The 16 Best Travel Board Games for Travelling with in 2025
I love travelling but sometimes when the weather isn’t great and you have had enough of watching movies it is great to have another option and play some travel board games. Personally I love board games and have since I was a child, so I love to find a game and a few people to play that game with to pass the time.
What is great is that a lot of the most popular board games have have an option of board games for travelling, meaning that you don’t need to carry that big, heavy board game as part of your travel gear when you travel but that they have produced travel size board games that takes up less room in your bag.
What are the benefits of Playing Board Games
Board games are a lot of fun and are entertaining but there are also many benefits to playing board games. In the past year we have seen a surge in the number of people playing board games, doing jigsaws and making crafts. We can’t spend 24/7 on the computer and need time away from it doing something else.
- Board Games help exercise our brain. Many of the games involve a strategic component and we need to think about where to go next and helps with decision making and problem solving.
- Board games teach us patience. We need to remain calm to focus, and to try and win a game.
- Board games help build relationships. If you are travelling and meet new people it can be a great way to spend an evening and get to know each other. If it’s with family and friends it’s a great way to actually spend quality time with each other and it really helps keep a family close.
- Board games make us happy. While we are playing board game endorphins are released making us feel happier and more content.
- Board games help reduce stress. Many times while playing a board game, something will make us laugh, maybe it’s a move someone made or just from the talk happening while games are played. Laughter and enjoying ourselves helps to reduce stress.
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My Favourite Board Games for Travel
Travel Monopoly
Monopoly has to be my favourite game and I have spent hours playing this game and as a child I would even play it by myself!!! This monopoly travel edition is a great option as it does not take up much room in your bag and can be played anywhere.
Aim of the Game: The aim of monopoly is to buy as much property as you can and build houses and hotels on the those properties, the winner will be the last person left after the other players have become bankrupt.
Players: 2 – 4 players
Age: 8 plus
Game Time: Minimum 1 hour with 2 players
Size & Weight: 1.8 x 6.25 x 9.25 inches; 5.6 ounces
Pro’s: It’s small for fitting in your luggage and does not take up too much room.
Con’s: The board, pieces and cards are small and flimsy and it might be too small for some people to enjoy playing.
Click here check the price and read reviews on this Travel Monopoly Game
Jenga Mini Game
I admit that Jenga is not a traditional board game, but it is a game I love to play and the mini jenga set means that it’s small enough to travel with you. It only has 6 layers making it a lot smaller than classic Jenga which has 18 layers.
Aim of the game: To remove blocks from the stack without causing the stack to fall over. The loser is the person who causes the stack to fall over.
Players: 1 player plus
Age: 6 plus
Game Time: 5 – 10 minutes
Size & Weight: 1.5 x 2.52 x 7.01 inches
Pro’s: It hardly takes up any room in your bag and is the perfect travel companion.
Con’s: With only 6 layers it is very small and it might make it more tense and fun if it had a few more layers.
Click here to find out the prices and read more reviews on the Mini Jenga Game.
Top Classic Traveling Board Games
There are many classic board games out there, that have been around a long time and what is great about them is that they now have smaller travel versions that you can take anywhere. Below you will find a list of the Best Board Games for travel
Amerous 15 Inch Magnetic Travel Chess Set
Travelling chess sets are very popular to travel with and I have met many people on my travels who travel with portable chess sets. These 2 player board games are very popular, all you need to do is find 1 more person to play with.
This mini chess board is actually quite big once you unfold it so it does not feel too small when you are playing, it is also magnetic meaning that pieces will not easily slide off the board meaning it’s perfect for travel in cars, planes and any mode of transport.
It is handmade from wood and fits perfectly into the box it comes with and as it’s lightweight it can easily slip into your luggage.
With this portable chess board you do not need to compromise with the size of the pieces, the board or the quality of the material. You have the perfect travel board game.
Aim of the game: To checkmate your opponent to win the game.
Players: 2 players
Age: 6 plus
Game Time: 10 – 60 minutes
Size & Weight: 15 x 15 x 2 inches 3.24 pounds
Pro’s: It is foldable and comes with a small storage box so that you can travel anywhere with it.
Con’s: Some people have complained that the clasps have scratched tables and that the board isn’t as shiny as in the pictures.
Click here to find out the prices and read more reviews on this portable chess board.
Travel Scrabble Game
The board is very small and perfect for taking away if you don’t have much room to spare. The pieces are locked into place so you can play in the car, plane and on the go and you don’t need to be afraid of them losing their place on the board.
The tiles and rack are made from plastic and it has been commented on that this version is very small, but the pieces to stay in place and well and is perfect if you only have a little space when travelling.
Aim of the game: To have the most points after all the tiles have been used.
Players: 2 – 4 players
Age: 10 plus
Game Time: 1 hour for a 2 player game
Size & Weight: 2.94 x 2.94 x 0.62 inches; 7.8 ounces
Pro’s: A great game for all the family to play and it’s small enough to travel with and take anywhere with you.
Con’s: Overall this game has good reviews, though some have said that the quality is cheap.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on this Scrabble Travel Edition.
Rummikub Travel Game
This Rummikub travel game actually comes with full size racks and tiles but comes in a travel canvas bag. This way you don’t have to compromise your game, playing on a smaller travel size rummikub. It does take up slightly more room but if you are not using it on the go and on the plane then it is a great option. If you do want something a little smaller then you can buy the Rummikub travel tin set.
Rummikub is a very popular game and is for between 2-4 players and ages 8 plus. It is easy to learn and fast paced and involves a bit of luck and skill meaning that anyone playing can win the game. Each player needs to have played each tile in groups or runs in order to win.
Aim of the game: To be the first player to play all the times on your rack to win.
Players: 2 – 4 players
Age: 8 plus
Game Time: 20 minutes
Size & Weight: 12 x 3.5 x 4 inches; 1.54 pounds
Pro’s: It is the perfect game for travelling and comes with a bag, rack and tiles that all fit in the bag for easy storage while on the road.
Con’s: People have complained that the red and orange can be hard to distinguish and that on some tiles the red has rubbed off.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on this Goliath Rummikub Travel Game.
Best Travel Backgammon Set
This travel backgammon game is in an 11 inch case and so is small for travelling and not taking up much room. It is available in 4 different colours, brown, black, red and purple.
The travel backgammon board is made from felt and feels soft and creates a beautiful interior to this, it is quiet when rolling the dice and smooth for playing the chips during the game.
It is one of the best 2 player board games, though it is recommended for ages 13 years plus. This luxury travel backgammon set comes with board, chips, dice, shakers for dice, doubling cube and guide on how to play for those of you new to the game or those needing a refresher.
Aim of the game: To get all your checkers off the board.
Players: 2
Age: 13 plus
Game Time: 30 – 60 minutes
Size & Weight: Open 15 x 11 x 1 inches; 5 ounces
Pro’s: This game folds into a stylish box and there are places to store the dice and checkers inside too.
Con’s: Though the box and inside is quite high quality, it has been said that the hinges and latches are poor quality.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on this portable backgammon set.
Travel Yahtzee
The Yahtzee travel game is a small compact fun game for anyone over the age of 8. You can roll the dice up to 3 times on each round and then enter your score on the score card. It’s a game of luck as to how the dice roll for you.
Aim of the game: To be the player with the highest total at the end of 13 rounds.
Players: 2 or more players
Age: 8 plus
Game Time: 30 minutes
Size & Weight: 1.58 x 3.74 x 5.79 inches 6.4 ounces
Pro’s: Small game to take anywhere, everything can be stored within the shaker and it’s lots of fun.
Con’s: You need a surface to roll the dice onto, so can be quite difficult and easy to lose pieces if you are playing on a plane, bus or in a car.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on Yahtzee travel edition.
Travel Cluedo
The clue grab and go game is a smaller version of the original clue game. You have the a smaller board to play from, cards and note pad to help solve the crime of who did it, in which room and with what object.
Personally I would not want to play this game while travelling somewhere, it is not good for the plane, train or in the car. There are many small pieces and if it gets a bit bumpy then the pieces could easily get lost. It is perfect though for when you get to a place with a steady table to play.
Aim of the game: Be the first to work out who committed the crime, in which room and with what object.
Players: 3 – 6 players
Age: 8 plus
Game Time: 1 hour
Size & Weight: 1.89 x 6.26 x 9.25 inches; 5.6 ounces
Pro’s: The clue travel board game takes up very little space, meaning you can travel with it and it only takes up a small amount of space.
Con’s: The board is very small and so are the pieces so it can be quite awkward to play, it is also feels quite cheaply made and the cards can be difficult to read if you don’t have the best eyesight.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on Cluedo travel game.
Travel Qwirkle Board Game
This Quirkle travel game is great for young ones and adults too and comes with in a tough travel pouch making it perfect to travel and take anywhere with you.
All you need is a flat surface to place the tiles in this fun and easy to learn game.
Aim of the game: To be the player with the highest score once all the tiles have been played.
Players: 2 – 4 players
Age: 6 plus
Game Time: 30 – 45 minutes
Size & Weight: 5.5 x 6 x 2 inches
Pro’s: This Qwirkle travel edition is small enough to travel with and does not take up much room. A great game to travel with if you have kids.
Con’s: As you need a flat surface to play it is not really suitable for play in a car or bus, though it may be possible on a plane or train.
Click here to find out the price and read more review on Travel Qwirkle board game.
Magnetic Checkers
This magnetic checkers set is perfect for travelling, all the magnetic pieces stick to the board and it’s perfect if you want to play in the car or on a plane as you can’t lose the pieces. The board is small enough to travel with as it also folds up, without it feeling too small and uncomfortable. The pieces can be stored in the board when it’s folded. It’s a great strategy game and popular with people of all ages.
Aim of the game: To remove all your opponents pieces from the board.
Players: 2
Age: 3 plus
Game Time: 15 – 30 minutes
Size & Weight: 10.1 x 5.1 x 1.7 inches 12.8 ounces
Pro’s: This is a great option if you are travelling somewhere and want to entertain yourself on the way. The board fits perfectly on the table tray in a plane and as it’s magnetic you won’t lose the pieces if it gets knocked off the table.
Con’s: The packaging and plastic pieces do look a little cheap so it might not be ideal to give as a gift.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on this Travel Checkers set.
Travel Catan
To make this Catan Game into the Settlers of Catan Travel Edition then you need to buy the Travel Case for Catan. As a settler of Catan you need to buy land and trade with others in this tactical and strategy game. With the many variants to the game, the same game is never played twice so it’s like playing a new game every time and is one of the best strategy board games. To make it even more exciting you can buy extension to the game.
Aim of the game: To win 10 victory points and win the game.
Players: 3 – 4 players
Age: 10 plus
Game Time: 1 hour
Size & Weight: 11.63 x 9.5 x 3 inches 2 pounds
Pro’s: You can buy a travel case for this game, making it easier for you to take on your travels with you.
Con’s: There is no travel version of this game and it is quite big and bulky for travelling with. It can take a while to work out how to play it, if you have never played before.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on this Catan compact game.
The Best Travel Card Games
Card games are a great alternative to a board game, and what is even better is that some of our favourite board games now come in a card edition, meaning even with carry on we can still take our favourite amazing on our travels with us.
Monopoly Deal Travel Card Game
This is a fun and easy game to play and it’s also quick to learn the rules. If you don’t have virtually any space in your bag but love monopoly then this travel monopoly card game is perfect for you.
With this game you don’t need a board or much space, as if you need to you can just keep the cards in your hand.
Aim of the game: To collect 3 full sets of properties but be careful of deal breakers, debt collectors and forced deals.
Players: 2 – 5 players
Age: 8 plus
Game Time: with 5 players it takes 45 minutes
Size & Weight: 0.75 x 3.62 x 5.63 inches 3.84 ounces
Pro’s: A great game, takes up very little space and if you don’t have much time it also can be played quickly.
Con’s: If you love the tradition game it’s not quite the same, but equally fun.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on this Monopoly deal card game.
Travel Uno
Uno Cards is one of the most popular card games in the world, and I think everyone has probably played an uno card game. This uno travel game comes in a sturdy storage tin, making it perfect for travel. It’s very popular with all players, including young children as it’s very easy to learn and lots of fun.
It’s a great strategy game as you try to be the first to have played all the cards in your hand.
Aim of the game: To be the first player to get rid of all the cards in your hand.
Players: 2 – 4 players
Age: 7 plus
Game Time: 5 – 25 minutes
Size & Weight: 1.25 x 6.25 x 5.25 inches 5.9 ounces
Pro’s: It does not take up much space in your bag, you don’t need much room to play and it’s a lot of fun.
Con’s: The tin could be designed smaller as there is quite a bit of packaging inside the box.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on this Travel Uno Card Game.
Clue Card Game
Clue card game is a great option if you love the game clue, but don’t have the space for the travel version and you also want a quicker game. You still need to guess who did the crime, in which room and with what object using evidence cards and case file cards instead of with the traditional board. It’s a lot of fun and a lot quicker than the original board game.
Aim of the game: To guess who committed the crime, in what room and with which object.
Players: 3 – 4 players
Age: 8 plus
Game Time: 15 – 30 minutes
Size & Weight: 0.75 x 3.62 x 5.63 inches 3.85 ounces
Pro’s: It is a lot quicker to play than the original game and you need a lot less space to place it.
Con’s: It can be a little difficult for younger players to grasp and it can be over quite quickly compared to the traditional game.
Click here to find out the price and read more reviews on the card game clue.
The Best Travel Board Games for Solo Travelers
Age of Civilization
The Age of Civilization is a strategy game, designed for 1-4 players and is for ages 10 and over.
This is a card game version of the video game and the aim is to lead your people to a better future, through trade, food, research, buildings.
Players: 1 – 4 players
Age: 10 plus
Game Time: 30 – 40 minutesSize & Weight: 1.93 x 3.98 x 5.98 inches 12.3 ounces
Pro’s: It is a fun game to play and no game is the same and only takes 30-40 minutes to play.
Con’s: It can be a little confusing to learn how to play, as the instructions are not too clear and very long, but once you understand how to play it, it’s a very good game.
Click here to find out the price and to read more about Age of Civilization
Wooden Solitaire Game
This classic wooden solitaire game is designed for 1 person. As it is wooden it makes it more durable but is still lightweight and small enough to not take up much room on your travels.
It has a storage bag to make sure no pieces are lost and is great to help you relax and clear your mind.
Players: 1 Player
Age: 6 plus
Game Time: 10 – 15 minutes
Size & Weight: 1.1 x 4.4 x 4.4 inches 4.2 ounces
Pro’s: It is very durable compared to the plastic versions out there and also looks good sat on your coffee table.
Con’s: There really are no negatives to this game, apart from only one person can play it at a time.
Click here to find out more about the Vintage Wooden Solitaire Game
Have I missed any of your favourite travel games in the list above? Let me know which your think are the best games for travel in the comments below.
Check out my other Travel Gear Guides:
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- Best Travel Hair Dryer with Diffuser 2024
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