On a roadtrip, not all board games lend themselves well to travel conditions. Between the limited space in the vehicle, the reduced space once set up, and the sometimes impromptu games outside, it's best to choose games that are really suitable. Some formats may look compact when stored, but they quickly become cumbersome when you have to spread out the equipment. And when you're playing outdoors, a few lightweight cards can quickly blow away in the slightest gust of wind.
So if you want to have fun without making life difficult, it's best to choose games that are easy to transport, simple to take out and fun to play in a small space. In this selection, I bring you a range of low-cost board games designed for roadtrips for two. (or more), with a real focus on practicality. The aim is not to select the best-known games, but those that are still fun and easy to use, even when travelling.
Love letter
Number of players 2 to 6 players.
Format Cards. The current edition includes 21 Character cards, game aid cards and favour tokens. You only have 1 to 2 cards in your hand.
Rules of the game On your turn, you draw 1 card and then play 1 of the 2 you have in your hand. Each character triggers an effect that allows you to deduce, block, eliminate or trap your opponent. The aim is either to be the last player standing at the end of the round, or to have the highest-value card in your hand when the deck is depleted, in order to win a token. The game is won by accumulating a certain number of tokens.
For a roadtrip for two, it's a very good candidate: the game is small, inexpensive, quick to get out and the rules take just a few minutes. On the other hand, as it's based solely on cards, it's less practical to play outside when it's windy.
Yams
Number of players 2 players minimum. The game is usually played by several players around a score sheet.
Format Dice. Played with 5 6-sided dice and a score sheet.
Rules of the game On your turn, you throw the 5 dice, with up to 3 possible throws. After each throw, you can keep some of the dice and re-roll the others to try and get the best possible combination: three of a kind, four of a kind, a full house, a straight, or yams, i.e. 5 identical dice. The aim is to fill in your score sheet as efficiently as possible to finish with the highest score. It doesn't look like much, but you've no idea of the wild games we played 😂
For a roadtrip, the Yams has a real advantage: it takes up very little space and is much better adapted to the wind than a deck of cards. On the other hand, you'll still need something to keep track of the points. Here's a little tip: there are apps for Android / Apple.
Hive Pocket
Number of players 2 players.
Format Hive Pocket: tiles. Hive Pocket is played with small hexagonal insect tiles, without a board, making it particularly compact for transport.
Rules of the game Each player places and then moves their tiles in an attempt to completely surround their opponent's queen. Each insect has its own way of moving, making for a game of strategy that is fairly accessible in principle, but more refined than it appears. The game is won as soon as the opponent's queen is surrounded. It's a bit like chess, without the principle of pawns being eaten up - here, you can always flee.
For a roadtrip for two, it's an excellent choice: the game takes up very little space, doesn't need a board and is much more windproof than a deck of cards. On the other hand, you still need a fairly stable, flat surface to keep the structure legible during the game.
Good Fortune
Number of players 2 players.
Format Cardboard tiles. Each player has 9 tiles to play with, and they face each other in the centre to score points.
Rules of the game Each turn, you play a tile to try and intelligently connect it to the central tiles and collect the ones that interest you. The aim is to create the best groups of symbols and maximise your score at the end of the game by collecting charms. The game is very simple to understand and play, but can also be played very strategically, and will put a knot in your brain if you want to!
For a roadtrip for two, this is an interesting format: the game remains compact and the tiles are much more practical than cards if you're playing outside. On the other hand, you still need a small, stable, flat surface to get a good view of the central area.
PYRO
Number of players 2 to 6 players.
Format Card game. It's a pack of cards in a small metal box, so it's easy to slip into an already fully loaded vehicle.
Rules of the game You have 4 cards in front of you, but you only know 2 of them at the start. The aim is to score fewer points than the others by swapping cards, discarding at the right moment and taking a few risks, all the while trying to memorise your game and that of the others.
For a roadtrip, PYRO has a real strong point: its tiny metal case makes it very easy to take with you. However, as it's a card game, it's clearly not the best choice in windy conditions. It's much more fun to play in a tent or van, where the game is easier to handle.
XYLO
Number of players 2 to 5 players.
Format cards. The game fits into a tiny metal box, making it a very practical format to take with you on your roadtrip.
Rules of the game XYLO is a game of tricks. The mechanics are a bit like belote, in that you have to observe what the others are playing, follow the dynamics of the trick and try to make the right decisions at the right time. What makes it special is that you also have to deduce your own game, which you don't know completely at the start.
For a roadtrip, XYLO has a real advantage: its tiny metal box takes up very little space. On the other hand, because it's a card game, it's clearly best played indoors. If it's windy, it can quickly become a pain, so it's much better to keep it in a tent or van.
Dobble
Number of players 2 to 8 players for the classic edition.
Format Card game. The game contains 55 cards and comes in a small, round metal box, so it's easy to take with you on your roadtrip.
Rules of the game Dobble is a game of observation and speed. Between two cards, there is always one and only one identical symbol. The aim is to be the first to spot it and announce it to win the duel or move on, depending on the mini-variant played.
For a roadtrip, it's the same as for the previous games: the little metal box is really handy to carry around. On the other hand, as these are cards, it's clearly a game to be avoided outside if it's windy. It's much more fun to play in a tent or van.
Bonus: there are many variations of the theme, and we have several to vary the fun (Mandalorian, Asterix, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, ...)
Mille Sabords
Number of players 2 to 5 players.
Format Dice and cards. The game contains 8 privateer dice and 35 Pirate cards.
Rules of the game On your turn, you roll the 8 dice and set aside the skulls you have rolled. You can then choose to roll the other dice again to try and improve your combinations, but if a third skull appears, your turn stops immediately and you score nothing. Pirate cards modify the rounds and add bonuses or penalties. The aim is to manage your risk-taking to reach 6,000 points.
For a roadtrip, Mille Sabords works pretty well: the box isn't very big, but there's still a stack of cards, so it's best played indoors if it's windy! On a day-to-day basis, it's perhaps our favourite board game, where despite the randomness of the dice, there's some strategy involved in the choices we make in each round!
Conclusion
Of course, there are many other board games that can be used on a trip. But when it comes to roadtrips, not all of them are quite as good as the real thing: lack of space, small playing area, quick installation, or just a gust of wind at the wrong moment. This selection does not claim to be exhaustive. It is above all my personal recommendation, with games that I find particularly suited to the constraints of a roadtrip, and more specifically to two-party games.
The idea here is to help you to choose games that are easy to take with you, We've got all the essentials for your van, car or roof tent, at low prices, easy to take out at the end of the day, and practical enough to be a pleasure rather than a hassle. If you've got your own must-have games to slip into the van, car or roof tent, don't hesitate to share them in the comments section. It'll be an opportunity to add to the selection with other ideas for travel-friendly games.