel board game.

Number of players: 2-8 players (Best with 5) Board Game Geek Rating: 7.0 Details: Read More Here

Citadels is a super interesting card-based game. It comes in a small box which is both light and portable.

The best part about the game is quite likely the number of players that can play it simultaneously. We’ve played it with four players and with eight players. The rules change if you play with less than four players, but I digress.

The game requires people to take on roles as one of the characters in the stack. Each character has its strong suits and its shortcomings.

The aim of the game is to collect gold and to build buildings. Once a player builds his/her eight building the round comes to an end and the score is totaled.

The game does involve keeping a straight face which is really hard (at least for me!) and the joys of bluffing.

“Played this game once with a friend and immediately needed a copy to add to my game collection. This revised edition is super portable for travel, with or without the box. Quality card material. Bought used off Amazon for a decent discount and the game was brand new with the box slightly dinged up. Very pleased all around.” Mike ( read more reviews now! )

The fun packed game is one of the best board games for travelers who are travelling in a group.

5. Forbidden Island

Forbidden island comes in a cool metal tin box but can be downsized to make it a fun travel board game.

Number of players: 1-4 players (Best with 4) Board Game Geek Rating : 6.7 Details: Read More Here

Forbidden island is larger game and is probably not the first game that comes to mind when you think of board games for travelers.

We however pack the tiles together in a smaller zip lock bag or box. It definitely makes the board game more portable. We usually play the game with upwards of two players.

Forbidden island is a cooperative game which means that everyone is playing against the board. The objective of the game is to collect the treasures before the island sinks.

“We’ve taught Forbidden Island to many friends whose immediate reaction was, “I HAVE TO BUY THIS GAME.” It plays out like an action movie, always tense and exciting. Perfect for families, but also works great with a group of adult friends.” Erik ( read more reviews now! )

Each person takes on one character and has his/her own special powers which can get you out of a tight scrape.

Since the board is made up of tiles, the layout changes every time you play it. Luck plays a large quotient in how quickly you win or lose the game.

6. PatchWork

The Patchwork box by Uwe Rosenberg is really adorable and one of my favorite two player travel board games.

Number of players: 2 Board Game Geek Rating: 7.6 Details: Read More Here

We first stumbled into this game in Malaysia. Patchwork may not come in the smallest box, but it is light and easy to pack.

The game is meant for two players and that makes it perfect for us.

The downside is that Patchwork is comprised of numerous pieces, so you definitely need a nice place to lay it out. A bed or a table usually works.

Players compete to use different patches to form the most aesthetic covering for their board. Each piece has its own bonuses and points.

“A game about quilting. That kinda threw me for a bit but everyone and their sister were raving about it so I had to find out for myself. Turns out, everyone and their sisters were right.” TinTheC ( read more reviews now! )

Pick a piece with two many points and you may run ahead too fast without covering your much of your square.

Pick one that covers a lot and you may not earn enough to buy more. That being said, money here is earned in buttons which I think is rather cute!

Patchwork is ever changing since the arrangement of pieces changes each time. That is what I like about it!

Despite the size of the box, I love to take Patchwork along when I travel with a suitcase. It gets a little difficult when backpacking. It is one of those perfect travel board games in the market.

The colorful cards and tokens from the travel board game Jaipur, alongside the tiny box.

Number of players: 2 Board Game Geek Rating: 7.4 Details: Read More Here !

When I heard the name Jaipur , I did a double take.

Yes! My friend Janet has often told me about the fabulous board game that she absolute loves. Its name just happens to be Jaipur!

Being from India, I thought that was cool. So, when we stumbled across it in a board game shop in Singapore, we just had to add it to our collection.

Bonus points for this game include that it comes in a small light travel friendly box, definitely involves strategy and quite a lot of camels!

If you asked me which is my current favorite among the list of board games for travelers, I would definitely say Jaipur. That is if you are traveling as a couple. (If it’s a group then its Citadels).

“My husband and I wanted more games we could play together, and this one is great! It’s a good balance of luck and strategy, fairly short, and unique. I usually prefer collaborative games, but this one has just the right of competition. Made for only two players. Would recommend!” Julia ( read more reviews now! )

The aim of the game is to collect and sell goods. The quicker you sell goods the higher the points you get. The more goods you sell, the better bonus points you get!

It is a thin line to walk and that is what makes it so much fun!

8. Sushi Go

The small tin box of Sushi Go is colorful and compact. Plus its a great travel board game.

Number of Players: 2-5 players (Best with 4) Board Game Geek Rating: 6.9 Details: Read More Here!

I’ve heard about Sushi Go through the forums on Facebook but I did not have the opportunity to play the game until recently when I visited a board game café in Brunei .

At first glance, I did not expect much from the game and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. The game comes in a nice metal container which was great in our books because we hate when our board game boxes get damaged when travelling.

The box however is a bit bulky but the game itself can be repackaged into something smaller if you want to. So that itself is a big bonus.

“Christmas present to grandkids. They report playing the game and really like how different levels of challenges there can be made for older or younger kids. Said they like playing as their family game night. Happy with purchase. Daughter going to buy as gift for friends.” Sandi ( read more reviews now! )

So far we have played Sushi Go with two and three players and found that it plays well. The game is card based and rather quick once you get the hang of it.

Another great thing is that no game is ever the same because of the variety of choices you can make and because of the large enough deck of cards.

You would need a pen and paper or even a tissue would do keep the score. Definitely on my list of board games for travelers and I can’t wait to get my own copy!

9. Catan Dice Game

Number of players:  1-4 players Board Game Geek Rating: 6.8 Details: Read More Here!

Catan Dice Game is very similar to the larger popular Catan Game .

In fact, it was of the two board games for travelers that we took on our first backpacking trip.

The game is extremely compact and a lot of fun. You do need to carry a pen or pencil for this one as it requires scribbling down on a sheet quite a bit.

It was on loan to us from a friend when we first travelled and we did consider getting ourselves a copy but somehow we never did get around to doing it.

I may have to put a note in somewhere so I don’t forget the next time an opportunity arises.

“This is the perfect game to just keep in your car or travel bag. I’ve used it several times this week while waiting for an outdoor show to start and another time pass time between activities. It’s definitely not Catan as you know it, but it’s easy to pick up and explain to other players (not really a skill based game, just dice rolling / luck). Would definitely recommend as a travel game to have on hand.” Kathryn ( read more reviews now! )

10. Carcassonne

The blue colored box with the iconic imagery of Carcassone.

Number of players: 2-5 players Board Game Geek Rating: 7.4 Details: Read More Here!

Now Carcassonne may not be the first game to pop up on your list of board games for travellers. I think that the game however is surprisingly portable if you remove it from the main box and find a smaller one to stack them in comfortably.

Then again, it also depends on how many expansions you add to it. Lol!

The base game is rather fun for two players but add more players to the mix and I find that it gets over a bit too fast or maybe I enjoy the game so much I wish it would take longer.

There is one downside to this game though. It takes a lot of table space so don’t expect to play it on a plane or when you are on the move.

“If you like games that make you think of strategies and are still simple to learn and play, get this game. Absolute love this game! It may be my new favorite game. Catan was probably my favorite game previously, if that gives you a hint at the kind of games I like.: David ( read more reviews now! )

It does make a perfect companion once you reach your destination.

11. Virulence

Number of players: 2-5 Board Game Geek rating: 6.7 Details: Read More Here!

Virulence may not have the highest board game geek rating, but I fell in love with the game after the first round. A friend brought it over as a filler game for board game night.

The idea behind the game is simple. Each player is a virus, and you won’t to infect as many people as you can without encountering vaccines along the way.

The game progresses quickly and is aimed at anyone above 8. It comes in a small packable box and works great as a travel board game too.

It can even be packaged into something smaller since it just has cards and four die. Another thing that I liked about the game is that after a few games, it does not get boring.

Definitely something I’m going to add to my collection as soon as I can.

“I bought this for my wife for Christmas and we both found it to be very fun! Simple mechanics (bidding, deck building, card management, card collecting) and very fast to learn! Cool little game for parties or as a warm-up for more complex games. Art is well done, (mostly images of viruses and bacteria) and the tie-breaker dice are also nice to look at. Recommended!” Michael ( read more reviews now! )

12. Kingdomino

Kingdomino comes in a small box that is pretty portable and is a great travel board game.

Number of players: 2-4 players Board Game Geek Rating: 7.4 Details: Read More Here!

We recently got a chance to play Kingdomino in a board game café. It had piqued our interest since we had seen it mentioned in many of the board game communities on Facebook.

The game reminded me of a variant of Carcassonne but in this case there are two big differences. One is that you are building your own kingdom around your starting tile.

The second one is that while the cards are shuffled, they are placed according to the numbers on the back.

“This is such a great game for families, friends, couples, etc. It is so versatile and relatively easy to learn and play. Plus, the pieces are fairly high quality and I know they will last!” Erin ( read more reviews now! )

Randomness is preserved but you get a chance to see which tile you pick and you have a choice.

The game is really simple. It is fun and would definitely appeal to people who are travelling with kids.

If you find the right box, you can package the game into a remarkably small space which is what puts it on our list of board games for travelers.

13. Splendor Duel

Splendor Duel is a great travel board game

Number of players: 2 Board Game Geek Rating : 8 Details: Read More Here !

One of our all time favorite games has always been Splendor. The issue with Splendor is that it plays well with 3-4 players so it only came out when we had company. The larger issue (pun intended!) was that the Splendor box is pretty large so it isn’t really portable. We did repack it into smaller boxes whenever we traveled.

As luck would have it, in 2022, they released Splendor duel . We only got our hands on it recently during our road trip through Europe. The game has excellent gameplay.

It is basically Splendor for two players. Most of the gameplay mechanisms of the original game have been retained but you do have to wrap your head around the new aspects of the game.

“Splendor Duel is a great 2-player update for Splendor. There are more win conditions as well as special card abilities, and you draft gems from a board with a variable layout, all of which make the game more interesting and less predictable. The components are really nice, especially the poker-style chips and the privilege scrolls. The whole game packs into a small box, so it’s something you could travel with, though the table footprint does take up some space. The rulesheet is clear and straightforward, so it’s an easy to learn game that leaves a lot of room for strategy and growth the more you play. One of my favorite quick games!” Vee ( read more reviews now! )

Unlike the original Splendor, here you have special privileges (which I keep forgetting to use!) and you have to fight for the pearls (which are always in short supply!).

All in all, it is a highly engaging game. Why is it a great travel board game? It is small which makes it portable, it has great replayability so I generally don’t mind taking just one travel board game and I absolutely love the cute tokens!

14. Rhino Hero

Rhino hero is one of the fun travel board games

Number of players: 2-5 Board Game Geek Rating : 6.9 Details: Read More Here!

Okay so I know I’ve talked about this one as a travel board game for preschoolers but it is a really great game for adults too. The idea is that there are a lot of building cards and cards that (for lack of better word) form the walls. Everyone gets dealt their own cards and they use them to build the tower.

“A great filler, beats Jenga hands down. Family, friends, kids with enjoy the the chance to scale the heights.” David ( read more reviews now! )

The twist is the rhino. Some cards have a rhino on them and you have to move the rhino from one card to another. This really changes the way the weight is distributed and the higher the tower, the more difficult it gets.

Want to make it even harder? Try it after having a few glasses of beer. Hahaha! Anyways, the box of Rhino Hero is small which makes it super portable. Replayability is not an issue either. You can play with anywhere between 2-5 players which makes this super awesome if you travel in a group!

15. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

The uber cute and colorful cards of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza which is one of our favorite travel board games with the kids.

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 (46,203 Reviews) Price: $9.84 Details: Read more on Amazon!

Taco Goat Cheese Pizza is such a fun game. The game literally fits in my palm so you know how small the box is. It is totally card based so once you open the uber cute box, you’ll find a mix of cards as you can see above.

Every player is dealt a hand. It obviously follows the theme Taco Goat Cheese Pizza.

“Fun, clean, family friendly game. Easy to learn and fun for all ages. Quick games so players can jump in and out or swap. Could easily extend the game with another pack of cards. Lots of laughs! Buying for Christmas gifts this year!” Lyn ( read more reviews now! )

You have to shout out Taco Goat Cheese Pizza depending on whose turn it is. If you place the card that matches your word you have to place to your hand on it. I always get this wrong and even though we play it with the kids, they’ve grasped the game super fast. It makes for a lot of laughter and giggles.

Not only is this a great family game, it is a great travel board game, filler game and party game. Plus its very cheap compared to many of the other games. Makes it an ideal pick!

Board Games For Travellers That We Will Be Adding To Our Collection

Collecting board games isn’t just a hobby. It soon turns into a passion and you begin to network with like minded people.

Don’t know people who play board games, well then you teach them how and soon you have newly recruited board game addicts! Hahaha… (Read as an evil laugh!)

You have no idea how far the Pandemic has reached where we are concerned (Board game enthusiasts I hope you got that pun!)

One of the best ways to know about board games is to consult Boardgamegeek a website designed for nerds just like us. The other way is to get in touch with fellow geeks.

When Shawn’s friend Riza heard that we were putting together an article about board games for travellers he sent Shawn a list of a couple of travel board games that fit the description.

A members of Everything Board Games Community  , Travis Drake and Mike Inguagiato suggested a few too! Since I haven’t played the games, I’m just going to add a list of them and update them as we add them to our collection.

16. Beer And Bread

Beer and Bread is one of the travel board games on my to buy list

Number of players: 2 Board Game Geek Rating: 7.5 Details: Read More Here !

Beer and Bread is another cool 2 player board game that was released in 2022. I haven’t actually played this one yet but we were searching for a good present for our friend and this one really fit the bill.

The idea behind this game is that there are two villages who jointly produce beer and bread. In order to do this they cooperate and share resources. There is a lot of friendly competition though. 

“This is such a cute little game. It’s not complex but also has enough variety for replayability. I highly recommend this game for couples wanting to enjoy an immersive game with a really cute theme.” Raydan ( read more reviews now! )

The game spans over six years (figuratively of course!). During that time you have to balance your liquid aka beer and bread production. Obviously, the village that scores the most points wins.

Beer and Bread seems pretty fun and not one of those ultra competitive games. It also works pretty well as one of the travel board games. It is pretty portable. I’ll admit that it isn’t the smallest game on the list though. The downside is that you need a proper playing space because it has a couple of small components.

The game works for two players only so it works well if you are traveling with a spouse or a friend.

17. THE RESISTANCE: Avalon

Board Game Geek Rating: 7.6

No of players:  5-10 (Best with7-8)

Details: Read More Here!

I absolutely LOVE playing this game. So happy my awesome cousin introduced me to it, like friends do. Why is Avalon great? Thank you so much for asking! It is fun, fascinating, and endlessly replayable. While I often pretend to hate it to maintain my street cred, the honest truth is that it’s my favorite way to spend time with my friends. Certainly beats ax throwing and might even be better than watching Attack on Titan. 10/10 Margaret ( read more reviews now! )

18. Exploding Kittens

Board Game Geek Rating:  5.9

No of players:  2-5  (Best with 4-5)

“It takes one or two times playing the game, referring to the instructions, to get it down. Once you get the hang of it, it’s fun. It’s definitely strategic. My 11 year old enjoys it but I have to coach her to think about what she’s doing to get the best outcome. That’s a good thing though. We play, the two of us, to practice strategy before inviting her dad to play. JKC ( read more reviews now! )

19. Forbidden Desert

Board Game Geek Rating: 7.2

No of players:  2-5 (Best with 4)

“This is another masterpiece from Matt Leacock. It is a little more complex, and a tiny bit harder to learn, than his previous game in the series, Forbidden Island. Which, by the way, is just as excellent. This game is easy to set up and infinitely re-playable. A superb value for the money.” Ted ( read more reviews! )

20. Epic Quest

Board Game Geek Rating: 6.8

No of players:  2 – 4 (Best with 4)

Now first thing to say. this is a tiny box but it takes up a lot of table space when set out. that aside this is a great game that my board game friends loved (and some of them have high standards) and it really feels like the older Zelda games. I highly recommend it. M. Smith ( read more reviews now! )

21. Kororo: Avenue of the Kodama

Board Game Geek Rating: 6.0

No of players:  1-8

“Fun, quick game with variability and more choices than you would think. Like that the boards are dry erase and double sided. Like the goal cards that add an extra twist. Easy to play over Zoom with friends while social distancing. You can find printable files of the board online so people at other locations can print them off and then you can have a camera pointed at the cards as you flip them.” Laurie ( read more reviews now! )

No of players:  2

Details: Read More Here !

“I love this game and am thrilled that I purchased it. I love playing with my mom while we are watching tv. Very portable and would be easy to bring on trips. Didn’t take a long time to learn the rules and the more you play the better it gets. It is fun to learn new strategies and try new things as you improve at the game. Really awesome game and I would recommend it for anyone considering it. I think it would also make a great gift.” Emma ( read more reviews now! )

23. Valley Of The Kings

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Board Game Geek Rating:  6.7

No of players:  2 -4 (Best with 2)

24. Forbidden Sky

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07CXZD92P&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=loberove 20

Board Game Geek Rating:  6.9

No of players:  2-5 (Best with 3-4)

25. Love Letter

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Board Game Geek Rating:  7.3

No of players:  2-4 (Best with 4)

“This game is so fun to play. It is very easy to learn even my 83 yr old Mother in law can play. The rounds are quick so that makes it more fun. Really has nothing to do with Love letters… More of a game of skill where the goal is to follow the directions on the cards in a fashion that helps you figure out who has what so that you have the best card in the end. FUN FUN FUN!!!” Barb ( read more reviews now! )

To reiterate, collecting board games has become a hobby. Finding board games for travellers has become a challenge.

They are perfect on a quiet day on a holiday or when you are stuck on a long journey. Moreover, board games are great ice breakers when it comes to new companions!

Definitely something you want to bring out at backpacker hostels or dorms! If you are an avid traveler and an avid board gamer, I would suggest taking a look at our board game bucket list for travellers .

It has an amazing compilation of places that you should visit and is inspired by popular board games from across the world.

We plan to keep updating this list as and when we find additions that meet our travel board game criteria.

If you do have any suggestions do drop them in the comments below. We love exploring new options.

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Curls en Route

Saturday 21st of March 2020

Sounds like a lot of fun!

This is absolutely genius. Totally going to invest in a few of these!

Thanks. They are total lifesavers sometimes. Our list however just keeps growing!

These are amazing board games. I am planning to get my hands on the Valley of the Kings!

I haven't tried that one yet. Let me know how you enjoy it!

Sunday 6th of October 2019

Oh cool, I love this post! :D

This is just brilliant, I love this idea. Perfect while travelling on a train or maybe a plane. Also good for a rest night at your accommodation. I sometimes take small craft projects with me too!

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The most fun !travel games

27 Best Travel Games for everyone

Board games are a great way to spend meaningful time with family and friends, especially when traveling. We’ve assembled a list of the 27 Best Travel Games for 2023 and beyond including several new travel games, fun travel games for kids, travel-sized games, travel games for teens, the best travel games for adults, and some throwbacks to the classic games to play when traveling. Prepare to have fun!

The Definitive List of the Best Travel Games (updated for 2023)

In this guide to the best games for travel, we’ve selected a variety of games that make for good fun when traveling. Games are grouped into different categories including:

Best New Travel Games

Best travel games for kids.

  • Travel Games for Teens

Best Travel Games for Adults

  • Best Travel Games

Travel Size Games

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions from other affiliate programs as applicable. Click here to read our privacy & disclosure page .

What makes a good travel game?

Image of Teens playing travel games

There are a lot of games out there, but what is a good travel game? This requires a little more thought and is somewhat subjective, but there are a few things we can probably all agree that a top travel game should have:

  • It should be fun! If the game isn’t fun, why play?
  • It should be portable! No sense in bringing the Jenga game with you because it doesn’t travel well, right? Imagine playing Jenga on an airplane. Nope!
  • It should be for multiple players (no solo games here). Sure, solo travelers need to have fun too, but for our list of great travel games, we’ve focused on games that are at least 2-player travel games and up.

This top list of games to play when traveling is based on these 3 important criteria, and yes, what’s fun to us, may not be fun to you…but that’s ok: you just aren’t as fun as us. Just Kidding.. .

Summary of the Games for Travel

We’ve summarized our list of the greatest games for traveling for you, below. Following this list readers will find an explanation and discussion of each game’s merits, why it’s a good game for travel and where to buy it. Happy gaming, everyone!

Coup (The Dystopian Universe)

  • Monopoly Deal [All the good and none of the bad from Monopoly]
  • Exploding Kittens [Fan Favorite!]

Travel Blurt

  • Our Moments

Bananagrams

  • What do you meme? [Good for Teens!]

Kids against Maturity

Unstable unicorns, pun intended, awkward family photos.

  • Cards Against Humanity [Best Travel Game for Adults!]
  • Catch Phrase Uncensored

Disturbed Friends

  • Uno [The Classic Travel Game!]

Apples to Apples

  • Tile-Lock Travel Scrabble

Travel Catan

  • Travel sized Cribbage
  • Travel Chess board

Travel Checkers

Plus a bonus game at the end!

In this section, we highlight 3 new travel games that folks are finding quite fun and enjoyable.

tourism board game

This spy-themed new travel game pits players against each other in a race to identify and make contact with spies using only their codenames and color-based clues. Be sure to avoid the assassin. The bigger the teams the better!

  • Players : 2 teams of 4+ work best
  • Why this game is fun : Enough strategy to really challenge players but fun enough to get lots of laughs.

Heads up game!

tourism board game

This new travel game takes a page out of Ellen’s popular game show. Players take turns guessing the words strapped to their heads based on clues from their teammates.

  • Players : 2-6
  • Why this game is fun : Clues can only be done in sounds…no words or gestures!

tourism board game

As the head of an Italian city-state try to outlast your competitors by gaining influence and clouts. It’s all about greed as you rise to power in this newly released travel game.

  • Why this game is fun : “Manipulate, bluff and bribe” your way to power, the game says. How can that not be fun!?

In this section, we highlight the best travel games for kids, specifically younger kids ages 5-13. In the following section, we highlight some travel games designed for teens.

tourism board game

This travel game is best suited for younger travelers, but it’s easy, fun, and can be played just about anywhere. Comes with a handy tin making portability a breeze.

  • Ages : 7-11 years (although we’ve played it with kids as young as 5 with no issues)
  • Players : 2-8
  • Why this game is fun : Simple, easy game, easy to learn, and great for kids who are usually better than the adults at this game!

tourism board game

Kids love this game and most adults do too (even if they don’t admit it). This game is exactly what you think it is: ask players to name random words to complete a story and then read it back to everyone while trying not to snort your soda through your nose.

  • Ages : 8+ (but 5+ works too)
  • Players : Any, but 2-4 works best.
  • Why this game is fun : Silly words? What could go wrong? Nothing! This game brings out some hilarity and is a perfect game for a road trip or flight.

Monopoly Deal

tourism board game

In what is arguably the most clever take on this classic game, Monopoly Deal takes a game that’s probably too long, to begin with, and simplifies it into a 15-minute game that still retains the fun and thematic elements that make Monopoly a good game.

Pro Tip: Buy 3 packs of cards, combine them all and play super Monopoly Deal…game goes on a little longer, but it makes it even more fun!

  • Players : 2-5
  • Why this game is fun : This game is truly one of the best new travel games created in recent history. It makes Monopoly a much more casual experience. And the ability to steal sets from another place adds an element of zaniness that keeps the family laughing.

Exploding Kittens

tourism board game

With a name like Exploding Kittens, this game is either going to be horrible or amazing. Fortunately, it’s the latter. This wildly popular game has blown up (see what I did there) in popularity and it makes for a fun addition to your next trip.

  • Players : from 2 all the way up to 10 players (but 5 is best)
  • Why this game is fun : “It’s like UNO, except there are goats, magical enchiladas and kittens that can kill you.” – CNN

tourism board game

A great travel game for kids that also teaches them along the way. Hold up. Yeah, this is a pretty sweet game and perfect for traveling with kiddos. The premise of this game is simple. Someone reads out clues and people blurt out answers. Keep score on the magnetic scoreboard and let the fun begin.

  • Players : 3-4
  • Why this game is fun : The quick associations that kids make when they blurt things out is kinda funny!

OUR MOMENTS Kids Edition

tourism board game

Put the cell phones away and really get to know your kids by asking thought-provoking questions. Create listening, bonding, and teaching opportunities with your kids and really get to know them. Perfect conversation starters for long trips.

  • Players : One-one-one is best (Parent w/ Kid), but you can play with a few kids at a time.
  • Why this game is fun : You really get to know your kids and it’s fun to see where they are at with different ideas and concepts.

tourism board game

If Scrabble and a crossword puzzle had a baby, its cousin would be Bananagrams. This is a fun game though and we are big fans of any game featuring wordplay. Perfect for travel. Cooped up in a hotel? Banangram it.

  • Players : 1-8
  • Why this game is fun : Easy to learn and kids will have a hoot playing!

Best Travel Games for Teens

Teens are a hard bunch to please. Want to get them off TikTok for a while? It’s going to be harder than you think but here’s a few of the best travel games for teens that might just be right up their alley. Don’t worry, you are still going to have to deal with sarcasm. Can’t help you there!

What do you Meme?

tourism board game

To be clear, this game is for the more mature teens. It features some mature words and themes. It also features hilarity. Buy the game for your teen and then don’t play it with them. It’s a win-win all around.

  • Ages : 17+ (older teens); also good game for adult travelers
  • Players : 3+
  • Why this game is fun : It is memes, man. And memes are probably the greatest part of the Internet!

tourism board game

If you like mildly inappropriate humor (silly fart jokes, etc) this game is perfect. You know, the stuff that kids actually laugh at when you aren’t around. This game is fun for older children through younger teen years.

  • Ages : 8+ (but it’s best for younger teens…12-14ish.)
  • Players : 4+
  • Why this game is fun : The warning on the box states, “This game is not suitable for over-protective, humorless, hover-parents.” Haha…I’m in.

tourism board game

I am so confused. Why are there unicorns? And why are they are unstable? Should I be worried? You may not get it, but your teens will. This fun travel game for teens is an easy sell. Just buy the game and leave them alone.

  • Why this game is fun : Because you get to build a Unicorn Army! Duh!

tourism board game

Dad Jokes make our teens roll their eyes, but I have a theory. I think they secretly enjoy them. You can prove that theory with Pun Intended which has its players guessing puns and scoring points.

  • Players : 2 minimum (but 4 is a better minimum to start with for the most fun)
  • Why this game is fun : This game is super punny. Too soon?

tourism board game

Every photo with a teenager is awkward. At least we can acknowledge that. This particular iteration of the game ties funny, embarrassing photos of random people with movie lines. Players must think on their feet and match the caption with the pic.

  • Players : 4-8
  • Why this game is fun : Because funny pictures of old people is funny. Oh, wait, are we going to be in a game someday?? Sigh…

It’s time for the grown-ups to play! Grab your wine glass and pick one of these best travel games for adults and get ready. Pro tip: if you use Zoom, Facetime, or Hangouts and you each have your own copy of the game you can still play many of these games even if you are not in the same room together.

Cards against Humanity

tourism board game

The grown-up version of Apples to Apples. Be prepared to be offended on multiple levels. Also, be prepared to laugh your butt off. Perfect for a grown-up vacation or road trip with a fellow couple who’s also got a dark sense of humor. It’s our opinion that this is one of the best travel board games for adults.

  • Ages : Adults
  • Players : at least 4, but 6-8 is the sweet spot
  • Why this game is fun : Dark humor is the best!

Bullshit Game

tourism board game

The bluffing game: how good is your poker face? If you suspect your fellow player hit the bullshit button.

  • Players : 4-6
  • Why this game is fun : Hitting a button that announces bullshit is great. Plus you could use it in other parts of your life like when your kids start BS’ng you…just saying.

Catchphrase uncensored!

tourism board game

This game stresses people out! Grab it, guess it, and pass it the heck on to the next person. This version, however, has some adult themes…uncensored. Awesome.

  • Why this game is fun : Uncensored stress? What could go wrong?

tourism board game

This is the worst game ever made. It literally says that in their marketing. 250 disturbing questions…what could possibly go wrong!?!

  • Players : Up to 10
  • Why this game is fun : The best humor is found in offense and this game has a bundle of it.

Best Travel Board Games – the rest including some old favorites

What would we do without the classics? Those tried and true games we played growing up. Maybe it was in a hotel on your Texas road trip, or at the airport gate as you waited to board the plane for your trip to Hawaii. These travel games are the go-to travel games that are always fun for all ages, all the time.

tourism board game

How many times have you seen a family huddled around an airport gate waiting for a flight and playing Uno? Probably a lot because Uno is the perfect travel game for kids, families, adults, teens, etc. It’s simple, portable, easy to learn, easy to play, and just enough fun to not bore the hardcore gamers.

  • Ages : 12+ (but honestly this is like 6 and up)
  • Why this game is fun : Draw 4 baby!

tourism board game

This is a classic family game that travels pretty well too. It’s easy for most ages to play and can help teach the young ones some strategy and math along the way.

  • Players : 2+
  • Why this game is fun : Math, dice, luck, strategy, etc.

tourism board game

This classic game is a family-friendly travel game that is easy to learn, easy to play, and a bushel of fun. Take it on the road with you and let the good times roll.

  • Why this game is fun : The fun is really in figuring out what the picker is likely to pick based on what you know about them NOT what the right answer to the prompt is.

Ever played a game of magnetic chess on a chessboard so small it fits in your back pocket? Travel size games are a hugely popular niche and we’ve highlighted a few of them here for you. These games include magnetic travel games, compact board games, small board games for travel, and more.

Travel Scrabble – your pieces won’t be a mess when you travel!

tourism board game

Bring this fun game on the road with you without having to worry about losing tiles. This travel Scrabble set includes magnetic tiles and easily fits into your carry-on.

  • Ages : 8+ (but 10+ is better as they have a much deeper grasp of vocabulary).
  • Players : 2
  • Why this game is fun : Scabble is always fun. Who doesn’t like impressing your friends and family with your vast knowledge of big words (and small words too!)?

tourism board game

Before there was Age of Empires there was Catan. The world-building and resource-hoarding board game is possibly the best travel game ever created. Here it is in all its glory but in the perfect travel size format.

  • Players : 2-4
  • Why this game is fun : Trade, build, settle! The Catan slogan says it all. This is a longer game, but definitely, a strategic thought-provoking game and perfect for travel.

Travel Sized Cribbage Game

tourism board game

Cribbage is one of the most fun games you can play and if you choose to play cuthroat style it’s even more fun. Use this travel-sized cribbage game to feed your cribbage habit.

  • Why this game is fun : It’s cribbage! A classic game for math-inclined card experts. Strategy, math, and fun.

Travel Chess

tourism board game

This portable travel chess set is the perfect thinking game for your next trip. A tried and true game, chess is always a great game for slightly older kids and up.

  • Why this game is fun : A thinking game!

tourism board game

Here is your classic checkers game, in travel-sized format. Comes with magnetic checkers that are perfect for using during a trip. Magnetic travel games are a throwback to a different era too. Cheap, yet fun, they help us reminisce about a different time in our lives. This set, however, isn’t too bad.

  • Why this game is fun : It’s checkers! Who doesn’t love this fun game?

Last but not least…a deck of cards is arguably the best game for traveling because you can take it anywhere with you!

tourism board game

Some people suggest there’s an infinite number of games you can play with a deck of cards . Perhaps that’s true, perhaps not, but with a deck of cards, your travel game options are pretty close to unlimited. Here are 40 games to play with a deck of cards while traveling .

More Games to Play while Traveling (including in a car)

If board games are not your cup of team, here are a few more fun games to play while traveling that don’t involve boards. Remember the alphabet game? Here are a few other ideas with links on how to play:

  • Name the Most – Pick a category (say fast food companies) and challenge someone: “I can name 9 fast food companies” Then see if you can beat that score. See the full rules here .
  • The Alphabet Game – You know how to play this game…which is why it’s probably one of the top travel games of all time. We’ve all played it and it’s fun…for a while anyway.
  • I Spy – A fun game to play in a car or on an airplane that can eat up some time!

What’s your favorite road trip game? Drop us a comment or tweet us!

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn commissions from other affiliate programs as applicable.

Jeremy Ballou is the editor of the CBoardingGroup.com and a long-time writer in both the travel and tech industry. Most days he's in thinking about travel or writing about it.

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I am gonna play a few of them. I just love to travel. I kinda get bore, so I hope these games add some spice to my free time.

wow! I love playing a game while traveling and its relive our stress .

https://www.expresscouriercars.co.uk/

I love playing games while travelling. it makes travel enjoyable and fun. thanks for suggesting these fantastic games.

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The 27 Best Travel-sized Games of 2024

Our list has brainy word teasers, multiplayer party games, and everything in between.

tourism board game

Best Card Games

Best board games, best word games, best party games, best for little travelers.

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

Whether you’re in need of kid-friendly games for a long road trip or some cheeky party activities to break the ice with a new group of hostel friends, it’s always worth having a couple of tried-and-true games up your sleeve while on the road.

The following travel-sized games are the best options in our book. These compact card and board games are designed to take up minimal space in luggage, while still offering maximum fun during the inevitable downtime that comes with most adventures (think layovers, long hours on a train, or rainy evenings on vacation). Here are our top picks for all types of travelers.

Mattel Games World's Smallest UNO Card Game

Why We Love It: This teeny card game will fit into the smallest of handbags.

What to Consider: The ultra-compact size might not work for those with vision problems or arthritic hands.

Uno is one of those card games that everybody already knows how to play — and, if they don’t, it takes about ten seconds to learn. That makes this game an excellent addition when backpacking abroad or vacationing with family members of all ages. This option in particular stands out as it’s the “world’s smallest” version of the popular game. The tiny cards are less than three inches tall — that’s smaller than a credit card! – and can easily fit into handbags or luggage without adding any bulk, so you’ll always have an icebreaker at the ready.

The Details : 2-10 players | Ages 7+ | 0.79 x 1.97 x 2.99 inches

Monopoly Deal

Hasbro gaming monopoly deal card game.

Why We Love It: This rendition allows you to play your favorite board game sans tabletop. 

What to Consider: It can be a bit tricky to catch on at first as there’s a lot of fast-paced action.

Monopoly night at home with friends and family can take you through a serious spectrum of emotions, especially if it’s been dragging on for hours. Then there’s Monopoly Deal. The travel-friendly version of Monopoly is cards only and much faster paced than the traditional board game. You’ll still buy and sell property, collect rent, and pass go as you do in classic Monopoly, but the compact card game can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. It’s also easier to play while at the airport or on a long train journey.

The Details : 2-5 players | Ages 8+ | 15 minutes | 0.75 x 3.62 x 5.63 inches

Mattel Games Skip-bo Card Game

Why We Love It: This family-friendly game is both easy to learn and quick to play.

What to Consider: The cards are a bit flimsy and could be more wear-resistant.

Is it just us or will Skip-bo always evoke childhood memories? The classic number sequencing game was huge in elementary school but was also in major rotation on our grandmother’s kitchen table. Not much has changed since then: the fast-paced card game is just as fun and easy to pick up and play now. It’s also relatively small which makes it great for popping into your carry-on or handbag. Note that although this game is designed for those ages 7 and up, it’s a ton of fun for adults as well as kids.

The Details: 2-6 players | Ages 7+ | 0.98 x 8.46 x 6 inches

Wild Card Games Backpacker: The Ultimate Travel Game

Why We Love It: It helps improve your skills as a traveler while learning about the world.

What to Consider: The instructions are quite long and tedious.

If you’re looking for a travel-themed game (and who doesn’t love a good theme?), then you’ll want to consider checking out Backpacker. The quick-moving travel card game is designed to mimic what it’s like to be on the road and all the potential triumphs and roadblocks that come with traversing the globe. We love that this game comes with actual fun facts about each destination so you still learn about the world around you even while playing close to home. The colorful cards are also visually appealing thanks to the high-quality photography and drawings on each one.

The Details : 2-6 players | Ages 12+ | 5.1 x 0.8 x 3.7 inches

Rubberneckers Everyone's Favorite Travel Game

Why We Love It: This game was specifically designed to be played during a road trip.

What to Consider: It’s not as exciting to play in rural areas.

Road trips are, in theory, a nonstop adventure — but, in practice, they can be long and exhausting. Rubberneckers was designed to put the fun back into long drives. The card game is essentially a game of reverse I Spy with prompts like “credit card logo” and “more than three people in a vehicle” designed to get everyone in the car looking out the window to earn points and win the title of the ultimate rubbernecker. We also appreciate the simple and easy-to-read language so younger kids can participate just as easily as older passengers.

The Details: 2 or more players | Ages 8+ | 3.5 x 1.5 x 5.5 inches

Catan Studio Catan Board Game

Why We Love It: This modern classic is a fan favorite — and, although layered, it’s easy to teach to new players.

What to Consider: There are a fair bit of pieces to keep together while on the go.

Catan is one of those games that seems complicated at first glance, but once you get it, you get it. The strategy board game takes about an hour to play out, but can go for longer — so you’ll want to budget that time while traveling. It’s also important to keep in mind that, even though this is relatively compact and travel-friendly, it still comes with several small pieces so it’s better for playing at your hotel or Airbnb rather than on a train or at the airport.

The Details: 3-4 players | Ages 10+ | 60 minutes | 11.63 x 9.5 x 3 inches

MindWare Travel Qwirkle Game

Why We Love It: This game requires smart strategy but it’s very easy to pick up and run with.

What to Consider: Some of the colors are very similar and can be hard to decipher.

We love the travel-sized Qwirkle game: not only is it super easy to learn but it’s also relatively easy to play while on the go. We love that this option is intuitive for everyone and can easily become a go-to for families with younger kids. The colorful tiles and convenient carrying case make this one great for playing while in transit — but you’ll want to keep in mind that some of the colors (especially orange and red) are very similar and can be a bit tricky to tell apart if you’re not playing in great lighting.

The Details: 2-4 players | Ages 6+ | 30-60 minutes | 5.5 x 6 x 2 inches

Hasbro Gaming Guess Who? Grab and Go Game

Why We Love It: There are only a few pieces to this classic board game.

What to Consider: The plastic is a bit flimsy and will require careful handling.

We’ll always have a soft spot for Guess Who? considering we’ve been playing it pretty much forever. The beloved guessing game requires strategic and creative thinking, but makes a particularly good travel game because there are only a few pieces to keep track of which makes it great for playing on the go, especially on a train or plane, or even while waiting to depart. We also like that the Grab and Go size is super compact and can easily fit in a backpack or carry-on without taking up too much space.

The Details: 2 players | Ages 6+ | 1.89 x 6.26 x 9.25 inches

Sorry! Road Trip Series

Why We Love It: This tiny board game is easy to set up and play on road trips or even flights.

What to Consider: Its extremely compact size is not ideal for bumpy roads or those with arthritis.

Who said you can’t play a whole darn board game while in the car? The road trip edition of Sorry! is super simple to set up and play whether you’re in an airplane cabin or the back seat of a car. The little game is designed to fold out into a full playing board on the go and doubles as its own folding carrying case when all is said and done. We love how easy it is to put together and start playing — but keep in mind, the super tiny pieces might be tricky to play with on particularly bumpy roads. 

The Details : 2-4 players | Ages 6+ | 1.00 x 11.90 x 5.85 inches

Hasbro Gaming Travel Battleship

Why We Love It: This game is quiet and slow-paced which makes it great for playing on a plane or at the airport.

What to Consider: The numerous pieces to keep track of are somewhat inconvenient.

The Grab and Go version of Battleship is small enough to throw into your carry-on bag but large enough to engage in a comfortable game without having to squint or deal with too-small game pieces. The boards and pieces are relatively simplistic compared to the full-sized Battleship, but the idea is the same. We also like that this game is pretty slow-paced which makes it a great option for playing in more quiet spaces like on the airplane or while waiting in a lounge.

The Details : 2 players | Ages 7+ | 1.89 x 6.26 x 9.25 inches

FanVince Magnetic Folding Chess Set

Why We Love It: This sturdy, magnetic game board is perfect for playing on bumpy roads and through turbulence.

What to Consider: The individual pieces feel a little flimsy in hand.

You can’t go wrong with a classic magnetic folding chess board — it’s a travel-sized game staple, afterall. The magnetic design means you don’t have to worry about your pieces falling over while going over bumpy roads or through turbulence, which is a major plus. It’s also super convenient that the board folds into its own carrying case when not in use. Keep in mind that chess is also a very quiet game, so this is absolutely perfect for bringing on a flight with you.

The Details : 2 players | Ages 8+ | 20+ minutes | 9.45 x 9.45 x 0.69 inches

Bananagrams Duel: Ultimate 2 Player Travel Game

Why We Love It: This new take on classic Bananagrams is even more portable than the original.

What to Consider: It’s sort of a watered down version of the grid game.

Bananagrams has always been one of our favorite travel games — like a real banana, it comes with its own carrying case! — but Bananagrams Duel makes it even more travel-friendly. The quick-paced dueling edition is themed and the letter pieces are die-like rather than tile-like, so you won’t see that sprawling word grid from the original edition. But this just means the game requires way less table space to play so you can easily play this one on an airplane tray table without running out of room.

The Details : 2 or more players | Ages 7+ | 10 minutes | 1.18 x 4.72 x 6.69 inches

Winning Moves Games Scrabble To-go Board Game

Why We Love It: The tiny version of Scrabble has snap-in letters that stay in place.

What to Consider: The scaled-down board isn’t as comfortable to use.

Nothing can really compare to Scrabble when it comes to group-friendly word games, but bringing the full-sized board on the road just isn’t practical. That’s why we’re huge fans of the Scrabble To-go board. The compact size makes it easy to throw in your bag while the snap-in letters mean you won’t have to worry about them flying off if you hit a pothole on the road or turbulence in the air. We also love that this one comes with its own carrying case to protect the board and pieces while traveling.

The Details : 2-4 players | Ages 8+ | 30-60 minutes | 10.75 x 10.25 x 6.88 inches

Mad Libs on the Road World's Greatest Word Game

Why We Love It: It’s easy, hilarious, and super portable to play in transit.

What to Consider: The paperback game pages aren’t reusable.

Whether you’re seven years old or 37, Mad Libs will never not be laugh-out-loud funny. Mad Libs on the Road in particular makes for a great travel-friendly option. The silly fill-in-the-blank stories are all about traveling, road trips, and summertime adventures. It’s especially convenient that Mad Libs are about the size of a paperback novel, meaning they won’t take up any space in your luggage. All you need is a pen and a couple of grammar-focused friends and you have all the makings for hours of laughs in the car and beyond.

The Details: 1 player or more | Ages 8+ | 5.25 x 0.2 x 8.38 inches

Ransom Notes The Ridiculous Word Magnet Party Game

Why We Love It: This game combines somewhat crude humor with strategy.

What to Consider: It’s definitely on the raunchy side.

Think of Ransom Notes as a somewhat crude hybrid between those poetry fridge magnets and Cards Against Humanity. You’ll get a prompt and your goal is to create a phrase using only magnets that’ll make some kind of sense to the reader. This ends up being downright hilarious in most cases — and we give the game major bonus points for being magnetic. All the pieces stay firmly in place, making it much easier to use en route to your destination.

The Details : 3 players or more | Ages 17+ | 30-90 minutes | 5.25 x 4 x 4 inches

Hasbro Gaming Classic Boggle Word Search Game

Why We Love It: This word game can even be enjoyed by only one player.

What to Consider: The secure travel lid can be tough to get on and off.

Boggle is going to be a major win in the eyes of Spelling Bee or Wordle fans (so watch out if you’re playing against them). The basic word game requires fast spelling and deduction skills; all you have to do to win is write down as many words as possible from the assortment of letters on the dice to earn the number one spot. It’s a whole lot of fun and takes up minimal space while in transit, too.

The Details : 1 player or more | Ages 8+ | 2.01 x 4.29 x 4.29 inches

Brass Monkey Bin-go Get Some Drinks Bingo Book

Brass Monkey

Why We Love It: This is great for introverts and anyone who would rather observe a party a bit removed.

What to Consider: It might be awkward to whip this out in an actual bar or restaurant.

Bin-go Get Some Drinks makes any kind of night out even more interesting, especially if you’re someone who tends to observe human behavior in social settings. The somewhat snarky bingo card is packed with the weird things you’ll see in a bar (like witnessing an obvious first date or someone taking a photo of their drink for social media) and is the perfect way for people watchers to spend the night — especially if you find yourself alone in a new city and prefer to observe the crowd over fostering friends right away.

The Details: 1 player or more | Ages 21+ 

Cards Against Humanity Tiny Cards Against Humanity Game

Why We Love It: It’s a great icebreaker in a compact and cute format.

What to Consider: These cards are tiny and might be hard for some to read.

Cards Against Humanity provides instant fun, even at the most dull parties or awkward social events, since there’s just something about dirty words in absurd contexts. That’s why the miniaturized Tiny Cards Against Humanity is such a great game to keep in your back pocket while traveling, especially if you intend on staying in hostels. (Hey, you just never know when you’ll need to pull the ultimate icebreaker out of a pocket!)

The Details : 2 players or more | Ages 17+ | 30 minutes or more | 4.44 x 2.66 x 1.97 inches

All Things Equal, Inc. Loaded Questions On The Go Card Game

Why We Love It: This card game gets conversations going while still providing friendly competition.

What to Consider: There are only so many questions, so you’ll eventually run into duplicates.

All Things Equal: Loaded Questions is one of those card games that can lead to side tangents and deeper conversation if you let it — but it’s also a great way to see how well you know your friends' minds by guessing each other’s answers to given sets of questions. This game is super travel-friendly (all you need is a few pads of paper and pens) and it’s guaranteed to evoke some serious laughs and possible side conversations as well.

The Details : 4-6 players | Ages 8+ | 3.6 x 0.8 x 5.5 inches

Exploding Kittens Card Game

Why We Love It: This card game is fast, fun, and easy to learn.

What to Consider: The rules and concepts of the game are a bit basic.

Exploding Kittens garnered a lot of attention when it was first released and it’s easy to see why. The eye-catching title and cheeky illustrations make this game instantly intriguing. As it turns out, the game is a whole lot of fun for all age groups and it can be played in fifteen minutes or less which makes it a great option for waiting at your airport gate or sneaking a quick game in before heading out to dinner.

The Details : 2-5 players | Ages 7+ | 15 minutes | 4.41 x 6.38 x 1.5 inches

What Do You Meme? Shotgun!: The Card Game for Road Trips

Why We Love It: Everyone can play in the car — even the driver.

What to Consider: It’s not quite as funny as the original What Do You Meme?.

Shotgun! was conceptualized by the same folks who gave us What Do You Meme?, which means you can expect the same level of (somewhat) boundary-pushing humor. The road trip-focused card game doesn’t come with memes or visual cues, but instead uses the sights and sounds on the road as prompts. Card prompts like “first person to say which side the gas tank is on wins a point” and “first person who gets a wave from another car wins two points” will keep everyone in the car on their toes for the drive.

The Details: 2 players or more | Ages 12+ | 1-2 hours | 1.5 x 4.5 x 6.5 inches

Singing Machine Carpool Karaoke The Mic 2.0

Why We Love It: Who wouldn’t want to pretend they’re starring in an episode of Carpool Karaoke?

What to Consider: The Bluetooth setting could be higher quality.

The Carpool Karaoke Machine was designed to make road trips a whole lot more fun. The karaoke microphone pairs with your car’s Bluetooth in order to provide a surround sound experience for all passengers involved (whether that’s good or bad, we’re not sure). The microphone can also be used with your smartphone for DIY karaoke parties at your Airbnb or hotel room — you’ll just want to be mindful of the noise levels.

The Details : 1 player or more | 3.6 x 2.1 x 10.6 inches

Hasbro Gaming Connect 4

Why We Love It: This game is simple to pick up on.

What to Consider: There are a ton of little pieces involved.

We love Connect Four — it’s a classic for a reason! The simple game is great for little ones who are still practicing spatial recognition, but honestly, it’s just as fun for adults as well. The game is relatively small (it’s less than 12 inches in length) which is enough room for little fingers to easily use but still small enough to pop into a backpack. Keep in mind, though: there are a number of little coin-sized pieces that come with this game, and they can get messy in the car.

The Details : 2 players | Ages 6+ | 20 minutes | 1.6 x 10.51 x 10.984 inches

Winning Moves Games Pass the Pigs

Why We Love It: This cheeky game is all about tumbling — it was essentially made for turbulence.

What to Consider: The game might become repetitive in smaller groups.

Pass the Pigs is hilariously simple, but there’s something about it that is so much fun. The game includes two pig dice, a dice cup, and a pig scoring guide with a scorepad. The aim of the game is to get as many points as possible by rolling the pigs into different positions like the “snouter” or the “sider.” The best part is that this game was literally made to be thrown around so even if you’re dealing with turbulence you don’t have to worry about your pieces tumbling over.

The Details : 2-7 players | Ages 7+ | 1.75 x 4 x 8.5 inches

Briarpatch I Spy Travel Card Game

Why We Love It: This game is a quiet option to play on the plane.

What to Consider: The game is somewhat solitary; not the best for groups of kids.

The travel-sized version of the classic I Spy children’s book provides endless hours of concentration and focus. The stunning visuals are entertaining in and of themselves but having to hunt for the hidden images makes it even more enjoyable. We also like that it can be played solitary and offers something relatively quiet to play while on the airplane or in other spaces where gameplay banter might not be appropriate.

The Details : 1 player or more | Ages 4+ | 0.75 x 3.75 x 5.75 inches

Taco vs. Burrito LLC Taco vs. Burrito Card Game

Why We Love It: This game was created by a kid for other kids.

What to Consider: The instructions on some cards are a little confusing.

Cheeky graphic-focused card games have become pretty popular over the past few years, but we’re still major fans of Taco vs. Burrito. It’s worth noting that the colorful (and super successful) card game was created by a seven-year-old boy with other kids in mind, but it’s just as fun for adults. The basic gameplay is easy to learn and games can be played within 15 minutes — but the action cards are quick to spice things up and add a strategic layer to the game.

The Details : 2-4 players | Ages 6+ | 15 minutes | 7 x 5 x 2 inches

Tricky Riddles for Smart Kids: 333 Difficult But Fun Riddles And Brain Teasers For Kids And Families

Why We Love It: This pack of riddles creates conversation and fosters further curiosity.

What to Consider: There are only about 300 riddles, so the deck might eventually become repetitive.

Kids who love brain teasers will get a kick out of this colorful collection of riddles designed to stump and foster curiosity. The deck is small and easy to transport (it’s about the size of a novel), but it’s packed with hundreds of riddles for kids to work through. The only thing we don’t love is that, while the deck does include lots of options, kids who are keen to work through one after another may deplete them rather quickly.

The Details : 1 player or more | 8-12 | 6 x 0.3 x 9 inches

Tips for Buying Travel-sized Games

Factor in the needed space.

You’ll want to consider the space required for your chosen game(s) and decide how much luggage space you’re able to offer up. This is where miniature grab-and-go board games and card games will come in handy. Prioritizing card games and smaller games that don’t require a board means you can more easily play your games on the move. If you need a table or flat surface for your game, playing while seated at the terminal or on a train may not be practical.

Figure out the game time

You’ll want an idea of how much time a game takes before deciding to pack it. Card games tend to be faster-paced than board games, and most can be completed in 15-30 minutes. Board games and party games can last a lot longer, continuing for up to two hours in certain cases. This can be great for lazy days at the hotel or Airbnb, but might not be the most practical for passing time at the train station.

Consider player ages

Think of the ages of the players you anticipate sharing games with. If you’re planning a backpacking trip and plan to spend time playing games at your hostel, you’ll probably be safe with just about any card or board game. If you’re meeting up with your family for a vacation, you might want to choose games that are suitable for all ages. Note that some games can be altered to be more PG by removing certain cards or phrases, but it’s best to double-check to ensure everyone in your group can participate.

What games are ideal for traveling?

The right games for your travels will greatly depend on what kind of travel you’re doing (road trip games vary greatly from late-night adult-only games, for example). But, no matter what style of travel you’re up to, you’ll want to look for games that are small enough to easily fit in your luggage without being imposing. Opt for games that don’t have many loose pieces or take up too much space when in use. Card games are your best bet if you anticipate playing on the road frequently, but travel-sized board games can also work (especially if they come in a magnetic format).

Are there travel-sized board games?

Yes! There are plenty of travel-sized board games available and many come with their own carrying case or magnetic material that further simplifies the overall travel experience. You won’t find every single board game available in a travel size, but you’ll definitely be able to find the classics from Hasbro like Clue , Monopoly , and more .

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Travel + Leisure contributor Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and former lifestyle editor as well as her own research to curate a list of the best travel-sized games available.

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COMMENTS

  1. The best Travel Board Games 2022

    5. Dice Academy. Few travel games are more portable than a handful of dice. If you can find room for ten dice in your bag, you can play Dice Academy wherever your travels take you. Our smallest travel game on the list is also one of the best quick-playing board games out there.

  2. The best board games for travel-lovers

    You can jump ahead to make sure you don't get blocked from an activity but if you do, you'll be stuck for a while. Despite the tricky decisions to make, this is a zen-like game with stunning watercolor-style artwork in a minimalist white aesthetic. Designed by Antoine Bauza; 2-5 players; 45 minutes; Age: 8+; Buy it on Amazon.

  3. 17 Epic Travel-Themed Board Games & Card Games For Your Next Game Night

    The Greatest Travel-Themed Board Games for Families. Monopoly Here and Now: The World Edition. Ticket To Ride. Passport To Culture. Continent Race Board Game. Trekking The National Parks. Catan Board Game. Carcassonne Board Game. Pandemic Board Game.

  4. 17 Travel-Themed Board Games for When You're Stuck at Home

    Also available: Tokaido: Crossroads and Tokaido: Matsuri. 11. Passport to Culture. As far as travel-themed board games go, this one is pretty straightforward. In Passport to Culture you travel around the world testing your knowledge of different cultures, food & drink, customs and traditions, greetings, etc.

  5. 20 Best Board Games for Travel for 2024 (+ Card Games!)

    1. Monopoly Deal Card Game. Monopoly is one of the most popular classic travel games you can enjoy with 2 to 5 players, but this is the portable version. It'll keep you entertained for hours, whether at home or on the road. Collect three complete property sets of varying colours with the cards, and you're the winner.

  6. Tokaido

    Reimplemented By. Namiji Namiji: Deluxe Edition Tokaido Duo. In Tokaido, each player is a traveler crossing the "East sea road", one of the most magnificent roads of Japan. While traveling, you will meet people, taste fine meals, collect beautiful items, discover great panoramas, and visit temples and wild places but at the end of the day, when ...

  7. The 40 Best Board Games and Card Games [Travel Versions]

    The magic is made when the card matches the mantra and players race to be the first to rid themselves of all their cards. Bottom Line: For extra fun, throw a gorilla, narwhal, and groundhog into the mix in this travel-sized, super-fun, and addictive social card game. 6. Mattel Games Apples to Apples Party Box.

  8. 17 Best Travel Board Games for Adults in 2024

    17. Small Magnetic Board Travel Game Set. If you are not content with just five games in one set, then maybe this 12-in-1 Small Magnetic Board Travel Game Set is your jam. Enjoy this set of 12 exciting board games in their miniature versions while on a road trip, preparing tents for camping, or simply having a picnic.

  9. The 10 best travel board games

    Juegoal Portable Chess & Checkers Set. Sequence Folding Board Game. Bananagrams. Gamie Magnetic Board Travel Game Set. Catan Board Game Travel Edition. 1. This classic game of Scrabble with a ...

  10. The Best Travel-Themed Board Games

    Monopoly Deal. If you are a fan of the game Monopoly (or even if you kinda hate it because Monopoly is one of those games you either LOVE or HATE) this version, Monopoly Deal, is perfect to throw in your carryon or personal item. The game lasts less than 15 minutes and each hand is action-packed.

  11. The 21 Best Travel-Themed Board Games

    5 Suitcase Mats. 4 "Most Souvenir" Tiles. 12 Journey Cards. 75 Trek Cards. 10 Region Bonus Tokens. 5 Player Aid Cards. 1 Score Pad. Trekking The World is one of the most popular and highly rated travel-themed board games on Amazon. This is one of the few board games about traveling the world.

  12. The 25 Best Travel Board Games (You can Play at Home)

    Number of Players: 2-4. Included: Travel bag, 4 trays, and 106 tiles. Rummikub is one of the most popular board games. Now it is travel size and includes a travel bag, making it easy to throw in your carry-on. This game is easy to learn, quick to play and requires some skill, and a little luck.

  13. 41 Best Travel Games 2024: Tried & Tested

    Catan is a game of strategy, cooperation, and skill, but you still need the roll of the dice to go your way. It's also the original "gamers game" and helped kick off the whole board game phenomenon we have today. Players: 3-4. Expect: tense strategy. Game Time: 60 minutes. Size & Weight: 11.6 x 9.5 x 3 inches, 2 pounds. Rules: Read here ...

  14. 10 Best Travel Board Games: Travel-Sized Options

    10. Take 'N' Play Anywhere Checkers. Checkers is a good game to play while in transit. It involves a lot of engagement, but it's not quite as demanding as chess. If you're a traveling checkers fan, check out the Take 'N' Play Anywhere Checkers. It is arguably the top iteration of travel checkers' board games.

  15. The 13 Best Travel Board Games You Can Play Anywhere (Even ...

    6.8 on BGG. Buy on Amazon. Note: Similo comes in several themed packs, which can be mixed and matched for more variety and difficulty. In addition to Similo History, there's also: Similo Myths. Similo Fables. Similo Animals. Similo Wild Animals. Similo Harry Potter.

  16. 10 of the Best Travel Board Games to Take on Holiday

    7 Wonders Duel . 7 Wonders Dual has to be one of my favourite two-player games. The original 7 Wonders is one of our fave family games to play at home, so it was great to discover a two-player version to take on our travels, as it comes in a travel-friendly small box.. 7 Wonders: Duel is resource-based game played over three 'ages', just like the original, but with subtle variations that ...

  17. The 14 Best Travel Board Games

    4) Magnetic Chess Travel Set. Chess is growing in popularity again thanks to The Queen's Gambit so now is the time to brush up on those skills. This is a classic when it comes to board games and when it comes to helping the time pass by. The board and pieces are magnetic so your king or queen won't go flying if you hit a spot of turbulence.

  18. Top 10 Travel games

    7. Timeline: Events. The little cards help this in travel scenarios, although Id like them full sized to be honest. 8. Herbaceous. Like fluxx this takes up a bit more table space than most on this list, but still qualifies. Unlike fluxx its devastatingly pretty, and you can actually plan...

  19. 25 Epic Travel Board Games for 2024 -Perfect for all kinds of trips

    9. Catan Dice Game. Number of players: 1-4 players Board Game Geek Rating: 6.8 Details: Read More Here! Catan Dice Game is very similar to the larger popular Catan Game. In fact, it was of the two board games for travelers that we took on our first backpacking trip. The game is extremely compact and a lot of fun.

  20. 27 Best Travel Games for everyone

    Board games are a great way to spend meaningful time with family and friends, especially when traveling. We've assembled a list of the 27 Best Travel Games for 2023 and beyond including several new travel games, fun travel games for kids, travel-sized games, travel games for teens, the best travel games for adults, and some throwbacks to the classic games to play when traveling.

  21. The 27 Best Travel-sized Games of 2024

    Catan Studio Catan Board Game. Amazon. View On Amazon $44 View On Target $44 View On Walmart $40. Why We Love It: This modern classic is a fan favorite — and, although layered, it's easy to ...

  22. Best Travel Games

    Latina Nakita. Micropul is so compact and small, you could not ask for a better travel game. If you need a heavy duty or waterproof version then laminate the tiles. So light weight , and compact. My husband wears surf shorts with pockets all the time and he usually has a copy in his pocket.

  23. 2024 Hong Kong Snooker All-Star Challenge

    The 2024 Hong Kong Snooker All-Star Challenge features a star-studded line-up, including snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan. Snooker enthusiasts can witness some of the game's greatest players showcasing their skills in the competition.

  24. Tourist

    Players will take turns choosing a card from the 4 face up cards. from there they may play any amount of cards one at a time and take the actions on them. The game ends when the last Tourist meeple is placed on a players board. The winner is the player with the highest Vacation Points from their Postcard Point Board!

  25. George Washington vs. Saint Joseph's 3/20/24

    Stream the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Game George Washington vs. Saint Joseph's live from ESPN+ on Watch ESPN. Live stream on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.