Some of the best travel board games are those that are compact, durable, and easy to learn, with engaging gameplay that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Here are a few examples:
- Hive Pocket: This abstract strategy game is played with hexagonal tiles and is incredibly portable since the tiles can be easily carried in a small bag. Plus, it’s made of durable materials, perfect for travel.
- Love Letter: A quick and fun card game that comes in a small pouch, making it ideal for travel. It’s easy to learn and can accommodate a varying number of players.
- Sushi Go!: A light and fast-paced card drafting game with adorable sushi-themed artwork. Its compact tin makes it convenient for travel, and the gameplay is simple yet strategic.
- Jaipur: A two-player card game set in the markets of Jaipur, India, where players aim to collect and sell goods for the highest profit. Its small box makes it great for travel, and it offers engaging gameplay for two players.
- The Mind: A unique cooperative card game where players try to play cards in ascending order without communicating. It’s compact and can be played almost anywhere, making it suitable for travel.
What makes a great travel board game varies depending on personal preferences, but some common factors include:
- Portability: The game should be compact and easy to pack, ideally coming in a small box or pouch that won’t take up too much space in your luggage or backpack.
- Durability: Travel board games should be made of sturdy materials that can withstand being carried around and played in various environments, such as on planes, trains, or in cafes.
- Quick setup and playtime: Games that have minimal setup and can be played in a relatively short amount of time are ideal for travel, allowing you to start playing quickly and enjoy multiple rounds during your journey.
- Easy to learn: Travel board games should have straightforward rules and mechanics, making them accessible to players of all skill levels. This way, you can teach the game to fellow travelers or play with new acquaintances without too much difficulty.
- Engaging gameplay: Despite being simple to learn, the game should offer depth and strategic choices to keep players entertained and challenged, ensuring that it remains enjoyable even after multiple plays.
What Are Some Great Travel Card Games Such as Uno, Exploding Kittens, Lost Cities?
Here are some great travel games involving cards along with brief descriptions of how they are played:
- Uno:
- Objective: Be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
- Gameplay: Players take turns matching a card from their hand to the top card of the discard pile either by number, color, or symbol. Special cards like Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two add strategic elements to the game. The first player to play all their cards wins.
- Exploding Kittens:
- Objective: Avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten card and be the last player remaining.
- Gameplay: Players take turns drawing cards from the deck, hoping not to draw an Exploding Kitten card. Various action cards allow players to manipulate the deck, skip turns, or avoid drawing cards altogether. If a player draws an Exploding Kitten, they’re out of the game unless they have a Defuse card to cancel its effect.
- Lost Cities:
- Objective: Score the most points by embarking on expeditions to different ancient cities.
- Gameplay: Players take turns playing cards to build expeditions to various cities, with each city requiring cards to be played in ascending order. Players must decide which expeditions to invest in and which cards to discard to minimize penalties. The game ends after three rounds, and players tally their scores based on the expeditions they completed.
- Hanabi:
- Objective: Cooperatively play cards in the correct order to create firework displays.
- Gameplay: Players hold their cards facing away from them, so they can’t see their own hand but can see everyone else’s. Through limited communication, players must give clues to help their teammates play the correct cards in sequence. Mistakes can happen, leading to fireworks fizzling out, but careful teamwork can lead to a spectacular display.
- The Game:
- Objective: Cooperatively play cards from ascending and descending piles to empty the deck.
- Gameplay: Players must play cards from their hand onto one of four piles: two ascending and two descending. Cards must be played in sequential order, and players must carefully manage their hands to avoid getting stuck. Players can also hold onto cards and draw more from the deck, but they must always play at least two cards on their turn.
These games offer a mix of strategy, luck, and social interaction, making them great choices for travel or any casual gaming session.
What Makes Catan Traveler Such A Great Travel Board Game?
Catan Traveler Edition is a portable version of one of the classic travel board games Settlers of Catan. Here’s what makes it a great travel board game:
- Compact and Portable: The Catan Traveler Edition is designed to be compact and easily transportable. It typically comes in a smaller box or carrying case compared to the standard Settlers of Catan board game, making it perfect for travel.
- Durable Components: Travel editions of board games often feature durable components that can withstand the rigors of travel. Catan Traveler typically includes sturdy game pieces, cards, and a durable board that can endure being packed and unpacked repeatedly.
- All-in-One Package: Despite its compact size, Catan Traveler Edition usually contains all the components necessary to play the game, including the game board, resource cards, development cards, player pieces, and dice. This means you don’t have to worry about bringing extra components or losing pieces while on the go.
- Quick Setup and Gameplay: Catan Traveler Edition retains the same gameplay mechanics as the original Settlers of Catan, but it often streamlines the setup process and features shorter game sessions. This allows players to start playing quickly and enjoy the game even during short breaks or while traveling.
- Familiar Gameplay: Settlers of Catan is a beloved and widely known board game, so players are likely already familiar with the rules and mechanics. Catan Traveler Edition allows fans of the game to enjoy the same gameplay experience they love in a portable format.
Overall, Catan Traveler Edition combines the beloved gameplay of Settlers of Catan with portability and durability, making it an excellent choice for gaming on the go. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train, Catan Traveler Edition provides hours of entertainment for players of all ages.
