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.
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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
- Recommended Age: 10 years old and up
- Number of Players: 2-6
- Included:
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.
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.
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.
Related Post: 15 Travel Games for Toddlers
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.
Rummikub
- Recommended Age: 8 years old and up
- 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.
Qwirkle Travel Board Game
- Recommended Age: 5 years old and up
- Number of Players: 2+
- 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.
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!
UNO Flip
- Recommended Age: 7 years old and up
- Number of Players: 2+
- 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.
Taco vs Burrito Game
- Recommended Age: 7 years old and up
- 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,
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Catan Dice Game
- Recommended Age: 10 years old and up
- 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.
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Phase 10 Card Game
- Recommended Age: 8 years old and up
- 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.
Loaded Questions On The Go
- Recommended Age: 8 years old and up
- Number of Players: 4 – 6
- 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.
Clue Card Game
- Recommended Age: 8 years old and up
- 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?
Pictionary Card Game
- Recommended Age: 5 years old and up
- 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.
Jenga
- Recommended Age: 6 years old and up
- Number of Players: 2+
- 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.
Yahtzee to Go
- Recommended Age: 10 years old and up
- Number of Players: 2+
- 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.
What Do You Meme? Family Edition
- Recommended Age: 8 years old and up
- Number of Players: 3+
- 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.
Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets
- Recommended Age: 7 years old and up
- Number of Players: 4 – 6
- 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.
Lost Cities Card Game
- Recommended Age: 10 years old and up
- 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.
Apples to Apples: Marvel Edition
- Recommended Age: 12 years old and up
- Number of Players: 4-8
- Included:
Apples to Apples is a popular game, so Marvel lovers will appreciate the new Apples to Apples: Marvel Edition.
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
- Recommended Age: 2 – 8 years old
- Number of Players: 2+
- 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.
Countries of The World Travel Game
- Recommended Age: 7 years old and up
- Number of Players: 1+
- 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.
Connect 4 Grab and Go
- Recommended Age: 6 years old and up
- 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.
Travel Scavenger Hunt
- Recommended Age: 4 years old and up
- Number of Players: 2+
- 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
- Recommended Age: 3 years old and up
- Number of Players: 2+
- 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.
World of Disney: Eye Found It Card Game
- Recommended Age: 3 years old and up
- Number of Players: 2+
- 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!
Apples to Apples: Disney Edition
- Recommended Age: 6 years old and up
- Number of Players: 4-8
- 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.
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
