15 Top Small-Sized Board and Card Games to Bring While Traveling
Finding the right travel-sized board game can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle itself—one where all the pieces need to fit into an already-stuffed backpack.
Luckily, we're here to help with this curated list of the best small travel board games to bring along on your adventures. Whether on a long train ride, hanging out in a hotel, or enjoying a cozy night under the stars, these games are perfect for squeezing in some fun while you're out and about.
Get ready to say goodbye to boredom and hello to portable excitement—with a few unique twists you won't find on every other list.
Disclosure
1. This article is not a review. It is a quick overview of these games.
2. The article includes games based on our own opinions. We have played some of the games, but not all of them.
3. The games are not sorted in any particular order. If you want to learn more about a particular game, click on the included links!
4. The article contains affiliate links - when you buy through links on our site, we may earn commission at no cost to you.
Saw a mistake? We are just human, and some errors can happen. If you saw a mistake in the article, let us know in the comments below or send us a message.
What Makes a Great Travel-Sized Game?
Before we dive into the list, let's talk about what makes a game travel-friendly. First and foremost, compact size is key—you want a game that can fit easily in your luggage or even your backpack. Lightweight is another important factor; no one wants a game that adds unnecessary heft to their carry-on.
Quick setup and replayability are also vital—a great travel game should be easy to pull out and play without a lot of pieces or complicated rules to get in the way of the fun. Finally, it should ideally be versatile, working well for different group sizes or solo sessions, depending on the kind of trip you're on.
The Best Travel-Sized Board Games to Pack for Your Next Adventure
Spheres of Life: Mythical Forest
Spheres of Life: Mythical Forest is an enchanting journey in a deck of cards. The game is easy to pick up, but the strategy keeps it interesting. Its beautiful artwork and engaging gameplay make it feel like a full fantasy experience without the bulk. It's quick setup, fast gameplay, small sized-box makes it a fantastic choice for fans of mythical adventures who want to bring a bit of magic on their travels.
And it's Gods & Myths expansion adds 4 new modules to the core game, all the while fitting into the size of a box of playing cards.
👉 Buy Here
Similo
Similo is a game that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and engagement. It's incredibly easy to learn you can play it with your kids yet surprisingly deep when interpreting clues and working together as a team. The multiple-themed decks, like history or fables, add plenty of variety, keeping it fresh for repeated plays.
Its small footprint and cooperative nature make it a must-have for group travels, sparking plenty of laughter and lighthearted discussion.
Quack Heads
Quack Heads is the ultimate in zany, laugh-out-loud fun. The quirky artwork and simple, fast mechanics make it a hit at any gathering. It's perfect when you need something light to break up the travel monotony—easy to pick up, hard to put down, and guaranteed to get everyone laughing. #ad
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
The Crew is an exciting cooperative game that’s all about teamwork and communication. With its trick-taking mechanics set in space, it’s perfect game for space enthusiasts and groups who enjoy working towards a common goal.
The compact box makes it travel-friendly, and the challenging missions keep everyone engaged, making it a great choice for passing time with friends during any adventure.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Cards Vs Gravity Pro
Cards Vs Gravity Pro is all about having fun and getting out of your comfort zone. The creative challenges and dares keep the energy high, making it perfect for ice-breaking moments during group travels. It's the kind of game that gets everyone moving and laughing, and its travel-friendly format means you can bring it along for instant entertainment anywhere. #ad
The Mind
Simple in theory, difficult in practice - that might be the best description of the Mind. It is a card game where you play together trying to each play higher umbered cards - without speaking.
It's quick, it's fun, it can be played with almost all kind of players, so it makes a great game to take with you on your travels.
👉 Related: The Mind Review.
Palm Island
Palm Island is all about convenience and clever design. You can play it entirely in your hand, making it a perfect game for cramped spaces like airplanes or long car rides. Its solo and two-player modes offer versatility, and the minimal setup means you can start playing anytime, anywhere.
Whether you're exploring solo or traveling with a friend, Palm Island delivers an engaging, portable experience that’s perfect for travelers who love clever card games.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Herd Mentality
This is a hilarious game where you’re trying to be just like everyone else! Answer questions like “Name a famous Jennifer” and hope your answer matches the majority. If you're the odd one out, you get the dreaded pink cow, which stops you from winning until someone else takes it off your hands.
With easy gameplay that works for up to 20 players, Herd Mentality is perfect for big family gatherings or group travels. It’s gone viral on TikTok for a reason—expect lots of laughs, fun debates, and maybe even some good-natured mooing at anyone taking too long!
Deep Sea Adventure
Deep Sea Adventure is the perfect game for travelers who love a bit of risk and excitement. As you dive deeper for treasure, the collective oxygen supply dwindles, creating hilarious moments of tension. Will you return to the sub with your treasure, or will greed get the best of you?
The small components make it easy to play anywhere, and the social aspect of sharing oxygen makes it ideal for group travel where laughs are guaranteed.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Organ Attack!
Organ Attack! is a hilarious and educational card game that blends humor with learning about the human body. Players compete to remove each other's organs using affliction and tactical cards while protecting their own.
It's easy to pick up, with no medical knowledge required, and players of all ages can learn about organs and diseases in a fun way. The last person with an organ left wins! Its compact design and family-friendly nature make this game an excellent choice for travel.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Sriracha: The Game
Sriracha: The Game brings the heat with fast-paced action and hilarious card-slapping fun. With 52 original Sriracha and food-themed illustrations, this game is as mouthwatering as it is entertaining. Players divvy up the cards and race to slap the deck for pairs, sandwiches, or to save themselves with a Sriracha Card.
The quick 10-15 minute rounds mean you'll be shouting for rematches while waiting at the airport or chilling at your hotel.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
You Can't Say Umm
This is the ultimate family word game that keeps everyone laughing and involved. The goal? Describe two random words without saying "umm," "err," or hesitating—easier said than done! The hilarious challenges get sillier as the game progresses, keeping everyone on their toes. It's easy to set up, quick to learn, and takes just three minutes to get playing. #ad
No Thanks!
No Thanks! is a great game for groups, delivering excitement in a simple package. The mechanics are straightforward, but the decisions are surprisingly tricky—do you take a card or pay to avoid it? The tension of building up points and hoping others take risks adds a fun dynamic that keeps everyone engaged. It's light, portable, and always a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for any travel situation.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Doomlings
This is an easy-to-learn strategic card game where you play Traits, score points, and try to survive until the end of the world! With a mix of strategy, mischief, and chaos, this game is perfect for both card game veterans and new players alike.
Designed for 2-6 players, each game takes just 20-45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for quick but exciting fun during your travels. Its compact size and fast-paced gameplay ensure Doomlings fits perfectly into any adventure.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Azul Mini
Azul Mini is a travel-sized version of the beloved tile-placement strategy game. Compact and quick to set up, it's perfect for travel. Compete to score points by creating stunning patterns and collecting sets of tiles while making smart moves to outwit your rivals. The portable design and engaging gameplay make this a great choice for travelers who love a bit of strategic fun wherever they are.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Bad Choices
Bad Choices is an easy-to-learn game that's all about outrageous questions and juicy secrets. It's designed to bring out the hilarity in any group and is perfect for breaking the ice or adding a bit of drama to your travels. If you're traveling with friends and looking to inject some fun and get people talking, Bad Choices is sure to deliver plenty of memorable moments. #ad
Honorable Mentions
Oriflamme: A small box game of intrigue and power struggles. Bluffing elements and quick rounds make it exciting for 3-5 players. Compact and dynamic, it's perfect for travel.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Cahoots: A cooperative card game where players complete goals without revealing too much of their hand. Easy to learn and great for 2-4 players, it's ideal for light yet engaging teamwork on the road.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Railroad Ink: A roll-and-write game about creating networks of roads and railways using dice rolls. Great for solo or group play, its small box, and endless replayability make it a relaxing travel game.
👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight
Tips for Bringing Board Games While Traveling
Protect Your Cards and Pieces: Use zip-lock bags or card sleeves to keep everything organized and prevent wear and tear. Cards can easily get bent or damaged while traveling, so keeping them in protective sleeves helps maintain their condition. Zip-lock bags are also great for storing different card types separately, making setup much easier.
Avoid Small Components: Especially, if you want to play your game in car, plane, bus, train - it's best to avoid playing games with small components (like tokens, dice, etc.), as it's easy to lose them.
Carry a Small Pouch for Components: Dice, tokens, and other small pieces can easily get lost in your luggage. Storing these in a small pouch keeps everything together and prevents pieces from going missing. It also makes setting up the game quicker since you won't need to rummage through your bag looking for components.
Opt for Magnetic Games: If you're traveling by car or train, consider games with magnetic pieces to avoid losing components on bumpy rides. Magnetic games are ideal for keeping everything in place, even when moving. They make it easier to play on uneven surfaces, so you can enjoy your game without worrying about pieces sliding off the table.
Conclusion
Who knew that fitting so much fun into such tiny boxes could be this exciting? The right travel-sized games can turn a dull layover into a thrilling tournament or a quiet night in the tent into a competitive showdown. Whether you're in it for strategic challenges or just some lighthearted entertainment, a game on this list is ready to be packed into your suitcase.
So, what are your favorites? Drop a comment below and let us know!
And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for even more game recommendations—happy travels and gaming!
FAQ Section:
What makes a board game travel-friendly?
Compact size, lightweight, quick setup, and replayability make a game ideal for travel.
Are these games suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many of these games, like Sprawlopolis and Death Valley, can be played solo.
Which games are best for groups?
Games like No Thanks!, Deep Sea Adventure, and BAD CHOICES are perfect for group play.
Are these games easy to learn for new players?
Most of the games listed are easy to learn, with simple rules that make them accessible to beginners.
How do I protect board games while traveling?
Use zip-lock bags, card sleeves, and small pouches to keep components organized and prevent damage.