# What are some good travel games to pack for a trip (apart from a deck of cards)? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [April 21, 2024, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574 "2024-04-21T06:33:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/1 "2024-04-21T06:33:44Z")
My family and I are going on a cruise which will be all sea days. I was wondering what might be some fun games to bring along. The ability to be small/fit in a suitcase without taking up too much room is important for this. A deck of normal playing cards is certainly going but anything else you’d recommend? ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/2 "2024-04-21T07:03:00Z")
Depending on everyone’s sense of humor, [Cards Against Humanity](https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com/) might be something you would enjoy. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/3 "2024-04-21T07:08:17Z")
Exploding Kittens card game. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/4 "2024-04-21T07:22:35Z")
My family always likes Boggle. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/5 "2024-04-21T07:39:52Z")
My family has spent hours playing **[Quiddler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiddler)** and we aren’t even close to being tired of it. It’s a card game that’s sort of a cross between Scrabble and Uno. You’re dealt a hand of cards with letters, and you use the cards to make words and score points. But before you start making words, there’s a phase of the game where players draw from the deck and attempt to substitute more useful letters for the ones in their hand. Great fun for word nerds. The only caveat is, you gotta bring a Scrabble-type reference dictionary or something similar, so you can convince your opponents that “xi” is a real word. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/6 "2024-04-21T08:06:57Z")
I am interested! ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/7 "2024-04-21T08:26:43Z")
[(E-Bay link) 3-Spot and L-Game](https://www.ebay.com/itm/295421955474) are two of my favorites. L-Game is a positional game where you try to force your opponent to lose by their hot having a legal move. 3-Spot is an interesting bit of position play and counting. You win if you reach a certain score, unless your opponent has reached a benchmark score, in which case you try to force them to go over the 2nd benchmark score for you to win. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/8 "2024-04-21T08:30:02Z")
Yahtzee. Five dice, a pad of paper and a pencil. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/9 "2024-04-21T08:35:35Z")
I used to have (well, maybe still do if I can find it) a pocket chess set. It could also be used for checkers. I likewise have a Travel Scrabble set, which is small enough to pack in a carry-on. One deck of cards is fine (Gin Rummy, or even Crazy Eights) but two would be better. Double solitaire, contract bridge, then. Anyway, have a great trip! ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/10 "2024-04-21T12:57:48Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Yahtzee. Five dice, a pad of paper and a pencil. Farkle is another dice game to consider. What about dominos? Too big? Too heavy? ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/11 "2024-04-21T12:59:16Z")
[Phase 10](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_10). A rummy-type card game that becomes addictive. And [Travel Blokus](https://shop.mattel.com/products/travel-blokus-gnd69). ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/12 "2024-04-21T12:59:39Z")
Cribbage board Mille Bournes ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/13 "2024-04-21T14:29:31Z")
One Night Werewolf. Maybe 20 cards and an app on your phone. It’s Mafia without the need for a player to be moderator. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/14 "2024-04-21T14:32:21Z")
Does this need an internet connection? The ship charges a lot for that and not sure everyone will have access. Also my first cruise so not certain how reliable that connection will be. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/15 "2024-04-21T14:33:50Z")
No. It’s just pre-recorded scenarios based on the cards you use. The narrator voice is awesome. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/16 "2024-04-21T15:02:39Z")
[Catch Phrase](https://www.target.com/p/ultimate-catch-phrase-game/-/A-79749959) is good for a group of 4 or more. The app game [Heads Up](https://www.warnerbros.com/games-and-apps/heads) is very fun and can entertain a group for hours. You just need one phone with the app, and it can be for all ages. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/17 "2024-04-21T15:11:59Z")
It’s only two player but Jaipur travels well as the box is about 5x7x1. Splendor is also great but the box is oversized. You could probably fit the chips and cards into something way smaller or I see travel boxes on Etsy made for just that purpose. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/18 "2024-04-21T16:07:11Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > What about dominos? Too big? Too heavy? Could be easily disturbed if the sea gets choppy. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/19 "2024-04-21T16:27:51Z")
There’s a word-guessing phone app that seems popular with teenagers (and maybe others, but I only know teens). You only need one phone for a group of any size. One player holds the phone against their forehead (so everyone else can see it, but that person can’t), and there’s a word on it, and everyone else gives clues. If the person who’s up guesses the word, they flip the phone downwards, and it switches to a new word, and if they give up, they flip the phone upwards. You try to get as many of the words as you can before time runs out, and then pass it off to the next player. It’s not really good as a competition (everyone needs to cooperate for it to work), but it’s fun. Though I don’t know if it needs Internet access to work, or if it has a bunch of word lists stored on the device. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2024, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574/20 "2024-04-21T16:31:06Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Depending on everyone’s sense of humor, [Cards Against Humanity](https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com/) might be something you would enjoy. “[Apples to Apples](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apples_to_Apples)” is essentially the same game, only G-rated. CAH can be hilarious with the right group, but it is _very_ vulgar and NC-17, and isn’t a game that most people would be comfortable playing with their kids, their in-laws, etc. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-good-travel-games-to-pack-for-a-trip-apart-from-a-deck-of-cards/1000574.md?page=2)