Whether you’re road-tripping around New Zealand, heading off on a trip overseas or just trying to survive a trip with the kids, travel games are the perfect solution to keeping everyone entertained. Compact, quick to learn, and easy to pack, these games prove you don’t need a giant box to have a great game night.
From fast-paced card games to clever strategy titles that fit in your backpack, here are some of my favourite board games on the go.
Why Travel Games Are So Popular
Travel-friendly games are designed with convenience in mind. Most come in compact boxes or tins, take only a few minutes to set up, and can be played almost anywhere; airport lounges, cafés, campgrounds, hotel rooms, or even the back seat of the car.
The best travel games are:
- Small enough to throw in a bag
- Easy to learn quickly
- Fast to play
- Fun for both kids and adults
- Great for 2 players or groups
They’re also perfect for spontaneous game nights and screen-free entertainment while travelling or even playing during your lunch break at work!
Fast, Funny & Easy to Pack
Card games are some of the best travel companion games because they are lightweight, portable and quick to play.
Games like Exploding Kittens, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and Dutch Blitz are ideal for family holidays and casual gaming with friends. They are easy to teach in minutes and bring plenty of laughs while taking up little space in your bag.
If you’re after something a little bit more strategic, games like Sushi Go!, Love Letter, and Ulterior Design deliver big gameplay in tiny boxes!
Compact Strategy Games Worth Packing
Travel games don’t have to be simple, some compact games offer deep strategy while still fitting neatly into your bag!
Games like Hive Pocket, Jaipur, and Dumb Questions To Ask Your Partner are fantastic for couples or competitive players who want more thoughtful gameplay while travelling. These games are easy to set up on a café table or during downtime at the campsite, and many are designed specifically for two players.
Magnetic travel chess and travel-sized classics are also timeless options for road trips and holidays.
The Best Family Travel Games
Off on a trip with the kids? A good travel game can turn waiting time into quality family fun time!
Games with quick rounds, simple rules and minimal pieces such as Spot It!, Herd Mentality, and travel editions of classic games like scrabble are great options for taking on family trips or even as quick distractions when you're out and about.
Cooperative games can also be great while travelling to encourage teamwork instead of competition when you want to keep the arguing to a minimum. Games like Glimstone Grab, Dixit Kids, and Rory’s Story Cubes are good options for collaborative play and interactive storytelling on the go.
Great Games for Camping & Road Trips
One of the best things about travel games is how flexible they are. Whether you’re sitting around a camp table, staying in a bach, or waiting out bad weather, a good game instantly brings people together.
Dice games, compact party games, and games that don’t need a large playing area are especially handy for camping trips. Bonus points if they come in durable tins or zippered travel cases. Games like Bananagrams, Unstable Unicorns, and Monopoly Deal are the go to games whenever my sister and I go camping together. They’re great two player games but are also awesome when more people join in.
Take Game Night with You Anywhere
Travel games make it easy to create memorable moments wherever you are. Whether you love fast card games, clever strategy games, or family-friendly favourites, there’s a perfect travel game ready to join your next adventure.
So before your next holiday, road trip, or weekend away, don’t forget to pack a game or two, you’ll be surprised how often they become the highlight of the trip.
