Best Board Games for Travel That Fit in Your Bag and Keep You Entertained
Whether you’re stuck at the airport, waiting out a rainy day in a cabin, or winding down at the end of a road trip, having the right travel board games with you makes all the difference. The best travel board games are compact, quick to learn, and endlessly replayable. Here’s a guide to the best board games for travel—games that are fun, portable, and totally worth the space in your bag.
1. Hive Pocket – A Strategic Duel with No Board Required
Hive Pocket is perfect for two players who want something a little deeper than cards. It’s a fast-paced strategy game similar to chess—but with bugs and without the board.
- Why it’s great for travel: The hex tiles are sturdy, waterproof, and come in a compact pouch. No board means you can play on any surface.
- Best for: Strategy lovers and couples on the go.
- Play time: 20 minutes
It’s easy to learn but hard to master—and it fits in your palm.
2. Love Letter – A Quick Game of Deduction and Risk
Love Letter uses just 16 cards, but don’t let the size fool you—it packs a surprising punch. Each round involves bluffing, deduction, and trying to outwit your fellow players to get your love letter to the princess first.
- Why it’s great for travel: Tiny enough to fit in your wallet or passport holder. It plays well on plane tray tables or restaurant booths.
- Best for: 2–4 players, including teens and casual gamers.
- Play time: 15–20 minutes
Love Letter proves that you don’t need a giant box to have a clever game night on the road.
3. Sushi Go! – Fast, Fun, and Addictively Replayable
Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card drafting game where you collect sets of adorable sushi dishes to score the most points.
- Why it’s great for travel: Comes in a small tin, requires minimal table space, and has clear, colorful cards that are easy to read on the go.
- Best for: 2–5 players who want something light and social.
- Play time: 15–20 minutes
The art is cute, the rules are simple, and the gameplay is fast enough for quick breaks between sightseeing.
4. Jaipur – Competitive Trading for Two
Jaipur is a two-player game where you and your opponent compete as merchants trying to trade goods and win the Maharaja’s favor.
- Why it’s great for travel: It’s lightweight, engaging, and designed specifically for two. Ideal for couples or travel buddies.
- Best for: Strategic thinkers who like a bit of luck and card manipulation.
- Play time: 30 minutes
If you’re looking for a portable head-to-head game with depth and great art, this is it.
5. Uno – The Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Uno is a travel staple for a reason. It’s fast, familiar, and works across ages and languages.
- Why it’s great for travel: Ultra-portable, great for groups, and doesn’t require a flat surface—you can play it anywhere.
- Best for: Families, groups of friends, and mixed-age travelers.
- Play time: 20–30 minutes
There’s a reason Uno has stayed popular for decades—it’s simple fun, and perfect for travel chaos.
6. Bananagrams – Wordplay on the Go
Bananagrams is like a fast-paced, free-form version of Scrabble that comes in a zippered banana pouch. It’s a word game that travels incredibly well.
- Why it’s great for travel: No board, no pens, no points to track. Just letter tiles and a race to build crosswords.
- Best for: Word nerds, solo players, and families who love a brain workout.
- Play time: 15–25 minutes
It’s light, flexible, and great for airports, beach days, or rainy afternoons in a rental.
7. Codenames: Duet – Cooperative Clue-Giving
Codenames: Duet is a cooperative word game where you and a partner try to find all your secret agents using one-word clues. It’s a great twist on the original game, built specifically for two players.
- Why it’s great for travel: Small box, portable grid cards, and no time pressure. Can be played on hotel beds, picnic tables, or café tabletops.
- Best for: Pairs who like wordplay, deduction, and teamwork.
- Play time: 30 minutes
It’s fun, tense, and has just enough brain burn to keep you hooked through multiple plays.
8. Skulls of Sedlec – Pocket-Sized Puzzle Challenge
Skulls of Sedlec is a micro-game where you build a pyramid of skulls to earn the most points. It’s inspired by a real ossuary in the Czech Republic—and it’s as weird and strategic as it sounds.
- Why it’s great for travel: Fits in a coin purse. Tiny footprint, big decisions, and lots of replayability.
- Best for: Puzzle lovers and fans of compact, unique games.
- Play time: 15–20 minutes
If you’re into clever card games with a darkly fun theme, this one’s a hidden gem.
9. Exploding Kittens – Chaotic Fun in a Small Box
Exploding Kittens is ridiculous, fast-paced, and surprisingly strategic. You’re all trying to avoid exploding kittens—and sabotaging each other in the process.
- Why it’s great for travel: Hilarious, portable, and quick. The cards are durable and travel well.
- Best for: Groups who like unpredictable humor and fast gameplay.
- Play time: 15 minutes
It’s one of the easiest games to introduce to non-gamers, making it great for hostels, trains, or group vacations.
10. Onirim – Solo Gaming That Travels Well
Sometimes you want a game that’s just for you. Onirim is a solo card game where you try to escape a dream labyrinth by playing matching cards while avoiding nightmares.
- Why it’s great for travel: All solo, all cards. Easy to pause and pick up again between layovers or sightseeing.
- Best for: Solo travelers, introverts, and dreamers.
- Play time: 15–30 minutes
If you’re traveling alone and want a meditative, engaging experience—Onirim makes the hours fly by.
Board Games Make Travel Time Quality Time
Board games turn travel downtime into connection, laughter, and friendly competition. The best travel games don’t take up much space but offer a lot of value—whether you’re sharing a hostel table, waiting in an airport, or sitting by a campfire. Pack one or two in your bag, and you’re always ready to make memories wherever the journey takes you.
