Top 10 Family Travel Board Games 2023

Last Updated: January 12, 2023

When we decided we wanted to leave our normal lives and head off travelling full time, a lot of people asked us, ‘what will we miss the most?‘

People usually expect family, friends, home comforts etc. to be in the answer somewhere.

But not us, oh no. Our response… our board games!

We’re a family of massive board game geeks. So it was a tough day when we had to put our awesome collection that we had created over the years into storage. Saying goodbye, not knowing when we will see and play them again!

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How could we go on without our regular arguments and strops because of a slight misunderstanding over a board game?

The answer? Travel Board Games.

You might think that travel board games can never compete with the larger box board game in terms of depth, strategy and enjoyment. But you would be wrong.

Whilst ‘travel snakes and ladders’ and the like, might not get the strategic juices flowing, there are many compact board games that are extremely deep and challenging as well as very fun.

And with more and more being released and revamped there is a wide selection to choose from.

What Makes a Good Board Game for Travelling Families?

We use the term ‘board’ game lightly here as most below don’t actually have a board.

We’ve played a number of travel games over the years and have decided to come up with our favourites. We tried to come up with this list collectively as a family (which obviously resulted in numerous squabbles!) and we now have our final ten below.

We’ve scored them based on 4 elements that we think are the most important for travelling families who love a board game.

1. Learn Speed

Whilst this isn’t that important if you are playing games within your own family (as you have the time to learn the rules and tend to play the games over and over), we’ve found it’s an important factor when we only have a limited time with others.

It’s great for kids to be able to grasp game concepts quickly and get straight into the fun. Especially in circumstances where they only have a limited amount of time, maybe they make a friend on a train journey for example. So the quicker the time it takes to learn the rules of the game, the better.

2. Game Depth

For hardcore gamers like us, game depth and strategic element is very important. Whilst we quite like simple games as well, we need to be challenged.

It’s good to have a variance for when you want some quick games that aren’t too demanding. And it’s good to have a selection for the various age ranges in your family. But we find even our youngest loves the more complicated ones that make you think a little more outside of the box.

3. Artwork

Although this doesn’t have any direct effect on gameplay, artwork is still important for the general fun of the game. Bright and quirky artwork can make kids enjoy the game even more.

Our youngest will often study the cards and pieces even after the game is finished. He then tends to make his own imaginative games with them, which adds a nice bonus to the main function of the game.

4. Portability

So this is the big one for travelling families. Box size isn’t all that important when you buying board games to keep on the shelves at home. But it is extremely important when you are moving around a lot and have a finite amount of room.

Whether it be when we’re packing for a long trip with a backpack or heading off in our campervan. We always make room for board games!

The smaller the games the more you can fit in. This means you can have lots of games, thus a selection to vary your playing times.

It’s not just size that matters though. There are other aspects, such as material of the box, that can help a great deal when transporting them about.

The game pieces are key as well. You don’t want lots of little pieces that are easily lost whilst on the go.

So, in no particular order, here are our top 10 boardgames for travelling families…

Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens is a 2-5 player game and was one of our first board games we got when travelling.

It’s a quirky, fun game with a simple set of rules and a ‘last person standing’ style.

Learn Speed – 8/10

It’s a turn by turn game where you play cards then pick up and move to the next person.

The main rule of the game is a simple one, don’t explode by picking up an exploding kitten! If you do, you’re out! The other key thing to understand is about ‘defuses’ and how they work.

Once you have that sussed, you can get going. The cards have explanations on each one for what they do when played. So you can get straight into it and learn as you play for the first few rounds.

Another great thing about Exploding Kittens is you can watch the purpose made video online that describes the rules in under five minutes. Which makes it much easier to learn for kids than reading a rule book.

Game Depth – 8/10

You have lots of types of cards that aid your mission to not explode. How and when you us them has a massive effect on the game results so things can go down to the wire on lots of occasions.

With lots of expansion packs and variances of the original game it also gives you the ability to add some layers when you want to give yourself something new.

We particularly like the Zombie Kittens variance. With this one, if you explode there’s still a chance you can come back to life (hence the zombie element) which means you’re not out out when you explode. This can keep kids a little happier if they know there is a chance they can come back in rather than being completely out of the game.

Artwork – 10/10

The artwork is quirky and funny and even disturbing at times! And lots of cards come with a little quote or joke you can read to add even more wackiness to this already unusual game.

Portability 7/10

With the game simply being a set of cards, it comes in a good robust box that doesn’t take up too much room. The more expansions you add the more space you’ll need to so keep this in mind!

Sushi Go

Sushi Go is a ‘play and pass’ game for up to 5 players from Gamewright.

One of our favourite big box games from home is 7 Wonders. And Sushi Go is a similar sort of game to this.

You play cards and then pass your hand. The aim is to score points with what you play in front of you by doing various combinations of sushi snacks.

Learn Speed – 7/10

Whilst the game rules are pretty simple with a play, pass, play, pass style, its the learning of the types of cards and combinations that takes a few minutes before you can begin.

But it’s soon picked up, and once you do you’ll be creating sushi meals in no time!

Game Depth – 8/10

Tactically you have to decide how you are going to score, and quickly.

The ‘passing the hand’ factor means you also have to use your memory. It could be crucial to remember when that hand comes back whether or not you will have the ability to make a combo.

Artwork – 8/10

The Sushi pictures are fun and brightly coloured and make it visually appealing for kids.

Although it does sometimes leave me feeling a little hungry when playing!

Portability 8/10

Sushi Go comes in a tin. We love a game in a tin as they keep the cards well protected from bashing round and also are more waterproof than the usual boxes. So gets one of the highest scores for portability.

Love Letter

Love Letter is a 2-6 player card game from ZMan Games, who have made a number of our favourite big box games like Pandemic and Carcassonne.

And Love Letter, although much smaller, still lives up to the same high standards of this game maker.

Learn Speed – 8/10

The rules of Love Letter are pretty straight forward, with two ways of winning. Either, be the last person standing or the highest numbered card at the end.

The game turn is just pick up a card, then play a card. It’s that simple.

The cards all have a little explanation on them as to what they do so you can theoretically start playing without any knowledge of each type of card. There’s also some quick reference cards to look at. So all this aids in getting the game going quickly.

Game Depth – 8/10

It’s a great game of strategy, bluffing and a bit of luck. Where you need to stay in the game, but also try to keep high scoring cards at the end.

There’s been a few versions released with some additional cards introduced which give some added food for thought when playing.

Artwork – 8/10

Although the artwork isn’t as quirky as some of the others on this list, our kids still really liked the pictures and enjoy the classical theme of the game.

Portability 8/10

With only a small amount of cards and then some small counter pieces (to show how many rounds you have won), it is one of the smallest games on the list.

It comes in a nice felt bag that can be slung pretty much anywhere. You just need to be a bit careful with the bag so that the cards don’t bend inside.

Hive

Hive is a chess style game where you place and move pieces with the aim to smother your opponents queen bee.

It’s only a two player game, unlike others on the list. But you can team up if you want with more minds better than one!

Learn Speed – 7/10

The winning concept is straightforward, surround your opponents queen bee. You’ll need to learn each bugs movement ability before you begin as well though. And then a few of the conditions about how you place and move pieces generally.

But it’s picked up pretty quickly and should only take a few minutes to get to grips with the game and have a few practise rounds.

Game Depth – 8/10

Much like chess, the game comes down to yours and your opponents tactics and changes game by game, move by move. You have to think ahead and decide how you are going to make the most of the pieces on the hive, whilst at the same time ensuring your own bee is safe.

But one move from your opponent can completely scupper your plans and make you have to completely re-set your tactics. So game depth is a hi-scorer

Artwork – 7/10

The pieces for Hive are nice and chunky and have some simple yet eye pleasing bugs on them to represent each piece.

It’s nothing fancy, but is still aesthetically pleasing game pieces.

Portability 9/10

The pieces come in a nifty little bag. They are small enough to make them easy to squeeze into a small space, but large enough so the don’t get lost easily.

There’s the standard Hive and if you go for Hive Pocket the pieces are slightly smaller and so give you even more space.

With the robust pieces inside the handy bag it’s easy to stuff this game into any nook or cranny you have. So it gets high marks for box size.

Unlike chess, there’s no board for this game. You simply need a flat surface and then build the board as you play and add pieces to the hive.

Dobble (Spot It)

Dobble, also called ‘Spot It’, is a 2-8 player game about matching up symbols and being the first to do so.

It sound very simple, but it’s surprising how much your eyes can play tricks on you. And you swear there is no matching symbol until you suddenly see it.

Its fast-paced, addictive and great fun.

Learn Speed – 10/10

Dobble couldn’t be simpler to learn. Basically match a symbol on your card to the one in the middle.

Although there are 5 different variants of this game, it is essentially the same fundamental rule through of matching the symbols.

You can literally explain the game in 30 seconds and then get playing.

Game Depth – 6/10

It’s definitely the simplest game on this list and so scores low in terms of depth. But it’s not the depth that make this game what it is.

The sheer exhilaration when you’re on a good run, but frustration when you’re in a hole, will get you addicted to this game quickly and make you want to play over and over again!

Artwork – 7/10

The artwork is relatively simple and purposely uncomplicated. That’s important to be able to identify the pictures quickly, so simple cartoons give this function.

There are themed versions of the game such as Marvel, Harry Potter, Friends, amongst others. So this can add a nice bit of fun if your kids are into something in particular you can see if there is a themed version for them.

Portability 9/10

Dobble normally comes in a circular tin that fits the circular cards snuggly. There’s no fancy plastic casing or wasted space with this container.

The circular shape means no hard corners that can potentially stick in your back if it ends up in the wrong pace in your bag!

Unstable Unicorns

Unstable Unicorns is a quirky, fun and addictive game from the Unstable Games company.

You draw cards and play them and build up your ‘stable’ trying to get 7 unicorns to win.

Learn Speed – 7/10

You do need a little time to get through the rules, but they provide a basic set to get you started and then you can refer to the more detailed and FAQ sections as you go.

The cards themselves all have explanations on them as well to help you learn as you play.

Game Depth – 8/10

The game has a lot of tactical thought behind it. With lots of magical unicorn cards with various abilities the game can flip on it’s head within just a couple of turns.

There are many expansion packs you can add to the game that add more unicorn and other cards to give some added depth when you want a bit more.

Artwork – 9/10

The Artwork for this game is really well done and has lots of funny characters and characteristics.

If your kids like unicorns and magic, but not in their normal sense, then they will love this.

Portability 7/10

The standard game is a deck of around 130 cards. They come in a good robust box that has a magnetic flap so keeps the cards ice and protected.

If you need a smaller version there is a travel addition. It has less cards (about 80) and so a little less depth. But if the original is too large this could be a good alternative.

Here to Slay

Another game from the Unstable Games collection. And like Unstable Unicorns it has a similar concept of building your cards up in front of you (this time called a party).

This game has some added elements of dice and an additional way to win by killing monsters!

Learn Speed – 6/10

This is one of the more complicated game in the list and so it takes a bit of time to understand the various rules and concepts. But this is what we would expect from a game with good depth.

Again, this one comes with a set of starter rules that you can read first then the extended detail whilst playing. And with reference cards and explanations on the cards themselves, this all helps you get going as soon as possible.

Game Depth – 9/10

With the added aspects of the dice and two ways to win, amongst other things, it gives a little more strategic thinking than Unstable Unicorns.

You need to choose carefully which way you want to try to win and often change halfway through a game. With all the various cards, items, and tactics you can use, it makes every game pretty unique.

Artwork – 9/10

The artwork is one of an adventurous theme. So if you have kids that are into things like The Hobbit or D&D etc. this is a great game for them. With heroes, monsters, dragons, cursed items, it makes for a great bit of fun for adventure enthusiasts.

The cards are all very well created and colourful and the characters will soon become family favourites as you play the game regularly.

Portability 5/10

This is the largest game box on our list so gets the lowest score. It’s not huge by any stretch, but still larger than the others with a rigid rectangular box.

There is a bit of wasted space inside with plastic moulds for the cards and dice. So if you want to save some space on this you could take it out and put it in your own more compact container.

Uno

One of the most classic card games, Uno has been giving thousands of families enjoyment for many moons now.

It’s all about matching your cards with the ones on the deck in order to get rid of your hand as quickly as possible. With some added wild cards to shake things up a bit for good measure!

Learn Speed – 9/10

Uno is super simple and easy to pick up, match numbers and colours and just understand what the wild cards do and you’re away.

Just don’t forget to shout Uno on your last card!

Game Depth – 6/10

Although another game that doesn’t have a great amount of tactical depth, you do need to have a little think at times about which is the best card to play and can end up kicking yourself when you make a wrong decision.

Some versions even come with blank wild cards so you can add your own rules. Which can give this game an added edge with strategy if you make some good rules.

Artwork – 6/10

The original Uno doesn’t really have artwork, but just numbers and colours on the cards. But there are lots of various themed Uno decks you can buy to jazz things up a bit.

We have the Minecraft version. So you can browse and see if there is a themed set that will please your kids interests.

Portability 8/10

It depends on the set you buy, but normally comes in a card sleeve with the rules slotted in there so no space waste. Nice and simple!

Catan Dice

If you’re a board game geek, you will have almost certainly payed the big box game of Settlers of Catan. It’s been around for a while, and is one of the most popular strategic board games.

If you want that Catan fix while travelling, then there are some on the go versions. There is the appropriately named Catan Traveller. Which is essentially the same game just downsized.

But if this is still too large you can also try Catan Dice. Which still has the fundamentals of Catan with using resources, trading and building, but all by the power of dice.

Learn Speed – 7/10

If you’ve played Catan before you will be familiar with the concepts, but even if you haven’t Catan Dice is a reasonably quick game to pick up.

Roll dice (multiple times), choose resources on them and build with them to score points.

Game Depth – 7/10

Catan Dice actually comes with two versions you can play. Try them both, but we wuld say game two is the more tactically challenging and is more simlar to the orginal Catan.

It does a have a little limitation, the pre-made maps are the same for each game and there is a limited amount of them, but you can try using a rubber using the same sheets multiple times until they eventually become illegible.

Artwork – 6/10

The pre-made maps are nicely presented and make the game easy to navigate.

Portability 9/10

Catan Dice comes in a plastic mould that fits snuggly around the dice and sheets. So pretty much no wasted space on this one. it can slide quite easily into slim pockets with just the little bump of the dice to contend with.

Rat-A-Tat Cat

Introduced to us by some friends when we were staying in Egypt, this quickly became one of our youngest’s favourites.

It’s a 2-6 player game from Gamewright and is one you can play in a matter of minutes. So a good one for a quick game before bed.

Learn Speed – 9/10

It’s quick to pick up with the concept of swapping cards and getting a low hand the object of the game.

There’s numbered cards and a couple of special ones that take no time at all to understand.

Game Depth – 6/10

Whilst it’s one of the simpler games on the list it has an added concept other don’t in that you (or your opponents) decide when the game ends.

As soon as someone says ‘rat-a-tat-cat’ the game ends after the next turns.

So it’s about knowing when to hold or go and hoping your opponent doesn’t beat you to it!

Artwork – 6/10

The artwork is creative and colourful, with each number having a specific character.

The cats are the lower numbers and the rats the higher, so you’re wanting to avoid the rats!

Portability 7/10

It’s a small enough box, but could be smaller.

There’s a fair bit of wasted space inside with a plastic mould and it could just fit into a card sleeve easily. But it’s still small enough to get into your bag.

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