Turn every trip into an adventure with the best board games. Discover, share and review perfect games for trains and buses. Choose yours and make time fly!
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Explore Games: Entertainment for Long Journeys
Long train or bus rides can be a fascinating experience, an opportunity to disconnect from the
digital world, enjoy the scenery and share moments with fellow travelers. However, after a
while, tiredness or boredom can make the journey become tedious. It is at these times that board
and handheld games become an excellent option to make the time fly by. Choosing the right game
will depend on several factors, such as the number of players, the space available and the
length of the commute.
One of the first things to consider when choosing a game for a trip is the number of
participants. If you are traveling alone, there are options that will allow you to entertain
yourself without depending on another person, such as pocket puzzles, solitaire card games or
logic challenges like Tangram or Sudoku in physical format. Games such as “Onirim” or “Friday”
are designed specifically for a single player and offer strategic games that can last from a few
minutes to more than an hour. These games allow travel time to be transformed into a mental
challenge and a fun way to exercise the mind.
For those traveling as a couple or in small groups, the options expand considerably. Card games
such as “Love Letter”, “Lost Cities” or “Jaipur” are excellent choices, as they have simple
rules, quick games and require little space to play. Another popular choice for two players is
the classic “Magnetic Chess”, ideal for those who enjoy strategy and long-term planning. On the
other hand, there are compact, fast-paced games such as “Hive Pocket” or “Patchwork,” which
allow for exciting games without taking up too much space on the seat tray.
If the trip includes more people, the selection of games can become even more interesting. Card
games such as “Uno,” “Saboteur” or “The Mind” are perfect for groups because they encourage
interaction and can include several players. “Exploding Kittens” is another excellent example of
a portable and entertaining game that can be played in groups and does not require a board,
making it ideal for small spaces. For those who prefer role-playing or narrative games, “Dixit”
in its card version or “Story Cubes” are creative alternatives that allow storytelling and
exercise the imagination in groups without the need for a board.
Available space is another key factor when selecting a game for a long trip. In trains and buses, space
may be limited, so compact sets with few pieces are the best choice. Card games are generally the most
suitable, as they take up little space and can be easily stored in a backpack or pocket. Games like
"Dobble", which requires reflexes and quick thinking, or "Timeline", which challenges historical
knowledge and memory, can be played even on small surfaces such as a train tray. In addition, there are
travel versions of some popular games, such as "Catan Traveler" or "Carcassonne Travel Edition", which
are designed to take up less space and be easier to transport.
Another key aspect when choosing a game for a trip is the duration of games. Long journeys allow you to
play several rounds of short games or go into longer and more strategic games. If the trip is a few
hours, games with games between 10 and 30 minutes may be the best option, as they allow for greater
rotation and variety. In this case, titles like "Love Letter", "6 nimmt!" or "Sushi Go!" may be ideal.
On the other hand, if the trip is many hours, it can be a perfect opportunity to enjoy more elaborate
games like "The Crew" or "Res Arcana", which require more time and planning.
In addition to the duration and type of play, ease of learning is another important element to consider.
If you travel with people who are not familiar with board games, it is ideal to choose games with simple
rules and intuitive mechanics. " ONE", "Dobble" or "Ghost Blitz" are perfect options for those looking
for immediate fun without the need for extensive explanations. Instead, if players have experience in
table games, they can opt for more complex titles like "Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition" or "Lost
Ruins of Arnak", which offer a deeper and strategic experience.
In addition to choosing a suitable game, it is important to consider other logistical aspects. Having a
stable surface to play on, such as a train tray or travel case, can make the experience more
comfortable. It is also useful to have bags to store the parts and prevent them from being lost during
the journey. Some games come in travel versions with magnets or snaps that prevent pieces from moving
around, which is especially useful on-the-go.
Finally, board games for long journeys not only serve the function of entertainment, but can also be an
opportunity to socialize with other passengers. Games can often be a great way to start a conversation
and meet new people. Cooperative games such as "The Crew" or "Hanabi" can be ideal to encourage
collaboration between players and make the journey more enjoyable.
In short, board and laptop games are an excellent option for making long train or bus trips more
entertaining and memorable. The key is to choose games that suit the number of players, the space
available and the duration of the journey. With the right choice, a seemingly monotonous trip can turn
into an experience filled with fun, laughter and fond memories. So the next time you pack your backpack
for a trip, don’t forget to include a good board or card game, because you never know when a simple game
can make time fly by.
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Travel Games: Compact Fun for Long Journeys
Discover a selection of classic board games and games of wit ideal to enjoy on trains and buses. From the millennial Go to fun memory and domino games, this guide will help you make your trip more entertaining. Do you want to try them? ¡ Keep reading and take your next adventure to a strategic level!
Go: A thousand-year-old strategy challenge
Go is a board game originally from China, considered one of the oldest and most complex in
existence. It is played on a square board with a variable number of lines, the standard boards
being 19x19, although they can also be played on smaller boards such as 13x13 or 9x9, which
makes it perfect for transport, since it adapts to smaller spaces.
Objective of the Game
The objective of Go is to surround the opponent’s stones to capture them. Although it sounds
simple, the strategy behind the game is extremely deep. Each player places his or her white or
black stones at the intersections of the board in order to create groups that surround and
capture the opponent’s stones. The empty areas on the board are known as "territories", and the
player with the largest territory and the most captures at the end of the game is the winner.
How to play
Go has simple rules but an enormously complex strategy. The game begins with an empty board and
two players who take turns placing a stone at any intersection of the board. Players
strategically place their stones in order to form "groups" that are connected enough not to be
captured.
The key concept in Go is "freedoms". Each stone placed on the board has a number of freedoms,
which are the empty intersections adjacent to it. When a stone or group of stones loses all its
freedom, it is captured and removed from the board. Captured stones add up to points at the end
of the game.
Basic rules
Placing stones: Players place one stone per turn, and the goal is to fill the empty intersections of the
board.
Capture: When a group of stones is completely surrounded, they are captured and removed from the board.
Territories: At the end of the game, empty intersections surrounded by player stones and captured stones
are counted to determine the winner.
Ko: The "ko" is a rule that prevents players from immediately repeating a move that could make the game
go into an endless cycle.
Why is it perfect for a long trip?
The Go is ideal to play during a long trip due to its small board format, which can be played in tight
spaces. Although the standard board is 19x19, 13x13 or 9x9 boards can be used to make the game faster
and more accessible. In addition, Go does not require a large physical space and can be played portably
with magnetic boards or mobile apps that simulate the game.
One of the great advantages of Go is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to play. Only the black and
white stones and the board are required. Many Go boards come with magnetic pieces, making it perfect for
playing on a train or bus without fear of slipping.
Go also encourages concentration and strategic thinking, making it an ideal game to disconnect from the
external distractions of a trip. Although each game of Go can be long and complex, it is very satisfying
each advance and capture, which keeps the player interested and excited.
Chess: The mental battle on the board
Chess is one of the oldest and most revered games in the world, which has captivated generations for its strategic complexity and ability to challenge the mind. Playing chess on a long train or bus trip is an excellent way to exercise logical thinking and improve concentration. Although chess may seem intimidating at first, it is a game with simple rules but an almost infinite strategic depth.
Objective of the Game
The goal of chess is to checkmate the opponent’s king, which means putting the king in a position where he cannot escape being captured. During the game, players move their pieces through a 64-square board divided into rows and columns. Each player has 16 pieces: a king, a queen, two towers, two horses, two bishops and eight pawns. The pieces move in different ways, and the key to the game is to plan moves ahead and anticipate the opponent’s moves.
How to play
Chess is played between two people, each with a set of pieces of different colors, usually black
and white. The game begins with the pieces arranged in predetermined positions on the board. The
player with the white pieces makes the first move, and then the players alternate turns.
Each piece has its own movement pattern:
King: A square moves in any direction (vertical, horizontal or diagonal).
The queen: Moves in a straight line in any direction: vertical, horizontal or diagonal.
The tower: moves in a straight line, either vertically or horizontally.
The bishop: Moves diagonally across the board.
The horse: It moves in "L" shape: two squares in one direction and one more in a perpendicular
direction. The horse is the only piece that can jump over other pieces.
The pawn: Moves forward one square, but captures diagonally. On your first move, you can advance
two squares. In addition, pawns have a special rule called "promotion", which allows them to
become any other piece (except the king) when they reach the last row of the board.
Basic rules
The rules of chess are fairly simple, but true mastery lies in how they are applied. Some key rules
include:
Checkmate: If the king is under threat of capture, he is said to be in "checkmate". The player must make
a move to free his king.
Checkmate: When the king is in check and can not escape, it is considered checkmate, and the player who
has achieved it wins the game.
Castling: A special move in which the king moves two squares towards a rook and the rook is placed next
to the king. This move has specific rules and serves to protect the king and develop other pieces.
Capture on the pass: A special rule related to pawns that allows capturing an opponent’s pawn who has
advanced two squares from their starting position.
Tie: There are several forms of tie in chess, such as the choke (when a player can’t move any pieces but
their king is not in check) or mutual agreement between players.
Why is it perfect for a long trip?
Chess is a highly suitable game for long trips because it does not require much space and is very
portable. Chess boards can be foldable, magnetic or even virtual in mobile apps, making it easy to play
anywhere. Also, because it’s played in turn-based mode, you can take advantage of any small moment
available during the trip to make a move, without having to be fully focused at all times.
The strategic depth of chess also means that you can spend hours playing without feeling bored. Each
game is different, and the number of possible strategies and combinations is almost infinite. You can
play a couple of games or even take part in an impromptu tournament with other travelers, which always
adds a touch of excitement to the travel experience.
Mental benefits
Chess is not only an excellent form of entertainment, but it also has proven mental benefits. This game
challenges your ability to concentrate, remember, problem solve and make decisions. When planning each
move, players must anticipate the opponent’s moves and think several steps ahead. This makes chess a
great way to keep your mind active during long trips.
Also, as it is a two-player game, you can enjoy it with a travel companion, which encourages social
interaction and teamwork. If you travel alone, you can also enjoy online games or with apps that allow
you to play against artificial intelligence.
Chess and its accessibility
One of the great advantages of chess is its accessibility. You don’t need expensive equipment or a large
space to play. With a compact board and some magnetic parts, you can play almost anywhere: in your train
seat, at a bus table or even in the aisle of an airplane. In addition, today there are mobile
applications that allow you to play chess at any time, either solo or against other players from around
the world. This makes chess even more accessible and practical for those who travel a lot.
Chess is more than a simple board game. It’s a mental battle that can keep you entertained for hours,
challenging your intelligence and strategic skills. It is perfect for any long train or bus journey, as
it adapts well to small spaces and requires no more than a board and pieces to start playing. If you
have never played chess, it is an excellent opportunity to learn, and if you are already an experienced
player, each new game will be an opportunity to improve your game and enjoy the company of other
players.
Domino: The game of tiles that unites
The Domino is a classic board game that has crossed borders and generations. With roots dating back to ancient China, dominoes have evolved into one of the most popular games in the world. Its simplicity makes it ideal for playing anywhere, and its easy-to-learn rules allow players of all ages to participate. This makes it an excellent choice for a long trip by train or bus.
Objective of the Game
The goal of the Domino is to be the first to run out of chips or accumulate as few points as possible. In a typical domino game, players must place tiles that match the numbers at the ends of the pieces already played on the board. At the end of the game, the player who has managed to run out of chips will be the winner.
How to play
The domino is played with a set of 28 rectangular tiles. Each tile has two numbers, one at each
end, ranging from 0 to 6. The tiles are distributed among players at the start of the game, and
each player takes seven tiles, which they must keep hidden from other players.
The starting player places a tile in the center of the board, and players take turns placing
tiles that match the numbers at the ends. If a player cannot play a tile, he must pass his turn.
The objective is to keep placing chips until someone runs out of pieces or until none of the
players can continue.
Basic rules
Start of the game: The player with the highest chip or "double" (a chip with the same numbers at both
ends) starts the game. If a double is not played, the player with the highest chip starts.
Chip placement: Players place a chip that matches a number at the ends of already played chips on the
board. For example, if there is a 6 at the end, the next player can put a chip with a 6 on one of its
ends.
Passing turn: If a player has no tile matching the numbers at the ends, he must pass his turn. In some
versions of the game, the player can take an additional token from a "spare stack" if he cannot play.
End of game: The game ends when a player runs out of chips or when none of the players can place a chip.
In the latter case, the player with less chips left is the winner.
Why is it perfect for a long trip?
The domino is an extremely accessible and portable game, making it a great choice to play during a long
train or bus ride. The dominoes are small, and many games come in compact versions with a case that
makes it easy to carry.
In addition, dominoes are a game that can be played in confined spaces, such as a train seat or at a
small table on a bus. The game doesn’t require a lot of concentration at every moment, which makes it
ideal for enjoying more relaxed games without the pressure of having to think too much about each play.
Another advantage of dominoes is that you can play in both large and small groups, which makes it
flexible depending on the number of people on your trip. If you travel with friends or family, they can
form teams and enjoy a lively game. If you travel alone, you can choose to play against one or two
fellow travelers, or even try variants like the "double" domino to increase the level of difficulty.
Varieties of the Domino
There are several versions of the domino, which makes the game even more interesting and adaptable to
different tastes and styles of play. Some popular variants include:
Classic Domino: It is the most common and the one we have described above. Ideal for beginners and for
those who enjoy a relaxed game.
Blocking domino: In this variant, the objective is to block opponents and not allow them to play their
chips, increasing the strategy level.
Scoring Dominoes: In this version, players score points for the remaining tiles on the board and those
they still have in their hands. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins.
Benefits of the Domino
The domino is not only an excellent source of entertainment, but also has some cognitive benefits. The
game stimulates memory and concentration, as players must remember the chips that have already been
played and anticipate the opponent’s moves. It also encourages quick decision making and strategy, which
makes it an interesting mental challenge.
The domino is a game accessible to all ages, which makes it an excellent choice for traveling with
children, friends or family. Children can learn to play and develop basic math skills, such as counting
and comparing numbers, while adults can enjoy more complex and strategic games.
Memory Games: Challenge your mind and sharpen your senses
Memory games are a great option to keep your mind active during a long train or bus ride. With simple rules and a flexible structure, these games are perfect for testing your concentration and mental agility. Whether you play alone or with others, memory games can be both a fun way to pass the time and an excellent workout for your brain.
Objective of the Game
The main objective of memory games is to remember and match cards, tokens or objects in a given time. As the game progresses, players must use their short-term memory to remember the locations of the pieces and make the correct moves to advance. The simplicity of the rules allows people of all ages to enjoy the game, while its challenging nature keeps them interested for hours.
How to play
Memory games usually consist of a set of cards or chips with pictures or symbols on both sides.
Cards or chips are placed face down on a table or flat surface, and players must take turns to
flip two cards at once, trying to match the cards with the same image or symbol.
The idea is to remember the location of cards that have already been turned over and try to
match the cards in later turns. When a player finds a matching pair, he can keep those cards and
continue playing. If you do not find a pair, the cards are placed face down again and it is the
turn of the next player.
The player who manages to match more cards or chips during the game will be the winner.
Game variants
Memory games have many variants, depending on the rules and materials used. Some common versions
include:
Traditional card game: In this variant, the cards in the game have pictures, numbers or letters, and
players must match the matching cards.
Themed memory games: Some games are based on specific themes, such as animals, food, characters or
places. This makes the game more entertaining and educational, especially for the little ones.
Memory with objects: Instead of cards, you can play memory games using small objects such as keys, coins
or figures. This variant can be especially useful on trips, as you only need a small bag or box to store
the objects.
Why is it perfect for a long trip?
Memory games are ideal for playing during a long trip due to their portability and ease of play in
confined spaces. You don’t need a large board or complicated pieces; just a set of cards or chips is
enough. Plus, you can play these games anywhere: in your train seat, at a bus table or even in a small
space if you travel by plane.
An additional advantage is that these games do not require much preparation. You can find memory games
in mobile apps, which means you don’t need to carry cards or physical tokens. You can even play alone,
making a personal version of the game at any point along the way, or enjoy a friendly competition with
fellow travellers.
Benefits of Memory Games
Memory games are known for their cognitive benefits. Improve short-term memory, concentration and the
ability to remember information in a short period of time. They are especially useful for keeping the
mind active during travel, where boredom can be a problem. Memory games also encourage attention to
detail, as players must observe and remember small variations in cards or chips.
Memory games are also a great way to keep your brain nimble. Numerous studies suggest that mental games
like these can help reduce the risk of cognitive illness as we age. By involving memory and attention,
memory games contribute to improving overall cognitive abilities.
Memory games are an excellent choice for those looking for a pastime that challenges their mind and
helps them stay focused during a long trip. They are easy to carry, require little space and provide
hours of entertainment without the need for a lot of preparation. Whether you’re playing with cards,
chips or even on mobile apps, memory games offer you the opportunity to improve your mental agility
while enjoying the company of other travelers or your own personal challenge. If you’re looking for a
fun way to make time fly by, look no further!
Game of Wits: Challenge your mind and have fun on the way
Games of wits are one of the best ways to entertain yourself during a long train or bus ride. They are
challenging, stimulating and can keep the mind occupied for hours. Unlike other board or card games, the
Wit games are designed to test logic, strategy and creativity, making them an excellent choice for both
solo play and sharing with other passengers.
Over the years, games of wit have taken many forms, from puzzles and riddles to math challenges and
strategy games. Regardless of format, they all share the same goal: to stimulate the mind in a fun and
challenging way.
Objective of the Game
The goal of a Brain Teaser game varies depending on the version you are playing. Some require you to
solve a logical problem in the shortest time possible, while others challenge your ability to deduct and
patience. In some games, finding patterns is key, while in others it’s all about anticipating moves and
strategies.
Games of wits can be played solo or in a group, making them a flexible and adaptable choice for any type
of trip.
How to play
There are many ways to play games of wits, and each has its own set of rules. However, we can divide
them into several main categories:
Riddles and riddles: They are questions or problems that require logic to find the correct answer. Some
examples include lateral thinking puzzles or mathematical problems with unexpected solutions.
Physical puzzles: These include Rubik’s cubes, interlocking ring puzzles or even sets of wires that must
be separated by precise movements.
Deduction games: These are games in which you have to use clues to decipher an answer. A classic example
is the match game, in which a limited number of matches must be moved to form new figures.
Quick strategy games: Some games of wit, such as Nim or portable Sudoku, require quick strategic
decisions based on established rules.]
Why play games of wits on a long journey?
A train or bus trip can be exhausting, and finding an entertaining and challenging way to spend time is
key to enjoying the ride. Mind games are ideal because they offer an enriching gaming experience without
the need for screens or electronic devices.
In addition, these games encourage socialization. If you travel in a group, you can share puzzles with
your companions or challenge other passengers in logic games. If you’re traveling alone, you can always
bring a puzzle book or small puzzle to keep you entertained.
Games of wits are also perfect because they don’t take up too much time. You can play a quick round
while waiting at a station or solve a more complex problem during a long drive.
Games of wits are a fantastic option to make long trips more entertaining and productive. Whether you
prefer puzzles, riddles, deduction games or math challenges, there will always be a perfect puzzle game
for you.
Thanks to their portability, flexibility and ability to stimulate the mind, these games are ideal for
any traveler looking for a challenging and fun pastime. So the next time you face a long journey, take a
good game of wit with you and enjoy the ride as you challenge your mind. ¡ You never know how fast time
will pass when you’re immersed in an intellectual challenge!
Long trips by train or bus can become a much more enjoyable and enriching experience when we take with us games that keep us entertained and stimulate our mind. From chess strategy to the mental agility of memory and ingenuity games, each of these options allows us to take advantage of time in a fun and challenging way. Whether you prefer to play solo or share the moment with other passengers, portable and table games are a great way to disconnect from the routine, encourage creativity and make the journey feel much shorter. So the next time you embark on a long journey, don’t forget to bring some of these games with you and turn your ride into an unforgettable experience. ¡ Let the fun begin!
