The best travel games for 2026, as recommended by parents

We're not sure exactly when it happened, but UNO has become a classic game that most people have played at least once. Part of UNO's appeal is that it's suitable for the whole family and is a great way to encourage colour and number recognition as well as strategy in younger players. As well as the original game, there are several travel-friendly options which are just as fun, such as UNO Extreme and UNO Dare!

This is a great game for bonding, as there's always lots of fun and laughter around the table when this set of playing cards appears. You aren't restricted to four players either, up to 10 can play at any one time, meaning that it's a great choice for group travel.

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We have a couple of gripes with the original Monopoly game: the pieces (counters, dice, cards, houses and hotels) are easy to lose and playing a game can take up a whole evening. Thankfully you don’t have to worry about either when playing the Monopoly Deal Card Game. It's a small pack of cards so you're not going to lose any fiddly game pieces and it only takes 15 minutes to play each game - ideal for even the shortest road trips.

If you're a fan of the classic Monopoly board game, then this card version is sure to become one of your family's favourite travel games.

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If your family holiday involves a plane, there's no doubt the journey will need some preparation. Remember, there's only so much in-flight entertainment that one person can take, so what better way to spend the time than playing a classic travel board game?

This Rummikub Travel set is a shrunk-down version of the original and the mini tiles will fit neatly onto your aeroplane tray. It's perfect for air travel and fits neatly into a carry-on alongside the best kids' headphones.

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When you're travelling by car, you should take Sleeping Queens along for the ride. Mumsnet parents rate this card game highly; it doesn't take up much space and it's easy for car passengers to play in the back.

As well as being fun, this game has educational benefits as it helps to develop memory and math skills, as well as being one of the best strategy games on our list. You'll be grateful when your kids wake up from their car nap.

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Not only one of the best travel games, Bananagrams is one of the most educational games for kids. Like Scrabble but more travel-friendly, Bananagrams is very popular across the Mumsnet forums and it's easy to see why. For starters, it's clear that this grab-and-go-game has been designed with travel in mind, as you don't need a pencil, paper or a board to play on. It's very easy to transport as well as the letters come in a banana-shaped case that you can throw in your backpack alongside a good kids' laptop and pull out on the go or when you're looking for something fun and educational to enjoy during family downtime.

We like to play Bananagrams on the train, but only when we manage to get seats with a table, as you do need a flat surface to play on.

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With the 5 Second Rule game, the aim of the game is think on your feet. Somebody's bound to say something funny, so it's one of the best travel games for those that fancy having a giggle.

This is a compact, mini version of the original 5 Second Rule game, so you can play it virtually anywhere. We'd recommend this for larger families, as there's no upper player limit and the gameplay is very simple so the whole gang can get involved.

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Small children get bored quickly, so before you head off on your travels, you need to get plenty packed to occupy inquisitive minds. This Little Bug Bingo Mini Game by Orchard Toys is one of the best travel games that even toddlers can play. Yes, it's well made and beautifully designed, but it's practical too as it's small, compact and portable.

This travel game will help your child to develop their observation, matching and counting skills. Thanks to its fun and simple premise, it's aimed at children aged 3-6, but there's nothing to stop older family members from joining in.

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Not all travel games are suitable for little minds (or ears). If you're looking for a game to play after the kids have gone to bed, then Cards Against Humanity is one of the best travel games for adults. Described by the makers as "a party game for horrible people", it comes with an advisory warning. It isn't for the easily offended, but if you play it amongst the right crowd, it can be hilarious.

If you're travelling with friends, you should definitely consider buying it. Up to 10 people can play, but the game is quite small, so it won't take up much space in your travel bag.

Although Cards Against Humanity is an American game, this particular set has been adapted to suit British culture and humour.

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If you're planning a trip to the beach, then it’s worth considering this Game Set. It comes in a drawstring bag so it’s easy to carry and it's quick and simple to install once you get there.

Groups of friends will enjoy this game, as it encourages friendly competition and you can break off into teams. But it's also one of the most fun travel games for families. If you want to play by the official rules, then it's recommended for children over the age of six, but kids as young as two can get involved.

This game isn't cheap, but it's fun, portable and it will certainly encourage everybody to get moving.

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Pass The Pigs is packaged in a silver travel case which contains everything you need to play; the rulebook, scorecards, two pencils and two pigs. It's easy to carry and ready to be played on the go. But as well as being one of the best travel games in terms of practicality, this game helps to develop maths skills. Educational, fun and portable. What more could you want in a travel game?

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Tested by parent tester Laura: Chicken Vs Hotdog review

Simple, silly but oh so entertaining, Chicken Vs Hotdog is great to while away time in the airport if your flight is delayed. It is also perfect for a rainy afternoon in a caravan. The concept is simple - it’s basically the bottle flipping challenge, but with two goofy cartoon characters instead of bottles.

The game is easy to understand, so even children under the recommended age of eight can get involved, and there is very little setting up involved. It may take a while to discover the knack of flipping a rubber chicken in the air and getting it to stick the landing, but once you’ve mastered the art, it’s a thoroughly addictive family game. 

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