Going on vacation? Here are the Best Travel Board Games to Take with You

As much as we adore our sprawling collection of board games, lugging a giant box through an airport, or packing into the backseat of a car isn’t always practical. Going on vacation? Here are the best travel board games to take with you!

Take Heart: Pack Smart

That prime real estate in your bag is better used for, well, anything else. But what about those smaller, more unassuming games? Now we are on to something not only possible but a good idea.

It turns out, people who love games also love playing them everywhere—from a hotel lobby to a campsite. The most convenient travel board games are compact, easy to learn, and don’t take an eternity to play. So, with that in mind, here is a list of the best in travel board games.

Why Travel-Sized Games Are a Must-Have

Picture this: you’re on a long flight, the Wi-Fi is spotty, and you are weary of staring at a screen. Or maybe you’re on a road trip, and the “I Spy” game has run its course.

This is where a good travel board game can save the day. They are designed to be played on tray tables, in hotel rooms, or even on a sandy beach. Plus, travel board games are a great way to interact with your companions instead of mindlessly scrolling through your phones. It’s about making memories, one tiny box at a time.

Here are the Best Travel Board Games to Take with You

Here are some current favorites that pack a surprising amount of fun into a small package.

Chartae

If you’re looking for a two-player game that’s both beautiful and brainy, Chartae is a fantastic choice. With just nine tiles, you and your opponent compete as cartographers to create the largest land or water mass. It’s a “micro-game” in the truest sense – the perfect little puzzle for a quiet moment.

Viking See-Saw

For those who enjoy a bit of pillaging, Viking See-Saw is a dexterity game that is Jenga on a seesaw. You take turns adding various objects—rolling balls, heavy metal cubes—to the high end of a teetering Viking ship. If you cause it to tip, you have to take a piece. If you knock everything over, you get to enjoy the laughter of your friends. It’s pure, delightful madness in a tiny box.

Ito

If you need a party game that gets everyone talking, Ito is your new best friend. It’s a cooperative game where players try to rank their secret number cards (from 1 to 100) in order. The catch? You can only communicate your card’s value with a clue based on a given topic. If the topic is “Things You Want to Take a Picture Of,” a 12 might be “a blank wall,” while an 87 could be “the Grand Canyon.” It’s hilarious, addictive, and perfect for larger groups.

Hive

What’s the best game to play at the beach? Hive consists of a bag of heavy plastic tiles that you can play right on the sand. It is a two-player abstract strategy game, often compared to chess, where you use insects with unique abilities to surround your opponent’s queen bee. This is one of the highest-rated abstract games ever, and for good reason.

Azul Mini

It may feel like an obvious choice, but Azul Mini deserves a spot on the list. The wildly popular tile-drafting game is now available in a more affordable and portable version. It includes smart design improvements, like grooves to hold your tiles in place. It comes with a travel bag, making it ideal for any trip where you want a bit of strategy without the bulk in your luggage.

What Makes a Great Travel Board Game?

When you are picking out travel board games, a few key things make a massive difference. First, portability. A game isn’t travel-friendly if it cannot fit in your bag. Look for compact boxes or games that come in their own travel cases.

Next, think about setup and play time. You do not want to spend half your vacation reading a rulebook. The best travel games are quick to learn and play, so you can launch into the fun without missing out on other activities or losing someone to their phone. Travel board games should be interactive for everyone!

Finally, consider the components. Games with fewer, more durable pieces are ideal. Magnetic boards, snap-in pieces, or games with just a deck of cards are all solid choices. The last thing you want is to lose a crucial game piece under a hotel bed or, even worse, on a sandy beach.

So with careful planning, taking time to strategically pack, and focusing on making memories, you can enjoy a fabulous strip away from screens and notifications!