Planning a trip? Don't forget the entertainment! This list highlights the 31 best travel-sized games perfect for on-the-go fun. From card games to mini board games, discover compact options to stave off boredom during flights, train rides, or hotel downtime. This curated collection focuses on portable entertainment and travel-friendly options for all ages, making it a must-read before your 2024 adventures.
Card Games That Pack a Punch
Card games are the champions of portability. They require minimal space and offer maximum replayability. Here are some top picks:
Game Title |
Number of Players |
Approximate Playtime |
Why It's Great for Travel |
|---|
Sushi Go! |
2-5 |
15 minutes |
Fast-paced, easy to learn, and perfect for quick games on the go. |
Love Letter |
2-4 |
5-10 minutes |
Incredibly compact and quick to play. Great for filling those unexpected gaps in your travel itinerary. |
Hanabi |
2-5 |
25 minutes |
A cooperative game that requires teamwork and communication. A great way to bond with travel companions. |
UNO |
2-10 |
20 minutes |
A classic for a reason! Simple rules and endless fun for all ages. |
Exploding Kittens |
2-5 |
15 minutes |
Hilarious and unpredictable, perfect for lightening the mood after a long day of travel. |
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine |
2-5 |
20 minutes |
A cooperative trick-taking game with a compelling narrative campaign. |
Cockroach Poker |
2-6 |
20 minutes |
Bluffing and deduction game; small and easy to learn. |
Roll the Dice on Fun
Dice games provide a unique blend of luck and strategy. They're engaging, portable, and often surprisingly addictive:
Game Title |
Number of Players |
Approximate Playtime |
Why It's Great for Travel |
|---|
Yahtzee |
1+ |
30 minutes |
A classic dice game that can be played solo or with a group. |
Qwixx |
2-5 |
15 minutes |
Simple and quick dice-rolling game that keeps everyone engaged. |
Roll to the Top! |
1-4 |
20 minutes |
A strategic dice-placement game with a small footprint. |
Zombie Dice |
2+ |
10-20 minutes |
Fast, easy, and silly dice game about eating brains! |
Pocket-Sized Puzzles and Logic Games
For solo travelers or those who enjoy a mental challenge, these puzzle and logic games are ideal:
Game Title |
Number of Players |
Approximate Playtime |
Why It's Great for Travel |
|---|
Rush Hour |
1 |
Varies |
A classic sliding block puzzle that can keep you entertained for hours. |
Chocolate Fix |
1 |
Varies |
A delicious logic puzzle game, perfect for kids and adults. |
Kanoodle |
1 |
Varies |
A compact puzzle with a variety of challenges to test your spatial reasoning. |
Set |
1+ |
20 minutes |
Fast-paced pattern recognition game that's great for sharpening your mind. |
Ubongo |
1-4 |
20 minutes |
Tetris-like puzzle that can be played alone or competitively. |
IQ Puzzler Pro |
1 |
Varies |
120 challenges; portable and brain bending. |
Miniature Board Games for Big Adventures
Don't underestimate the power of a well-designed miniature board game. These games offer strategic depth in a compact package:
Game Title |
Number of Players |
Approximate Playtime |
Why It's Great for Travel |
|---|
Carcassonne: Pocket |
2-5 |
30-45 minutes |
A travel-friendly version of the classic tile-laying game. |
Ticket to Ride: New York |
2-4 |
15 minutes |
A streamlined version of Ticket to Ride that's perfect for shorter games. |
Patchwork |
2 |
15-30 minutes |
A clever tile-laying game for two players. |
Jaipur |
2 |
30 minutes |
A fast-paced card game of trading and set collection. |
Lost Cities |
2 |
30 minutes |
A card game of exploration and strategic card placement. |
Tiny Epic Galaxies |
1-5 |
30-60 minutes |
A surprisingly complex strategy game in a tiny box. |
Sprawlopolis |
1-4 |
15-20 minutes |
A cooperative city-building game with a challenging twist. |
Creative and Storytelling Games
Unleash your imagination with these games that encourage creativity and storytelling:
Game Title |
Number of Players |
Approximate Playtime |
Why It's Great for Travel |
|---|
Dixit |
3-6 |
30 minutes |
A visually stunning game of storytelling and interpretation. (Consider bringing only a selection of cards for travel.) |
Rory's Story Cubes |
1+ |
Varies |
A set of dice with images that can be used to create spontaneous stories. |
Telestrations: Party Pack (Travel with just the notepads) |
4-8 |
30 minutes |
A hilarious game of telephone using drawings and words. |
Other Great Travel Games
A few more recommendations that defy easy categorization:
Game Title |
Number of Players |
Approximate Playtime |
Why It's Great for Travel |
|---|
Bananagrams |
1-8 |
15 minutes |
A fast-paced word game that requires no board. |
Dobble (Spot It!) |
2-8 |
15 minutes |
A simple pattern recognition game that's fun for all ages. |
Codenames Duet |
2 |
15-30 minutes |
A cooperative word association game for two players. |
Kingdomino Duel |
2 |
20 minutes |
A two-player adaptation of the popular Kingdomino game. |
With this diverse selection of travel-sized games, you'll be well-equipped to conquer any boredom that comes your way. Remember to consider your personal preferences and the number of players when making your selections. Happy travels, and happy gaming!
