Going on vacation? Games and card games can save the day! Whether somebody becomes sick, the weather is poor, or plans change. games can be the difference between boredom and fun.
While It would seem like first-person shooters and second lives have far surpassed such low-tech fun as dice and card games, but board games are actually the more popular pastime, at least among adults: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2003, 17.7 percent of adults in America played board games, while 14 percent played video games.
Chances are that you are going to have at least one rainy day, so you want to be prepared. Below are seven great games to take with you on vacation to keep everyone busy even when the weather stinks.
1. Cards
This is simple to take, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space. You don’t have to worry about a lot of pieces to lose and there are so many options when you take cards with you. It can even fit into your purse, so you have them anywhere you go.
Classic card games:
- Anaconda
- Basic Poker
- Blackjack
- Crazy Eights
- Gin Rummy
- Go Fish
- Old Maid
- Spades
- Texas Hold’Em
- War
2. Farkle
Farkle is a lot of fun and anyone who loves Yahtzee will enjoy playing it. You can use your own dice and find the rules online or you can buy a Farkle set, which often comes with a cup that has a lid on it. It’s easy to fit into your suitcase or purse. All you need is 2 (or more) players to start the action. Once you roll the dice you can play it safe, take the score or take a chance on the big payoff with the possibility of losing all your points in a Farkle.
3. Scrabble
Although this has a lot of pieces, this is a fun game that you can play on vacation if you are someone who loves to spell or you have kids. If you teach Scrabble to your children, you are teaching them a game which builds vocabulary and word skills. Simply wrap some rubber bands around the box and put it in the bottom of your suitcase. It won’t take up a lot of room.
4. Mafia
This is a great choice when you are going to a family reunion because it works best with a lot of people. It’s a lot of fun, especially if you have a good imagination. The basic version requires a deck of cards and works best with between twelve and twenty-four players. Plus all you need to pack is a card deck.
5. Yahtzee
Aboard a yacht in 1954, a couple of Canadians looking to pass the days at sea got creative with a handful of dice. Almost 60 years later, 100 million people around the world play The Yacht Game, only they call it Yahtzee. Another great game to take with you on vacation is Yahtzee. It’s similar to Farkle but has different rules.
6. Monopoly
Monopoly remains the most popular game of all time, with over 275 million sets sold in 114 countries and 47 languages. It’s the ultimate American board game. This is a good game to take with you if you’re going to the shore, in case it rains. A rainy day is the perfect day to play Monopoly, since it can take hours to play. Just be warned – it can cause arguments!
7. Pandemic
Pandemic is a fun game for families since, rather than playing against one another you work together to cure diseases. There’s no competing and it helps children realize the importance of working together. First published in 2007, the game’s unique combination of cooperative gameplay, engrossing premise, and compelling design have proved a hit with everyone from hardcore gamers to casual players.
Final Thoughts on Vacation Games
These are seven games that everyone can play and enjoy while they’re on vacation. They’re easy to take with you and most don’t take up a lot of room in your luggage. When space is a premium, that’s an important consideration. But with these games, it’s not a problem.
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