Backgammon
When it comes to travel games for adults, backgammon is a classic. Make any beach vacation extra glamorous with this backgammon set featuring an aerial shot of beachgoers by celebrated photographer Gray Malin. Its hardcover carrying case doubles as the playing board, which means it can go straight from under the umbrella to the dinner table. Bonus: When not in use, it looks very chic on a coffee table.
Chess and Checkers
This design-forward set is ideal for the traveling board game fanatic: the pieces do double duty as both chess and checker pieces. The rainbow-colored board and wooden game pieces all fit snugly inside a tin case, which, at seven-by-seven inches, easily fits into any tote bag.
Dominos
Looking for a present for a jet-setting friend who has everything? Aerin’s Enzo travel domino set is a luxurious, over-the-top option. The domino pieces are classic in their design (use them for games like Mexican train), but their zippered pouch is Italian, croc-embossed leather. We won’t judge if you end up using the case as an evening clutch.
Playing Cards
It should be no surprise that Jonathan Adler has created the most-design forward deck of playing cards we’ve ever seen. His Versailles Playing Card Set comes with two standard decks, embossed with gold foil, and encased in a geometric-printed drawer box with a smart ribbon pull. Poker has never been chicer.
Boggle
Your kids will never realize they’re actually polishing up their spelling when you play this fast-paced, educational word game. This portable version of the dice game includes a case that fits both the timer and letter dice, so you’ll never have to worry about losing one of the pieces. Traveling alone? This is that rare game that is just as fun for one player as many.
Air Bears
Perfect for even the tiniest of travelers (the game is easy to learn and suitable for ages four and up), Air Bears asks players to get each of their three bear playing pieces from the airport to their island vacation. Conveniently packaged in a tin that doubles as the playing board, it’s ideal for backseat or plane tray play for kids.
Mahjong
Mahjong, but make it cute? Look no further than this Hello Kitty set, which features pink tiles and a mat with the famous cartoon’s face on it. And if cats with bows aren’t your thing, we love this traditional set that comes with scratch-resistant melamine tiles and an eye-catching red embroidered box.
Scrabble
Mensa’s favorite board game can be played anywhere thanks to this handsome wooden travel set. A raised-letter grid ensures that the tiles stay in place even when there’s turbulence or bumps, and when the game is finished, the board halves slide out to reveal storage below. Plus, at 1.5 pounds, it’s easy to grab and go.