Traveling opens up opportunities for adventure. However, long journeys by land, sea or air may lead you to exhaustion and impatience. For converting boring time into fun time, miniature and active board games are what you are looking for. Such games are a great time killer and perfect for socialising easily with fellow travellers. In this article, let us delve & find out the 10 best travel board games you must take on holiday. These games are small, portable, entertaining, and the best for people of all ages.
Let us explore the top travel board games that can transform your trip into an awesome experience.
1. Catan
Catan, a timeless classic, is one of the best travel board games in 2024. It has fascinated gamers with its strategic depth and interesting gameplay. The fictional island players must strive to build settlements, roads and cities by trading and gathering resources such as wood, brick, sheep, wheat and ore. The modular This strategy board game never gets boring, so Catan can always be re-played.
- Number of Players: 3-4 players
- Gameplay:
- Players collect and trade resources to build roads, settlements, and cities.
- The game uses a modular hex board for varied setups.
- Strategic trading and resource management are crucial.
- The first player to reach 10 victory points wins.
2. Ludo
Ludo, a cherished classic, has been enjoyed by families for generations, evolving from the ancient game of Pachisi. It is one of the best travel-friendly board games known for its simple Ludo rules and nostalgic charm. Ludo involves drawing four tokens from the starting point to the finish line by throwing dice. Its foldable design makes it perfect for travel, allowing Ludo players to engage in friendly competition anywhere.
- Number of Players: 2-4 players
- Gameplay:
- Players roll dice to move their tokens from start to finish.
- The objective is to get all four tokens to the finish line.
- Players can capture opponents’ tokens, sending them back to the start.
- The player who moves tokens home first wins.
- Digital Adaptation: Ludo board game online has redefined the classic game, and platforms like Zupee offer real-time Ludo tournaments and cash rewards. Enjoy Zupee’s electrifying digital adventure with seamless gameplay and enticing prizes anytime.
Play Ludo on Zupee, invite your friends, refer and earn cash bonuses with each referral.
![ludo games for solo travellers](https://static-perf1.zupee.com/blog-images/uploads/2024/06/ludo-games-online-for-solo-travelers.webp)
Read on: Best Ludo Trip Games to Play in 2024
3. Monopoly
Monopoly, the famous real estate and riches game, is well known to everyone. The travel version of Monopoly is meant for small spaces. Hence, it is the right game to play in a train compartment or a tiny hotel room. It has all the classic elements of the game—purchasing properties, collecting rent and trading with other players—combined in a portable format that guarantees enjoyment even in tight spaces.
- Number of Players: 2-6 players
- Gameplay:
- Players buy, trade, and develop properties.
- Collect rent from opponents to bankrupt them.
- Use Chance and Community Chest cards for unexpected events.
- The player with the most wealth at the end wins.
4. Chess
Chess is still at the top of the travel-friendly board games, and its strategic depth and universal appeal are why it is still the best of the games. The travel chess sets have magnetized pieces and, therefore, stick to the board, so, in this way, no disturbance to the people sitting inside the car occurs during the travelling. Chess is the most suitable game for both beginners and advanced players, and it is also a great way to pass the time during long journeys.
- Number of Players: 2 players
- Gameplay:
- Players move pieces to checkmate the opponent’s king.
- Each piece has specific movement rules.
- Strategy and foresight are crucial to success.
- Suitable for players of all skill levels.
Have a look at the Chess Strategy – 8 best chess strategies to win the game
5. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a board game that takes the players to medieval southern France, where the tile-placement match is played. Players place and draw tiles to construct cities, roads, cloisters, and fields representing their cities. The portable version is for travel, enabling you to create a medieval landscape anywhere.
- Number of Players: 2-5 players
- Gameplay:
- Players draw and place tiles to build features.
- Each feature scores points once completed.
- Place followers to control features and earn points.
- The player with the most points wins.
6. Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! is a fast, card-drafting game where players select sushi dishes to construct the most fantastic juxtapositions. The principal objective is to get points by creating sets of sushi types. The tin box that is so small that it can fit in a wallet is the ideal travelling game hence to carry it around.
- Number of Players: 2-5 players
- Gameplay:
- Players draft cards to create sushi sets.
- Points are scored based on card combinations.
- The game is played over three rounds.
- The player with the most points wins.
7. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a board game themed on railways where the players acquire train cards to lay railways on a map. The travel version is tiny and simple to assemble. Hence, you can travel and see the distance between the cities as you set up anywhere.
- Number of Players: 2-5 players
- Gameplay:
- Collect train cards to claim routes.
- Connect cities to complete tickets and score points.
- Aim to build the longest continuous railway.
- The player with the most points wins.
8. Hanabi
Hanabi is a cooperative card game where players work together to create a perfect fireworks show by placing cards in the correct order. The twist is that players can’t see their cards and must rely on hints from others. Its travel size makes it ideal for small groups seeking teamwork and communication.
- Number of Players: 2-5 players
- Gameplay:
- Players give each other hints to play cards in sequence.
- Cards must be placed in ascending order by color.
- Cooperation and communication are key.
- The goal is to create a perfect fireworks show.
9. Lost Cities
Lost Cities challenges players to embark on expeditions using a deck of cards. Each card represents progress on different colored paths. The game is about managing risks and making strategic decisions. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel, offering a mix of adventure and strategy.
- Number of Players: 2 players
- Gameplay:
- Play cards to advance on expedition paths.
- Decide when to invest in a path or cut losses.
- Manage hand to maximize points.
- The player with the highest score wins.
10. Citadels
Citadels is a card game where players take on roles to acquire gold and construct buildings. The game involves strategy, bluffing, and deduction, each character offering unique powers. The travel version retains all the intrigue of the full game in a portable format, perfect for gaming on the go.
- Number of Players: 2-8 players
- Gameplay:
- Players choose roles to gain advantages.
- Collect gold and build districts in your city.
- Use character abilities to outmanoeuvre opponents.
- The player with the most prestigious city wins.
Here are the other 6 Best Travel Games for your Next Trip
These games help pass the time and bring players together, creating interactions and memories that add an extra layer of enjoyment to every adventure. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, there’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy while travelling.
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Travel Board Games: FAQs
What makes these board games suitable for travel?
Board games are suitable for travel because they are compact, have secure storage for pieces to prevent loss, and often feature magnetic or snap-in components ideal for playing in moving vehicles or small spaces.
Are these games’ travel-specific editions or versions available in India?
Many of these games offer travel-specific editions in India, featuring portable designs and durable components tailored for on-the-go gameplay. Games like Ludo, Snakes & Ladders, and Trump Cards are especially popular, with compact versions that are easy to pack and play anywhere, making them perfect for travel
Can these games be played by people of all ages and skill levels?
Yes, these games can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, with simpler games like Ludo for beginners and more brain games like Catan and Citadels for advanced players.
Where can I purchase these board games in India?
You can purchase these travel board games in India at major online retailers like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as at local toy stores and speciality board game shops.
Can I play an online version of these travel board games?
Many of these board games offer online versions or mobile app adaptations, allowing you to play virtual versions with friends or against computer opponents when physical play isn’t possible.