5 Fun Travel Games

Joanne Camas — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:00:46 +0000

Smart gadgets have made it easier than ever before to pass the time while traveling, but sometimes it’s fun to go old school and play a game that isn’t rooted in the virtual world. Travel games are perfect for those evenings on vacation when you just want to relax after a big dinner, and they’re extremely easy to stash in your carry-on bag. Here are five games that have earned some space in our luggage:

Itchy Feet: The Travel Game

This clever game grew out of a popular comic. It’s a card game you can throw in your backpack — rope in fellow travelers or just play with your friends on the way to your destination. You have to “visit” different countries on the cards, and each country card lists three things you’ll need to go there (in addition to your passport card). To get the items, you can draw from the deck, recycle, trade, or steal from other players. One particularly intriguing rule reads: “Mom’s Credit Card cannot replace a passport or a postcard.” If only every young traveler remembered that…

Personalized Travel Chess Set

This 11-inch chess set is big enough that you can move your pieces easily but still compact enough for you stick in your carry-on. We love the hand-sewn felt cover, too. The set is handcrafted to order from beech and birch wood, giving it rich contrasting colors and a solid feel as you slide your bishop to put your opponent in check. Victory has never felt so sweet.

Downsize: The Ultimate Corporate Restructuring Puzzle

Going on a business trip? Whether you’re a CEO or a hard-working cog in the corporate machine, you’ll enjoy playing with people’s fates in this game of strategy. The object of the game? “Promote and eliminate execs until there is only one left,” the instructions explain. “Execs can move to a new cubicle by going over someone’s head.” There’s even a storage drawer for “retired” execs. It’s a tough old world out there, folks.

Cribbage Set

This simple cribbage board caught our eye. It’s a classic game that’s stood the test of time, and this modern set is clean and to-the-point, with a birch wood case that swings open to reveal the game track and a few compact storage pockets for cards and pegs. Want to make a statement? Ask for your monogram on the case (this will also make it harder for a friend to make off with the game).

Cathedral

Magnets keep the pieces secure as you make power moves over your opponent in the travel-sized version of this award-winning game of strategy and skill. The game board takes the form of a medieval walled city, and the object of the game is to place all your building pieces within the city and lay claim to the most territory. Light and dark game pieces let you keep track of your building efforts, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly time flies by as you plot and scheme your way to success. If you’re on a short trip, just choose the “quick play” version to speed along your real estate machinations.