7 Best Travel Games to Bring on Your Holiday Adventures
The holidays are here — which means airports, long car rides, and plenty of family time. Whether you’re heading home for Christmas, road-tripping for Thanksgiving, or jetting off on a New Year’s getaway, travel games are the ultimate secret to keeping everyone entertained (and off their phones).
The best games to travel with are compact, easy to learn, quick to play, and endlessly replayable. You don’t need a huge table or hours of free time — just a little space, a sense of humor, and the right group of people.
So before you hit the road, pack one (or a few) of these travel-friendly favorites. From silly and fast-paced to clever and strategic, these games are perfect companions for the holiday season.
What Makes a Great Travel Game?
When space is limited and attention spans are short, not every game earns a spot in your carry-on. The best travel games share a few key traits:
- Portable: Small boxes, no boards, and minimal pieces.
- Quick Setup: You can learn and play in under five minutes.
- Replayable: Keeps players engaged, trip after trip.
- Family- or Group-Friendly: Works across ages, personalities, and settings.
If a game checks all those boxes, it’s officially carry-on approved.
Top Travel Games for the Holiday Season
1. Kittycorn
Why it’s great:
Equal parts adorable and competitive, the Kittycorn game is perfect for holiday travel. It’s small enough to toss in a purse or backpack, and quick enough to play while waiting for your next flight.
Gameplay: Players battle it out in this fast-paced, strategy-meets-luck card game where unicorns and cats collide. The objective is simple– don’t hold the lowest card at the end of each round. Kittycorn will test your probability reasoning and throw a few surprises at you. It’s lighthearted and guaranteed to get everyone laughing.
Perfect for: Family car rides, cabin getaways, or game nights with friends who love cute chaos.
Pro Tip: This game can be played with large groups! Bring Kittycorn to Thanksgiving or your next party for unlimited fun.
2. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Why it’s great:
The name alone will make everyone curious. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is as hilarious as it sounds — a fast-paced matching game that tests your reflexes and attention span.
Gameplay: Players take turns flipping cards and saying the words “Taco,” “Cat,” “Goat,” “Cheese,” or “Pizza.” When what you say matches what’s played — slap the pile! The last one to react takes the cards.
Perfect for: Groups that love laughter, noise, and a little friendly chaos.
Pro tip: Keep the pile away from your drink — this one gets intense.
3. UNO
Why it’s great:
No holiday trip is complete without UNO. It’s timeless, tiny, and ridiculously fun for all ages. The gameplay is simple — match colors or numbers, play wild cards, and try to be the first to shout “UNO!”
Perfect for: Airplane tray tables, family dinners, or anywhere you need a quick, low-stress distraction.
Bonus: There are tons of themed editions (UNO Flip!, UNO All Wild, and even UNO Minimalista) to keep things fresh.
4. Exploding Kittens
Why it’s great:
Compact, quirky, and wildly addictive, Exploding Kittens is a travel staple. Designed by the creators of The Oatmeal, it’s a combination of strategy, luck, and cat-themed absurdity.
Gameplay: Players draw cards until someone pulls an Exploding Kitten — unless they can defuse it. It’s quick to learn, sneaky, and perfect for a layover or night by the fire.
Perfect for: Teens, adults, and anyone with a sense of humor.
5. Sushi Go!
Why it’s great:
If you love games that are cute, strategic, and compact, Sushi Go! is a must-pack. The tin fits neatly in any bag, and the rounds are quick enough to play during travel breaks.
Gameplay: You “draft” sushi dishes to create the best meal combo. It’s easy to learn, and every round feels new.
Perfect for: Families or couples who like a bit of strategy without a steep learning curve.
6. Bananagrams
Why it’s great:
For word lovers, Bananagrams is the ultimate portable puzzle game. It’s like Scrabble without the board — just build your own crossword grid as fast as possible.
Perfect for: Train rides, quiet cabins, or anyone who loves a brainy challenge.
Bonus: The banana-shaped pouch is both adorable and durable.
7. Spot It!
Why it’s great:
Simple, fast, and visually engaging, Spot It! is a great go-to when you want a game that takes no setup and works for all ages.
Gameplay: Players race to spot matching symbols between two cards — sounds easy, but it’s surprisingly competitive.
Perfect for: Airplane tray tables, road stops, or in-between travel moments when you only have 10 minutes to spare.
Bonus Tips for Traveling with Games
- Pack smart: Store small games in resealable bags to prevent lost pieces.
- Mix it up: Bring a few quick games (like Spot It!) and one longer game (like Exploding Kittens) for variety.
- Think ahead: Card-based games are easier to clean up and repack.
- Download companion apps: Some games (like UNO or Sushi Go!) have digital versions for on-the-go play.
Final Thoughts
Games aren’t just a way to pass time — they’re a way to connect. During the hustle of the holidays, a few laughs over a deck of cards can turn a layover or traffic jam into a memory.
So before you zip up that suitcase, slide a few travel-friendly games inside. Whether it’s the quirky charm of Kittycorn, the classic fun of UNO, or the chaotic energy of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, these pocket-sized adventures will make your holiday travels unforgettable.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about where you’re going — it’s about the fun you have along the way.
