The 40 Best Travel Games For Travelers

I am a hugeeee game lover, so I thought that writing the post about the best games for travelers would be a piece of cake. Buy boy, was I wrong. It was actually quite a challenge. There are simply too many amazing games for traveling, couldn’t choose! For you, I limited myself to “only” the 40 best travel games.

If you don’t have time to go through all the 40 games I described below, check out my personal best travel games for certain categories, such as families, kids, backpackers, etc here!

Though I would really encourage you to have a look at the others on my complete list too.

Save these best games for travelers

The 40 best games for travelers (in random order)

#1 Bananagrams

I love Bananagrams. It’s fast, easy to learn, and easy to take. Plus, if you buy the large edition, you can play with up to 16 players at a time!

Though you can also buy smaller versions, these have fewer tiles so it’s lighter to carry around.

So how do you play Bananagrams?

Each player gets a certain number of tiles and when the game starts each player has to try and use all their tiles in their own crossword grid. Whoever finishes first (with words that actually exist) wins the game.

Overview

• Number of players: up to 16
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Families and scrabble-lovers
• Size: The 16-player edition is 11 x 4 x 4 inches (28 x 10 x 10 cm)
• Weight: 1.35 pounds (612 grams)

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#2 Bananagrams duel

If you’re traveling as a couple, Bananagrams duel is one of the best travel games.

The aim is the same as the regular version, except this time you’ll have to make words that are related to a certain theme (the game comes with 20 different themes, but you can always add more yourself if you want).

Overview

• Number of players: 2
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 10 min
• Best for: Families, couples, and scrabble-lovers
• Size:1.18 x 4.72 x 6.69 inches (3 x 12 x 17 cm)
• Weight: 3.21 ounces (90 grams)

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#3 Spot it!

I have mentioned this game in many of my other posts as well because I love Spot it! I honestly think it’s one of the best games for travelers of any kind. It’s fun for kids and adults.

It’s a super fast game where you have to find the matching symbol on two cards as fast as possible. You can play six different versions of the game, so you’ll have enough variations to mix it around and keep it fun. Though, I must say, after a while, you just need a break because it’s too nerve-wracking.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-8
• Age: 6+
• Playtime: 15 min
• Best for: Any traveler, adults, families, kids
• Size: 5.12 x 2.95 x 5.12 inches (13 x 7.5 x 13 cm)
• Weight: 7.4 ounces (209 grams)

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#4 Qwixx game

This is another one of my personal favorite games for travel. In fact, I gave this game to my dad for Christmas because he loves games too. And now, he and my mom always take it when they’re on a vacation together.

Each player gets a scorecard, and with each throw, they can choose which numbers and colors they want to cross out. I’m not very good at explaining it, but it comes with an easy game explanation and you’ll get the hang of it after just one round.

What I love is that they have different variants of the game (you need to buy different scoreboards for that), so you can keep mixing it around and never get bored of the game.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-5
• Age: 8+
• Playtime: 15 min
• Best for: Families and adults
• Size: 4 x 5 x 1 inches (10.1 x 12.7 x 2.5 cm)
• Weight: 3.84 ounces (109 grams)

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#5 Exploding kittens

Exploding Kittens is a fun Russian roulette kind of game. It’s played with cards that you have to use wisely to avoid the exploding kitten cards. The game has a good combination of luck and strategy which is why both kids and adults will love it.

Plus come on, exploding kittens is quite a unique name, you’ve got to love.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-5
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 15 min
• Best for: Any traveler
• Size: 4.41 x 6.38 x 1.5 inches (11.2 x 16.2 x 3.8 cm)
• Weight: 6.3 ounces (178 grams)

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#6 Boggle

Are you looking for travel games for scrabble and language lovers?

Then Boggle is another fun option which you can play alone or with as many people as you want. You simply throw the dice, set the timer, and try to make as many words possible from the letters. Whoever comes up with the most words within time wins.

Overview

• Number of players: 1- endless
• Age: 8+
• Playtime: 30 seconds
• Best for: Scrabble-lovers
• Size: 6.5 x 4.69 x 2.36 inches (16.5 x 12 x 6 cm)
• Weight: 8.9 ounces ( 252 grams)

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#7 The mind

The mind is a really interesting cooperative game. All players work together as a team. Each player gets a hand of cards and the aim is to place all the cards in the right order from the lowest to the highest. But here is the catch, you’re not allowed to talk! So you have to figure out from body language whose card needs to go first.

This is why it’s one of the best games for travelers who meet people from different countries (like backpackers) because you don’t need to speak the same language to play this game!

It sounds so easy. Or at least, that’s what I thought the first time I played it. But I’ve played this with my friends, and we sucked. We could just not complete the game. It’s still really fun to play though.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-4
• Age: 8+
• Playtime: 20 min
• Best for: Travelers who meet people from different countries
• Size: 5.3 x 3.9 x 0.9 inches (13.5 x 9.9 x 2.3 cm)
• Weight: 5 ounces (141 grams)

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#8 Magnetic travel board games

This set of twelve magnetic travel board games is perfect for people who love classic games such as chess, checkers, tic tac toe, backgammon, snakes & ladders, and solitaire.

And because the pions are magnets, it’s one of the best travel games for the car or plane.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-6
• Age: 6+
• Playtime: Depends on the game
• Best for: Families and car travelers
• Size: 9.6 x 5.5 x 3.1 inches (24.4 x 14 x 7.9 cm)
• Weight: 1.83 pounds (830 grams)

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#9 Simple deck of cards

I always travel with a deck of cards. It’s small and lightweight, and it gives you an endless list of potential games, especially when traveling. You will always learn new games or new versions of old games from other travelers.

I would advise you to buy waterproof plastic cards because they’ll last longer when traveling. (And you can use them for drinking games without worrying about them getting wet).

Overview

• Number of players: 1- endless
• Age: All
• Playtime: Anything
• Best for: Literally everyone
• Size: 3.62 x 2.68 x 0.83 inches (9.2 x 6.8 x 2.1 cm)
• Weight: 4.6 ounces (130 grams)

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#10 Catan dice game

This is probably one of the best games for travelers who love the original Settlers of Catan game. The dice game is based on the same idea, except it’s way smaller and easier to bring when traveling!

Instead of the whole board and cards, the dice version just used specific scoresheets and dice.

Overview

• Number of players: 1-4
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Catan lovers
• Size: 6.4 x 4.8 x 1 inches ( 16.2 x 12.2 x 2.5 cm)
• Weight: 4.2 ounces (119 grams)

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#11 Saboteur

Saboteur is a funny game that’s played in two teams (though you don’t know who’s in your team). Each player gets a role card (either a saboteur or a regular gnome). And they have to try and collect the most points, but the saboteurs are doing what they do best, sabotaging the game!

I think it’s a great travel game for both families and adults because it involves a bit of luck as well as strategy. Plus, the teams are mixed in each round, so you will partner up with different players.

Overview

• Number of players: 3-10
• Age: 8+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Any type of traveler
• Size: 3.75 x 4.88 x 1 inches (9.5 x 12.4 x 2.5 cm)
• Weight: 7 ounces (198 grams)

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#12 Ligretto

Ligretto is a fast and rather easy-to-learn game, which makes it a great travel game for families. But it’s also challenging enough to be fun for adults only.

The aim is to get rid of your cards as fast as possible by putting them on the right pile in the middle. There are no turns, so all players play at the same time, which makes it a fun and stressful (in a good way) game.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-4
• Age: 8+
• Playtime: 10 min
• Best for: Families and adults who like fast games
• Size: 2.76 x 10.04 x 10.04 inches ( 7 x 25.5 x 25.x cm)
• Weight: 11 ounces (311 grams)

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#13 Dices (Farkle)

Just like a deck of cards, dice will give you endless opportunities to play games (Yahtzee, Mex drinking game, and more). You can play alone or with large groups. And you can always learn new games from travelers around the world.

I’ve never actually played Farkle, I just considered them one of the best games for travelers because their dices come in a small keychain which is great for travelers.

But luckily, the rules and point distribution are printed on the lid of Farkle, so you if don’t know any other game with dice, you can learn Farkle.

Overview

• Number of players: 1- endless
• Age: 6+
• Playtime: Depends on the game, Farkle takes about 30 min
• Best for: Any traveler, both families, and adults
• Size: 1.5 x 5 x 6 inches (3.8 x 12.7 x 15.2 cm)
• Weight: 0.63 ounces (17 grams)

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#14 UNO

Aah UNO, who doesn’t know a relationship that got destroyed because of their cruel take 4-card?

It’s super easy and straightforward and it’s probably also one of the most popular travel games for families. But because of its simplicity, it’s not my personal favorite. I usually get bored with UNO quite fast, but I think it’s perfect for kids.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-10
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Families and kids
• Size: 1.25 x 6.25 x 5.25 inches (3.2 x 15.9 x 13.3 cm)
• Weight: 5.9 ounces (167 grams)

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#15 Taco cat goat cheese pizza

This is one of the funniest travel games for adults and kids alike.

If you love Irish Slap, you will love this game too!

It’s a speed game, where you have to slap when a card matches the word. In this case, the words and cards are taco, cat, goat, cheese, and pizza (who would have guessed).

Overview

• Number of players: 3-8
• Age: 6+
• Playtime: 15 min
• Best for: Anyone
• Size: 3.5 x 2.5 x 1 inches (8.9 x 6.4 x 2.5 cm)
• Weight: 4 (114 grams)

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#16 Codenames

This is another one of my personal favorite games for travelers (and non-travelers as well). It is one of the largest and heaviest ones on this list, so I would only recommend taking it if you’re going on a short vacation or if you’re not too limited by space (when you travel by car or camper for example).

It’s a fun team game that requires creative thinking and understanding your teammates’ line of thought.

The game is played in two teams who each have one spymaster. The spymaster has access to the key that shows which of the 25 random words in the middle belong to his team, the other team, are neutral or represent the spy. He needs to use codewords so his team members guess their team’s words, without choosing the spy. If they pick the spy, the game is lost.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-8
• Age: 10+
• Playtime: 15 min
• Best for: Adults and families with older kids
• Size: 2.8 x 6.3 x 9 inches (7.1 x 16 x 22.9 cm)
• Weight: 15.7 ounces (445 grams)

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#17 Smart cards country

This is one of the best travel-themed games for travelers. While playing this game, you also learn more about different countries. This unique deck of cards can be used to play 7 different games; trumps, rummy, pairs, guess who, odd one out, snatch, and happy families.

It contains 50 cards, of which 25 are flags and the other 25 contain information about the corresponding country.

Overview

• Number of players: 1-8
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: Depends on the game
• Best for: Families and travelers who love to learn and play
• Size: 3.94 x 0.79 x 2.36 inches (10 x 2 x 6 cm)
• Weight: 3.52 ounces (100 grams)

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#18 Taco vs Burrito

This is one of the best travel games for families; a game that was actually created by a kid!

Taco vs Burrito is a funny card game where the aim is to make the weirdest food combination and score points. It was invented by 7-year-old Alex. And who knows better what kids like, than a kid?

Overview

• Number of players: 2-4
• Age: 7+
• Playtime:15 min
• Best for: Kids and families
• Size: 7 x 5 x 2 inches (17.8 x 12.7 x 5.1 cm)
• Weight: 9.1 ounces ( 257 grams)

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#19 Take 5

Aah, another one of my personal favorite games for travelers, Take 5. And again, a game I also gave to my father and which often receives a spot in his suitcase on vacation.

I love that it’s part luck as well as strategy, so you have some level of influence, but it’s not always the best player who wins. The aim is to collect the least cow heads by strategically placing your cards in the middle.

I must say, the game is most fun with more people, but it’s possible to play it with just two as well.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-10
• Age: 8+
• Playtime: 15 min
• Best for: Adults and people with older kids
• Size: 5 x 2.25 x 6.75 inches (12.7 x 5.7 x 17 cm)
• Weight: 12.7 ounces (360 grams)

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#20 The werewolves of Miller’s Hollow

I won’t lie. This is probably one of my least favorite games for travel.

But it’s one of the classics and I know that many people love the game, so I did want to include it.

For those of you who don’t know it. It’s a role-playing storytelling game. Each player gets a role card which put them in one of the two groups: civilians and werewolves. In each round the whole group votes on who they want to murder (and disqualify from playing), and each group tries to survive until the end.

Overview

• Number of players: 8-18
• Age: 10+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Large groups
• Size: 4.88 x 3.78 x 0.87 inches (12.4 x 9.6 x 2.2 cm)
• Weight: 3.41 ounces (996 grams)

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#21 Spyfall

Spyfall is another role-playing game, but I must say, I like it a lot better than Werewolves.

In Spyfall each player gets a card that either tells them they’re the spy or which role and at which location they are. The Spy needs to find out the correct location without revealing he doesn’t actually know. During the game, you just talk and ask each other questions, while trying to discover the Spy before the spy discovers the location.

Overview

• Number of players: 3-8
• Age: 13+
• Playtime: 15+
• Best for: Adults, older kids, and people who love werewolves
• Size: 8 x 8 x 2 inches (20 x 20 x 5 cm)
• Weight: 1.2 pounds (544 grams)

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#22 Black stories

Black stories is a really fun game you can play with as many people as you want. Each edition contains 50 creepy mysteries and the goal is to find out what happened. There is one question master who has access to the correct answer, and the other players must ask yes or no questions to find out how the victim was killed.

I like that it’s a cooperative game and that it really trains you to think out of the box. This version may not be one of the best travel games for families with small kids (check out the junior version for them), because the mysteries can be a bit creepy, but for older kids and adults it’s really fun.

The only sad part is that once you’ve played all 50 mysteries, you can’t really play it again, because you’ll know the answer. But I guess that would be a good time to buy a new edition.

Overview

• Number of players: 2- endless
• Age: 12+
• Playtime: 20 min
• Best for: Families with older kids, people who love playing Sherlock
• Size: 5.24 x 3.7 x 0.96 inches (13.3 x 9.4 x 2.4 cm)
• Weight: 7 ounces (200 grams)

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#23 Bohnanza

Bohnanza is an original German game (Bohne means beans, hence the bean theme). It’s one of the best games for travelers who love trading games. The idea is to plant beans and trade with other players in order to get the most points.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-7
• Age: 13+
• Playtime: 45 min
• Best for: People who love trading games
• Size: 6 x 1 x 3 inches (15.2 x 2.5 x 7.6)
• Weight: 13.6 ounces (385 grams)

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#24 Scattergories card game

This is one of the best games for travelers who love the original Scattegories game, but who think it’s too heavy to take on a trip; the card version.

The idea is the same. You need to come up with an item in a certain category that starts with a specific letter. The cards will tell you which letter and category. And this time you need to slap before you answer. I quite like that the game requires both speed and creative thinking.

Overview

• Number of players: 2 – endless
• Age: 8+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Scattergories loves
• Size: 1.25 x 7.25 x 4.4 inches (3.2 x 18.4 x 11.2 cm)
• Weight: 6.2 ounces (175 grams)

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#25 Exit the game

Do you love escape rooms?

Then this is the best traveling game for you! An at-home escape room.

Exit is basically a deck of cards with riddles and mysteries which you need to solve in order to finish the game. It’s a fun cooperative game and great for people who love brain-teasers and Sherlock kind of games.

Overview

• Number of players: 1-4
• Age: 10+
• Playtime: 1-2 hours
• Best for: At-home Sherlock’s
• Size: 5.1 x 1.7 x 7.1 inches (12.9 x 4.3 x 18 cm)
• Weight: 4.7 ounces (133 grams)

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#26 Sushi go party!

Sushi go party! is the deluxe version of the original sushi go game. It’s one of the funniest traveling games for adults who love sushi.

Basically, the aim is to collect the most points. Each round you can pick one card from your hand and pass the others to the person sitting next to you.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-8
• Age: 8+
• Playtime: 20 min
• Best for: Sushis lovers, adults, and kids
• Size: 8.66 x 3.07 x 6.3 inches (22 x 7.8 x 16)
• Weight: 1 pound (453 grams)

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#27 Blink

I used to love this game as a kid (the version we had was called speed, but it’s the same game).

It’s a lightning-fast game where you have to find matching cards based on color, symbol, or number. This is also why I think this is one of the best travel games for families and kids. Because it’s a game where kids can easily beat their parents (they’re usually a lot faster).

Overview

• Number of players: 2
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 5 min
• Best for: Kids and families
• Size: 0.79 x 3.66 x 5.67 inches (2 x 9.3 x 14.4 cm)
• Weight: 3.52 ounces (100 grams)

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#28 Jenga mini

I love Jenga! It’s a great game for people who are looking for something different. Because for Jenga you don’t need any speed, creative thinking, or smart strategy. All you need is a steady hand.

And that’s why I love Jenga as a travel game. You don’t need an explanation and everyone can join. (Fun tip, you can even turn it into a drinking game!)

Overview

• Number of players: 1- as many as you want
• Age: 6+
• Playtime: 10 min
• Best for: Anyone
• Size: 1.5 x 2.52 x 7.01 inches (3.8 x 6.4 x 17.8 cm)
• Weight: 047 pounds (213 grams)

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#29 Magnetic memory

This is one of the best travel games for the car or plane if you have young kids. They can play memory without dropping the cards on the floor.

Summary

• Number of players: 1- 4
• Age: 3+
• Playtime: 5 min
• Best for: Young kids and plane and car travel
• Size: 4.06 x 7.28 x 0.43 inches (10.3 x 18.5 x 1 cm)
• Weight: 5.4 ounces (153 grams)

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#30 Guess who card game

Do you have kids who love the regular guess who game?

Then, this card game is the best option for you. It’s a great travel game for kids from 5 years and older, it’s almost the same as the original game, except you don’t need the large and impractical gameboards.

Overview

• Number of players: 2
• Age: 5+
• Playtime:15 min
• Best for: Young kids
• Size: 0.75 x 3.62 x 5.63 inches (1.9 x 9.2 x 14.3 cm)
• Weight: 5 ounces (141 grams)

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#31 The game of war

This is another fun travel game for kids. It’s super easy, they just flip the cards and the person with the highest value gets the card. Except these cards are super cute cats and dogs.

Overview

• Number of players: 2
• Age: 6+
• Playtime: 10 min
• Best for: Families and kids
• Size: 3.5 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches (8.9 x 12.4 x 1.3 cm)
• Weight: 6.3 ounces (178 grams)

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#32 Scavenger hunt travel edition

Here is another great game for travelers with kids; the scavenger hunt travel edition! Each card will give them something to look for, such as a blue car or a traffic light. Whoever sees it first gets the card. It’s a great way to keep them occupied during long car rides (it’s less effective on a plane though).

Overview

• Number of players: 2-4
• Age: 6+
• Playtime: 20 min
• Best for: Families with small kids
• Size: 7.5 x 4.75 x 1.75 inches (19 x 12 x 4.4 cm)
• Weight: 5.3 ounces (150 grams)

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#33 Goat lords card game

Goat lords is a funny and easy travel game for adults and families. The aim of the game is to build the biggest goat herd. But you have all sorts of special cards which allow you to battle other players, steal their stock, or send a dragon.

It’s the random goat theme that makes it a great game for families, but it’s the strategy behind it that makes it great for adults too.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-6
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: families
• Size: 5.8 x 1.4 x 4 inches (14.7 x 3.5 x 10.1 cm)
• Weight: 8.8 ounces (250 grams)

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#34 Travel trivia

Guess what?

This is one of the best games for travelers who love trivia!

It’s a simple box with 50 funny trivia, which is a great way to learn new things or to show off your knowledge. I like this game because you can play it with as many people or teams as you want. What I don’t like is the fact that you can only play it once. After that, you’ll already know the answers.

Summary

• Number of players: 2- endless
• Age: 10+
• Playtime: 2 hours (if you do all questions)
• Best for: Trivia people and large groups
• Size: 2.25 x 1.13 x 2.25 inches (5.7 x 2.9 x 5.7 cm)
• Weight: 2.4 ounces (68 grams)

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#35 Story cubes

Story cubes are the best travel games for kids if you want to stimulate their creativity.

Story cubes are basically a set of dice with certain symbols, you throw the dice and make up a story that includes all the symbols. It’s a fun game for kids to play with others as well as by themselves.

And the cool thing?

You can find story cubes with any kind of theme, from Harry Potter to Batman and from campfire to farms.

Overview

• Number of players: 1- infinite
• Age: 5+
• Playtime: 10 min
• Best for: Kids and families
• Size: 3 x 3 x 1 inches (7.6 x 7.6 x 2.5 cm)
• Weight: 1.76 ounces (50 grams)

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#36 Jaipur board game

If you are looking for fun travel board games, Jaipur is a cool option. It’s a funny trading and strategy game where each player tries to become the richest player.

It’s especially funny because you can actually see part of people’s personalities in the way they go about this game.

For more fun board games (these are not small though), check out my favorite travel-themed board games here.

Overview

• Number of players: 2
• Age: 10+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Couples or families
• Size: 7.1 x 5.1 x 1.6 inches (18 x 12.9 x 4 cm)
• Weight: 8.1 ounces (230 grams)

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#37 Gnoming around

This is a fun game for the entire family. You have to try and get the lowest score by trading your cards. But because they’re faced down, you need to remember which card you put where!

Overview

• Number of players: 2-7
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Families
• Size: 1.87 x 4.13 x 1.34 inches (4.7 x 10.5 x 3.4 cm)
• Weight: 11.2 ounces (317 grams)

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#38 Sleeping queens

Did you like the idea of having a game invented by a kid?

Then Sleeping Queens is another one to add to your list. It was invented by 6-year-old Miranda who turned it into a complete game with the help of her family.

The aim of the game is to wake up the most queens. it involves a bit of strategy and luck, but since it was invented by a kid for kids, it’s really easy to learn.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-5
• Age: 8+ (I would say kids that can do additions can play)
• Playtime: 20 min
• Best for: Kids and families
• Size: 3.46 x 1.41 x 5.03 inches (8.8 x 3.6 x 12.8 cm)
• Weight: 8.1 ounces (229 grams)

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#39 Skull

This is one of the best games for travelers who love poker and any other bluffing kind of strategy game. Because that’s exactly what skull is about. Except, instead of regular cards, you will use beautifully designed skull cards.

Overview

• Number of players: 3-6
• Age: 13+
• Playtime: 30
• Best for: Adults or families with older kids
• Size: 1.89 x 5 x 5.08 inches (4.8 x 12.7 x 12.9 cm)
• Weight: 1 pound (453 grams)

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#40 Sequence

Sequence is a fun and easy-to-understand game, yet it involves enough strategy to make it challenging for adults.

In short, you need to get a sequence of five on the playing board. Travelers will be happy to know that the board can be folded, so the total size of the box is not too big.

Overview

• Number of players: 2-12
• Age: 7+
• Playtime: 30 min
• Best for: Families and people who travel by car
• Size: 8.08 x 2.18 x 10.38 inches (20.5 x 5.5 x 26.4 cm)
• Weight: 7 ounces (198 grams)

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