Why Board Games Are Perfect for Travel
Are you planning a family trip? Don’t forget to pack a few board games! They’re perfect for keeping kids entertained during long journeys and can teach them valuable skills. Board games are great because they’re compact, portable, and simple to learn. Plus, they encourage family bonding and screen-free fun. Who wouldn’t want a break from tablets and smartphones?
Here are six top travel games that are both educational and entertaining. Spoiler alert: you’ll want to play these games at home too!
Whether you’re on a road trip, a plane, or a train, board games can make the journey more enjoyable. They promote critical thinking, strategy, and social skills while providing hours of entertainment for the whole family.
Benefits of Board Games for Travel:
- Compact and portable
- Easy to learn
- Promote family bonding
- Screen-free entertainment
Next time you’re packing for a trip, remember to include a variety of board games to enhance the travel experience for everyone. Unplug, engage with your family, and have a blast playing games together!
Top Game #1: Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a wonderful game that involves a lot of strategy. It’s like taking a railroad trip through different cities. The game helps kids with geographical knowledge and strategic planning. The compact, travel-friendly version means you can take it anywhere. Be prepared for some intense competition as you race to complete your routes. Think of it as a geography lesson, but way more fun! Your boredom will definitely be derailed.
Top Game #2: Qwirkle
Next up is Qwirkle. This game is like Scrabble but with shapes and colors. Easy to learn but difficult to master, it helps kids with pattern recognition and problem-solving skills.
The travel-sized version is perfect for those tight airplane seats or small hotel tables. Completing a line in Qwirkle is immensely satisfying. You and your kids will find yourselves saying, ‘Just one more round!‘ almost every time.
Top Game #3: Catan Traveler
Catan Traveler is a compact version of the popular game that focuses on trade, building, and resource management. The game is slightly more advanced but can be incredibly educational. Think about it – your kids will learn financial management, trade negotiation, and resource allocation, all while having a blast! Plus, the pieces fit securely into the container, so no worries about losing them during turbulence or taxi rides.
Top Game #4: Bananagrams
Who says you can’t have educational fun while spelling words? Bananagrams is a fast-paced game similar to Scrabble but without the board. Just pull out the tiles and start forming words. The game helps in improving vocabulary and spelling skills. It’s compact and banana-shaped pouch is easy to pack and surprisingly sturdy. You can play it on a tray table or even on a picnic blanket. Trust me; it’s ‘a-peel-ing‘!
Top Game #5: Rory’s Story Cubes
Last on our list but equally awesome is Rory’s Story Cubes. These dice help inspire creativity and storytelling. Roll the dice and create a story based on the icons that land face up. This game can be played anywhere – on a plane, in a car, or at the hotel. It’s great for building kids’ imagination and narrative skills. Parents, get ready to be amazed by the stories your kids come up with. Don’t forget to join in!