Game On: Classic Games Meet Modern Wanderlust
- ML
- Dec 10, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2024
During our recent journey through the picturesque Canadian Maritimes, we were reminded of a travel essential: making time to play. And how do you think we did?
Well, we made our daily steps end in rewarding ourselves with a drink (because, why not?); played arcade basketball after a show; and looked forward to playing the daily New York Times, Connections word game (clearly, some of us connect the dots better). We also made an adventure of tasting as many variations of poutine. Counts as a game in our book. These diversions turned into unexpected joys during downtime, with playfulness transforming moments into highlights of our trip.
Picture this: You're on an adventure, bags packed with excitement and anticipation. But suddenly, you're stuck. Maybe it's a delay at the airport, a rainy afternoon confining you to your hotel, or just a quiet evening in your vacation rental after a long day of sightseeing. Don't let these moments become a black hole in your travel memories! It's time to transform that downtime into primetime with a secret weapon every savvy traveler should pack: games!
Old School Cool
Have a deck of cards? Good for you. Now let's level up your travel experience with our list of compact, easy-to-pack games that will turn those waiting room yawns into "one more round!" cheers. Whether you're a solo explorer looking to make new friends in a hostel common room or traveling with your crew, these games are your ticket to instant fun, no Wi-Fi required.
This wildly popular card game is filled with humor and strategy. Just be prepared for some absurd situations and lots of laughter! Dodge adorable destruction in this wildly popular card game for 2-5 players. Draw cards, play strategically, and hope you don't pull an Exploding Kitten! Its compact box and quick play make it purr-fect for livening up any travel downtime, from airport gates to beachside cabanas.
Subtitled "The Udderly Hilarious Board Game," Herd Mentality is perfect for larger groups and families (4 - 20 players). Players answer questions and try to match the majority opinion, leading to lots of laughs and interesting discussions. It's a great ice-breaker and can easily be played in hotel lobbies or common areas. Perfect for breaking the ice with fellow travelers or turning a dull hotel night into a riot of LOL moments.
3. Qwixx
This dice game is fast-paced and engaging, with 2-5 players participating simultaneously. It's compact, requires minimal setup, and games typically last around 15 minutes, making it perfect for quick plays between activities or while waiting for transportation. Race to cross off numbers and rack up points, but choose wisely – once a number's gone, it's gone for good!
This card game version of the classic tile-based Mahjong is perfect for travelers. It captures the essence of the original game but in a much For portable format. For 2-4 players, American MahJong challenges you to create winning hands faster than your opponents. Its pocket-sized format means you can bring the excitement of MahJong anywhere, from cramped airplane trays to tiny café tables. The game is easy to learn but offers deep strategy, making it engaging for both newcomers and experienced players.
This new family game is actually three games in one, offering variety for different moods for 2-6 players. Whether you're sorting campers, telling stories, or racing to pack your bag, these games bring the spirit of the great outdoors to any indoor space. It's like having a camping trip in your pocket! Its outdoor theme makes it particularly fitting for nature-oriented trips, and it's a great way to keep everyone entertained during downtime at a campsite or in a cabin.
6. UNO
Deal out the classic that's been uniting (and dividing) friends and families for generations. This 2-10 player game of matching colors and numbers is simple enough for kids but strategic enough for adults. Its travel-sized packaging means you're always ready to yell "UNO!" wherever your journey takes you.
7. Sushi Go
This fast-paced card game is all about building the perfect sushi meal. Players draft cards to create winning combinations, from sashimi sets to maki rolls, while keeping an eye on dessert for extra points. With adorable artwork and simple rules, it's great for quick play sessions with family or friends. Perfect for game nights, travel, or casual gatherings!
8. Phase 10
Another card game that's perfect for travel, Phase 10 challenges players to complete ten phases of different card combinations. A personal favorite and one we always enjoy - it's engaging, wickedly competitive for us, and can be played over multiple sessions, and is compact enough to fit in any travel bag.
The Final Roll: Your Call to Adventure
Of course, the best game is one that everyone enjoys playing. Before your trip, consider having a game night to test out different options and see which ones resonate with your travel group. Pack a variety to suit different moods and group sizes.
As you pack for your next great escape, whether it's a cross-country road trip or an international flight, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. These games are more than just pastimes; they're memory-makers, ice-breakers, and sometimes, sanity-savers. And they make great gifts!
So, intrepid traveler, here's your mission: Choose one (or why not all?) of these games to be your trusty companion. When you find yourself in that inevitable lull – be it a delayed flight, a long train ride, or a quiet night in your hotel – pull out your game of choice. Watch as strangers become teammates, travel companions become rivals, and boring moments transform into highlights of your trip.
Remember, in the grand game of travel, those who play together, stay together. So deal those cards, roll those dice, and let the games begin! Who knows? Your next big travel story might just start with "So there we were, playing Exploding Kittens in the middle of an airport terminal..."
Safe travels, happy gaming, and may your next adventure be filled with as many wins as it is wonders!
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