The 10 Best Travel Board Games for Adventurers and Globetrotters

1. Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is a classic travel board game that challenges players to build the longest railway routes across various maps, including Europe, the USA, and Asia. Players collect cards of different colors, which they use to claim railway routes on the board. The longer the route, the more points a player earns. Completing specific destination tickets grants bonus points, but uncompleted tickets result in penalties.

This game is loved for its simple rules, fast setup, and strategic depth, making it suitable for players of all ages. The tension of claiming routes before your opponents adds a competitive edge, while the variety of maps offers replayability. However, the luck of the draw can sometimes dictate the game’s outcome, which might not appeal to players seeking purely strategic gameplay. Ticket to Ride is perfect for fans of light strategy games with a travel theme.

Key Features:

• Players: 2-5
• Playing Time: 30-60 minutes
• Complexity: Medium

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2. Tokaido

Tokaido is a beautifully illustrated game that takes players on a journey along the Tokaido road in Japan. The goal is to have the most fulfilling journey by collecting experiences such as delicious meals, hot springs visits, and encounters with fellow travelers. Players move along the path at their own pace, but careful planning is required, as the first to reach each spot has the best selection of experiences.

The game is praised for its serene atmosphere, stunning artwork, and unique approach to scoring based on experiences rather than conventional victory points. Its relaxed pace makes it a great choice for players looking for a more laid-back gaming experience. However, the game’s simplicity might not appeal to those looking for a deeply strategic game. Tokaido is ideal for those who enjoy immersive, thematic games that capture the essence of travel.

Key Features:

• Players: 2-5
• Playing Time: 45 minutes
• Complexity: Low to Medium

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3. Lost Cities

Lost Cities is a card game where players embark on expeditions to five exotic destinations, represented by different colors. Players must strategically play numbered cards in ascending order to advance on their chosen expeditions, but starting an expedition costs points. The goal is to balance risk and reward by committing to expeditions that can yield high points.

Lost Cities is celebrated for its quick setup, strategic depth, and the tension of deciding when to commit to an expedition. The game’s two-player focus makes it ideal for couples or friends looking for a competitive yet engaging game. However, the reliance on card draws can introduce an element of luck, which might not appeal to all strategy enthusiasts. Lost Cities is perfect for those who enjoy travel-themed card games with a strategic twist.

Key Features:

• Players: 2
• Playing Time: 30 minutes
• Complexity: Medium

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4. Wingspan

Wingspan is a bird-themed engine-building game where players take on the roles of bird enthusiasts, collecting and attracting the best birds to their wildlife preserves. The game features over 170 unique bird cards, each with its own abilities and habitat requirements. Players gain points by laying eggs, gathering food, and expanding their collection of birds.

The game is praised for its educational value, stunning artwork, and strategic gameplay. The thematic focus on birdwatching adds a unique twist, making it appealing to nature lovers and strategy gamers alike. However, the game’s depth might be overwhelming for casual players or those unfamiliar with engine-building mechanics. Wingspan is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong thematic focus on travel and nature.

Key Features:

• Players: 1-5
• Playing Time: 40-70 minutes
• Complexity: Medium

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5. The Quest for El Dorado

The Quest for El Dorado is a deck-building racing game where players compete to reach the legendary city of El Dorado. Players use cards from their decks to navigate through jungles, rivers, and mountains, all while managing their resources and acquiring new, more powerful cards. Strategic deck management is key to progressing efficiently and outpacing opponents.

The game’s blend of deck-building and racing elements makes it highly engaging, with a modular board that offers great replayability. Its strategic depth and variety of paths to victory keep players coming back for more. However, the game’s reliance on luck from card draws can sometimes disrupt well-laid plans. The Quest for El Dorado is perfect for fans of deck-building games who enjoy a competitive race through exotic landscapes.

Key Features:

• Players: 2-4
• Playing Time: 30-60 minutes
• Complexity: Medium

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6. Jaipur

Jaipur is a fast-paced trading game set in the bustling markets of Jaipur, India, where players compete to become the Maharaja’s personal trader. Players must trade and sell goods while collecting camels to score points. The game involves a mix of card drafting, set collection, and strategic decision-making to outmaneuver the opponent.

Jaipur is praised for its quick gameplay, easy-to-learn rules, and engaging tactical decisions. The game’s two-player format makes it perfect for couples or competitive friends. However, its simplicity and reliance on card draws might not provide enough depth for some players. Jaipur is ideal for those who enjoy light, strategic card games with a vibrant theme.

Key Features:

• Players: 2
• Playing Time: 30 minutes
• Complexity: Low to Medium

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7. Cartographers

Cartographers is a roll-and-write game where players take on the role of royal cartographers mapping out the wilderness. Players draw shapes representing different terrains on their maps, trying to achieve objectives and score points. The game’s seasonal scoring system and the introduction of monsters add depth and variety to the gameplay.

The game is celebrated for its creative blend of drawing, strategy, and spatial planning. Its solo mode and variable scoring objectives add replayability, making it great for both solo play and group sessions. However, the game’s reliance on spatial awareness might not appeal to everyone. Cartographers is perfect for fans of roll-and-write games with a thematic twist on exploration and map-making.

Key Features:

• Players: 1-100
• Playing Time: 30-45 minutes
• Complexity: Medium

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8. Istanbul: The Dice Game

Istanbul: The Dice Game is a dice-driven game of trading and resource management set in the bustling markets of Istanbul. Players roll dice to collect resources, which they use to acquire goods and fulfill objectives. The game’s fast pace and strategic decision-making offer a streamlined experience of the original Istanbul board game.

The game is lauded for its quick playtime, easy-to-learn mechanics, and strategic depth. Its use of dice adds an element of chance, keeping the game dynamic and engaging. However, the luck element might not appeal to those seeking a more strategic game. Istanbul: The Dice Game is ideal for fans of trading and resource management games with a fast-paced, travel-themed experience.

Key Features:

• Players: 2-4
• Playing Time: 20-40 minutes
• Complexity: Medium

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9. Expedition: The Roleplaying Card Game

Expedition: The Roleplaying Card Game is a cooperative adventure game that combines travel, storytelling, and strategy. Players use cards to create characters and embark on quests, exploring new lands and battling monsters along the way. The game’s companion app offers dynamic storylines and challenges, enhancing the travel-themed experience.

The game is praised for its innovative use of technology, immersive storytelling, and cooperative gameplay. Its app integration keeps the game fresh with new content and scenarios. However, the reliance on the app might not appeal to those preferring traditional board games. Expedition is perfect for fans of role-playing games and cooperative adventures with a strong focus on exploration.

Key Features:

• Players: 1-6
• Playing Time: 20-60 minutes
• Complexity: Medium

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10. Pandemic

Pandemic is a cooperative game where players travel the globe as members of a disease control team, working together to stop outbreaks and discover cures. Players must manage resources, treat infections, and build research stations while racing against time to prevent global disaster. The game’s cooperative nature requires teamwork and strategic planning to win.

Pandemic is celebrated for its tense gameplay, thematic depth, and cooperative challenge. Its balance of strategy and urgency keeps players engaged, making every decision crucial. However, the game’s difficulty can be a turn-off for those seeking a lighter, more relaxed experience. Pandemic is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games with a travel and global strategy theme.

Key Features:

• Players: 2-4
• Playing Time: 45 minutes
• Complexity: Medium to High

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These 10 best travel board games offer a range of experiences, from competitive races and strategic map-making to cooperative adventures and relaxing journeys. Whether you’re a globetrotter at heart or simply love the thrill of exploring new places, these games bring the excitement of travel to your tabletop, making every game night a new adventure.