10 Must-Have Travel Board Games: Unlock Epic Adventures on the Go!
Traveling is an amazing way to explore new places and meet new people. The best travel board games can make your trips more enjoyable by providing entertainment during long waits, flights, or cozy evenings in your hotel. They are compact and portable, designed specifically to fit in your luggage without taking up much space or adding weight.
When choosing a travel board game, there are a few important things to consider. Size is crucial since you don’t want something too big that will be hard to pack. Weight is another factor; lighter games are easier to carry around. Also, think about the number of players and the game’s duration. Some games are quick and perfect for short breaks, while others last longer and are better for extended downtime.
These factors affect how enjoyable your travel experience will be with these games. Whether traveling solo or with friends and family, having the right travel board game can add a lot of fun to your journey.
Contents
- Best Travel Board Games
- Battleship Grab and Go Game (Travel Size)
- Sorry! Classic Road Trip Travel Edition
- Guess Who? Disney Princess Edition
- Travel Games Hangman
- DOODLE HEIST
- Point Games Mancala
- Zhanmai Wooden Triangle Peg Game
- GiiKER Super Blocks
- Yahtzee Travel Edition
- Scrabble To Go
- Travel Version of Sequence
- Buying Guide
- Portability
- Length of Play
- Number of Players
- Durability
- Engagement Level
- Replay Value
- Ease of Learning
- More Travel Guides
Best Travel Board Games
Looking for the best travel board games to take on your next adventure? Check out our top picks to keep everyone entertained on the go.
Battleship Grab and Go Game (Travel Size)
If you want a compact, travel-friendly version of a classic game, this Battleship game is a great pick.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Easy to store
- Classic gameplay
Cons
- Small pegs can be hard to handle
- Difficult to read letters and numbers
- Not durable for rough play
You can take this game anywhere. The small size makes it super easy to pack in your bag. It’s perfect if you need to entertain yourself or the kids during trips. Plus, the game units snap together, so you won’t lose the pieces.
The classic gameplay hasn’t changed. You still get the fun and strategy of the original Battleship. You can track your shots with red and white pegs and enjoy sinking your opponent’s ships. This mini version offers the same thrill, just in travel size.
There are a few downsides though. The tiny pegs can be tricky to pick up and place. Also, the numbers and letters on the grid can be hard to read. Kids might find this a bit frustrating. Still, for a portable game, it does the job well as long as you’re careful with it.
Sorry! Classic Road Trip Travel Edition
Great for traveling families, but be prepared for a few trade-offs.
Pros
- Easy to pause and continue later
- Sturdy construction
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Plastic hinges may not last long
- Takes up more space than expected
- Can be a bit confusing to set up initially
Sorry! is a classic game we all love, and this travel version makes it easier to bring that fun on the road. You’ll appreciate how the game is designed to keep everything in place, so you don’t lose pieces during bumpy rides or sudden stops. The case itself is sturdy and compact, making it simple to toss into your car or bag.
One cool feature is how you can pause the game mid-play. If someone needs a break, just close it up and pick right back up from where you left off when you’re ready. It’s fantastic for long road trips where you don’t want to play continuously.
That said, it’s not perfect. The game is made of plastic, which might not last long if your kids are tough on toys. Also, it takes up more space in your suitcase than you’d expect for something labeled as ‘travel-sized.’ Plus, the initial setup can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re used to the classic board game version. But if you’re a fan of Sorry!, it’ll likely be worth it.
Guess Who? Disney Princess Edition
This delightful Disney Princess edition of Guess Who? offers a magical twist on a classic game that’s perfect for travel.
Pros
- Compact and easy to travel with
- Features beloved Disney characters
- Simple and engaging gameplay
Cons
- Limited character variety
- Quality of materials could be better
- Setup can be awkward
If you love Disney Princesses and enjoy guessing games, this one’s a fun choice. You get classic Guess Who? gameplay with a twist, featuring characters like Ariel, Belle, and even villains. Because it’s so portable, it’s great for plane rides or long car trips.
Kiddos as young as five can play, making it a good fit for family vacations. The fold-up cases are handy, though they could be sturdier. Don’t expect top-notch materials, but it does the job for casual play.
Sure, you only get two sets of characters which is a bit limiting, but it’s worth it if your kids are Disney fans. And it’s an easy way to keep them entertained without screens. How about adding a bit of magic to your next trip?
Travel Games Hangman
A superb choice for entertaining kids during travel, keeping them engaged and happy.
Pros
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Strong magnets keep pieces in place
- Encourages family interaction
Cons
- Some pieces might feel flimsy
- Limited to one type of game
- Requires supervision for younger kids
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to keep your kids occupied during those long trips, the Travel Games Hangman is a solid option. The compact size makes it easy to pack and carry, perfect for car rides or airplane journeys. The magnetic pieces are a lifesaver, ensuring nothing gets lost under the seat or between furniture.
Kids will love the thrill of guessing the word before the hangman is complete, and parents will appreciate the interactive play. This game isn’t just for passing time—it has the added benefit of boosting your child’s imagination and thinking skills. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bond as a family while you’re on the go.
That said, the materials might not feel super sturdy, but for the price, it does the job well. Additionally, it’s more suitable for kids who have started understanding letters and words, so you might need to provide guidance for younger ones. Despite these minor hiccups, it offers a lot of value and joy for your little travelers.
DOODLE HEIST
Grand choice for fast, fun, and family-friendly board game nights.
Pros
- Easy and quick to learn
- Highly engaging and competitive
- Great for team play
Cons
- Might be too simple for older teens
- Requires good drawing skills
- Limited replay value if played too often
If you enjoy games that make everyone laugh and shout, DOODLE HEIST is perfect for you. The game blends drawing and guessing, keeping everyone on their toes. It’s like Pictionary on steroids!
Divide into teams, pick an artist, and let the doodling begin. Each team races to guess their artist’s drawing while keeping an eye on the other team. The twist of being able to steal the other team’s points adds a lot of excitement.
The game includes 500 cards, ensuring a variety of challenges. It’s easy to set up, making it a good choice for spontaneous game nights. Young players aged 10+ should have no trouble jumping in, so it’s a great family game too.
Point Games Mancala
Great for a mix of fun and learning on the go.
Pros
- Promotes strategic thinking
- Sturdy and attractive design
- Comes with beautiful marbles
Cons
- Pockets are a bit small
- Hinges can be misaligned
- Marbles might be too large
If you’re looking for a travel game that’s both fun and educational, Point Games Mancala could be a great pick. This classic game helps build math, logic, and planning skills while also delivering hours of entertainment. The solid pine board and bright marble stones make it a visually appealing set that’s sure to catch the eye of anyone you’re playing with.
One of the best things about this Mancala game is its foldable design, making it easy to pack up and take with you wherever the road leads. Whether you’re off on a weekend trip or just visiting family, pulling out this game can be a great way to gather everyone around and engage in a bit of friendly competition.
On the flip side, there are some practical issues. The pockets for the marbles can be too shallow, which makes it a little tricky to grab the stones. Additionally, the hinges on the game board might not align perfectly, which could be a minor annoyance. Despite these small drawbacks, the quality and fun this game brings make it worth considering.
Enjoy reconnecting with others in a screen-free way and make those travel moments count with Point Games Mancala.
Zhanmai Wooden Triangle Peg Game
This is a solid travel game that’s perfect for keeping minds active and engaged on the road.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Great for strategic thinking
- Durable build with quality materials
Cons
- Pegs can be small and easy to lose
- Wooden board might feel a bit thin
- Limited to two colors for pegs
Traveling can often mean long waits and longer commutes, but the Zhanmai Wooden Triangle Peg Game offers a clever solution. These compact games are perfect for a bit of on-the-go fun. Just toss one in your bag and you’re set for hours.
This game’s main charm is its simplicity. The smooth wooden board and colorful pegs make it visually appealing, and it’s also highly engaging. A quick game can be a good break from screens, giving minds a refreshing workout. Plus, it’s a delightful challenge for adults and teens alike, making it a rare gem among travel games.
One minor quibble might be that the pegs are a bit tiny, so keep an eye on them. While the wood could be sturdier, it’s still functional for casual play. If you’re looking for a mix of fun and mental exercise, this game is a great pick.
GiiKER Super Blocks
Perfect for keeping young minds active and away from screens during travel.
Pros
- Mind-challenging puzzles
- Portable and easy to carry
- Unique gift idea
Cons
- Needs a separate case for pieces
- Initial setup can be tricky
- Limited replay value once all challenges are completed
This pocket-sized game is great for kids and teens who enjoy brain teasers. It offers over 1,000 challenges, keeping players entertained for hours. You won’t need to worry about screen time because this game is perfect for taking a break from electronics.
The game’s compact size makes it ideal for travel. Whether you’re on a long car ride or stuck indoors on a rainy day, it fits easily in your bag. Plus, it helps build important skills like reasoning and planning.
Buying a separate case is a good idea to keep all the pieces together. Some users mentioned that the setup can be a bit challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.
Yahtzee Travel Edition
Perfect for a compact, easy-to-pack game that promises lots of fun on your trips.
Pros
- Very portable and easy to pack
- Simple to learn and play
- High-quality materials and design
Cons
- The dice can be easy to lose
- Requires a flat surface to play properly
- Suitable mainly for small groups
If you’re looking for a game that’s simple to learn but offers plenty of replay value, Yahtzee Travel Edition is a great pick. The sleek shaker not only looks good, but also doubles as a storage case, which saves space in your travel bag.
With 13 turns to score your best combos, you’ll quickly find yourself fully engaged in strategy and luck. Whether you’re aiming for a full house or risking it all for a Yahtzee, each game feels unique yet familiar. It’s perfect for long car rides, flights, or just a relaxed evening at the hotel.
Even if you’ve never played Yahtzee before, you’ll find the game easy to pick up and addictive. The quality of the dice and scorecards ensures that it’ll last through many trips. The only challenge might be managing to keep track of those small dice during your adventures.
Scrabble To Go
Perfect for word game lovers on the move, this travel version of Scrabble is both convenient and fun.
Pros
- Components pack neatly into a zippered case
- Tiles stay in place during travel
- Easily pause and resume games
Cons
- Board size might be larger than expected
- Tile racks can be a bit tricky to manage
- Might be heavy to carry for some travelers
Scrabble To Go is a great choice if you love word games and need something compact for your travels. The special feature of the tiles snapping into place ensures your game won’t get disrupted by any bumps on the road. This is super handy when you’re on a plane, train, or in a car.
One thing that stands out is how easy it is to pause and resume your game. You can secure your tiles and pack everything up without losing your progress. It’s a thoughtful touch for those long trips where you might need to take breaks.
The folding gameboard with storage areas for the tile racks is a smart design. Everything has its place, which keeps the game organized and easy to find. Just make sure you have enough space in your travel bag, as it might take up more room than you anticipate. Happy traveling and happy playing!
Travel Version of Sequence
A must-have for fans of the classic Sequence game, perfect for travel.
Pros
- Compact size makes it travel-friendly
- Simple rules and quick to learn
- Engaging for all ages
Cons
- Not as many cards as the full-size version
- Instructions may be confusing
- Some players might miss the original game’s tokens
This travel version of Sequence, brought to you by Goliath, is a fantastic addition to your travel bag. The game is easy to learn, which makes it perfect for relaxing on rainy days or during long trips. You can play it with just 2 players or up to 4, which adds to its versatility.
Though the game is compact, it’s still engaging. You play it by placing pegs in a row, which is both fun and challenging. And remember, the wild Jacks can change the game at any moment. The pegs are a clever replacement for the original tokens, preventing pieces from getting lost during your travels.
The downside is the number of cards, which can leave some fans of the original a bit disappointed. Additionally, some players have found the instructions a bit misleading. Despite this, the game remains a delightful travel companion for anyone who enjoys strategy and a bit of luck.
Buying Guide
When picking the best travel board game, here are some key things you should consider:
Portability
You want a game that’s small and easy to pack. Look for compact boxes or sets that can fit in your bag. Think about weight too – lighter is usually better.
Length of Play
Choose games that match the time you and your travel buddies have. Quick games are great for short waits. Longer games are better for extended downtime.
Play Time | Ideal Situation |
---|---|
Under 30 mins | Waiting in line |
30 mins – 1 hour | Flight/Train ride |
Over 1 hour | Rainy days indoors |
Number of Players
Consider how many people will be playing. If you’re traveling alone, solo games are a must. For groups, look for games that support more players.
Durability
Travel can be rough on your stuff. Pick games made from sturdy materials that can stand up to being tossed in a bag and played on surfaces like airplane trays or park benches.
Engagement Level
Make sure the game keeps everyone entertained. Complex strategy games can be a hit, but make sure they don’t require too much setup or explanation.
Replay Value
It’s good to have a game you can play over and over without getting bored. Look for ones with varying setups, lots of cards, or different strategies.
Ease of Learning
Quick and easy rules are best when you’re on the go. You don’t want to spend too much time reading instructions – get straight to the fun!
Quincy
Hey there, fellow travelers! I’m always on the lookout for ways to make those long layovers and quiet evenings in hotels more fun. This list of travel board games caught my eye – I’m a huge Catan fan, but it’s not exactly backpack-friendly. Has anyone tried any of these compact versions? I’m especially curious about how they hold up during bumpy train rides or if the pieces go flying everywhere. And while we’re on the topic, what’s your go-to activity for killing time at the airport? I usually end up people-watching, but maybe I should step up my game (pun intended). Any recommendations for 2-player games that won’t break the bank or my luggage weight limit?