The Best Board and Card Games for Couples – Reunite the Connection on Your International Getaway!
Are you and your partner planning an exciting trip abroad? Want to make your journey even more special? Pack some fun games to play together! Games are a great way to bond, laugh, and create new memories. This guide will help you choose the best games for couples to enjoy while traveling from the airport to your destination.
Step 1. Decide What Kind of Games You Want to Play
Before you start packing, talk with your partner about what types of games you both enjoy. Here are some questions to ask each other:
Your answers will help you choose the perfect games for your trip.
Step 2. Consider Your Travel Plans
Think about when and where you’ll be playing these games. Some things to consider:
Knowing these details will help you pack the right games for your situation.
Step 3. Choose Games for the Airport and Flight
Long flights and airport waits can be boring, but the right games can make time fly by! Here are some of the best games for couples to play at the airport or during your flight:
BestSelf Intimany: This card game is perfect for two players and comes in a small, easy-to-pack box. It’s quick to learn and play, making it one of the best card games for couples on the go.
Hive Pocket: A two-player strategy game that’s like chess but with bug-themed pieces. It’s compact and doesn’t need a board, making it ideal for playing on airplane tray tables.
Codenames Duet: This cooperative word game is great for couples. Try to give each other one-word clues to guess secret words. It’s engaging and can spark interesting conversations.
Ticket to Ride: New York: A smaller version of the popular board game, this edition is perfect for quick plays during layovers.
Monopoly Deal: All the fun of Monopoly in a card game that takes just 15 minutes to play. It’s one of the best card games for couples who love a bit of competition.
Step 4. Pack Games for Your Destination
Once you reach your vacation spot, you might have more space and time for different types of games. Here are some of the best board games for couples to enjoy in your hotel room, vacation rental, or Airbnb:
Pandemic: Work together to save the world from disease outbreaks. This cooperative game is great for couples who like competing against a challenge.
Patchwork: A unique two-player game where you create colorful quilts. It’s relaxing, strategic, and perfect for a cozy night in.
7 Wonders Duel: This two-player version of the popular civilization-building game is one of the best board games for couples who enjoy strategy.
Scrabble To Go: A classic word game that’s great for couples. Challenge each other to create the highest-scoring words.
Carcassonne: In this tile-laying game, players build a medieval landscape together. It’s easy to learn but offers plenty of depth.
Step 5: Include Some Romantic Games
Consider packing some romantic games to add some extra spark to your vacation. These can help you reconnect and have fun more intimately:
- Talk, Flirt, Dare! – This card game includes conversation starters, flirty actions, and playful dares. It’s one of the best romantic board games for couples looking to spice things up.
- Our Moments Couples – A card game with thought-provoking questions to help you learn new things about each other.
- Monogamy – This board game is designed for couples and includes different levels of intimacy, making it one of the best sex games for couples who want to explore together.
- Fog of Love – A unique board game where you role-play as a couple in a romantic comedy. It’s a fun way to act out different relationship scenarios.
- The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition – Not exactly a board game, but this book of scratch-off challenges can lead to fun and romantic experiences during your trip.
Step 6. Don’t Forget Traditional Card Games
A simple deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment. Here are some classic two-player card games that are perfect for couples:
- Gin Rummy
- Speed
- War
- Crazy Eights
- Slapjack
- Uno
These games are easy to learn if you don’t already know them, and they don’t require any extra equipment beyond the cards.
Step 7. Try Digital Games
If you’re trying to pack light, consider downloading game apps on your phones or tablets. Many popular board games have digital versions, and there are also unique games designed just for mobile devices. Some ideas:
- Words With Friends
- Ticket to Ride
- Catan Universe
- Glow Hockey 2
- Heads Up!
Step 8. Create Unique Games
Get creative and make up your unique games to play during your trip. Here are some ideas:
Travel Scavenger Hunt: List things to spot during your journey (like someone wearing a hat, a red car, etc.). The first person to see each item gets a point.
Would You Rather: Travel Edition: Come up with travel-related “would you rather” questions. For example, “Would you rather forget your toothbrush or phone charger?”
Guess the Price: In restaurants or shops, try to guess the price of items before looking at the menu or price tag. The closest guess wins!
Language Challenge: If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language, challenge each other to learn and use new phrases each day.
These homemade games can be the best for couples because they’re personalized to your interests and experiences.
Step 9. Pack Your Games Smartly
Now that you’ve chosen your games, here are some tips for packing them efficiently:
Step 10. Set Aside Time for Gaming
During your trip, make sure to set aside some time specifically for playing games together. This could be:
- During a long flight or layover
- In the evening, after a day of sightseeing
- On a rainy day when you can’t go out
- While relaxing on the beach or in a park
- Over breakfast or dinner at your accommodation
Having dedicated game time ensures you’ll use the games you’ve brought and allows you to focus on each other.
Step 11. Use Games to Enhance Your Travel Experience
Games can do more than just pass the time – they can enhance your travel experience! Here are some ways to use games to connect with your destination:
Travel-themed Games: Play games that relate to your destination. For example, if you’re going to Paris, you could play the card game “Paris: La Cité de la Lumière”.
Local Games: Try to learn and play popular games in the country you’re visiting. This can be a fun way to connect with the local culture.
Souvenir Game: Make a game out of choosing souvenirs. Set a budget and challenge each other to find the most unique or meaningful item within that price range.
Photo Challenge: Turn your sightseeing into a game by creating photo challenges for each other. For example, “Take a picture that represents ‘love’ in this city” or “Capture the color blue uniquely interesting”.
Memory Game: At the end of each day, play a game where you take turns remembering as many details as possible about what you did and saw. This can help reinforce your memories of the trip.
Step 12. Reflect on Your Gaming Experiences
As your trip ends, take some time to talk about the games you played. Ask each other:
- Which game was your favorite?
- Did you learn anything new about each other through these games?
- Were there any funny or memorable moments during your game sessions?
- Are there any games you want to continue playing when you get home?
- How did playing games together affect your overall trip experience?
This reflection can help you appreciate the bonding time you’ve had and give you ideas for future trips or game nights at home.
Conclusion: The Power of Play in Relationships
Bringing games on your international trip can add more fun and connection to your experience. Whether you’re battling it out in a strategy game, laughing over a silly card game, or getting romantic with an intimate couples game, you’re creating shared experiences and memories.
Remember, the best game for couples is one that you both enjoy. Don’t be afraid to try new games; bring some familiar favorites. Most importantly, you’re spending quality time together and having fun.
Games can help you:
- Relax and de-stress during travel
- Laugh and be playful together
- Learn new things about each other
- Work as a team
- Create inside jokes and shared memories
- Stay entertained during downtime
As you pack for your international adventure, don’t forget to include some games and Your Essentials – Download Your Packing Checklists Now. The games don’t take up much space, but they can have a big impact on your trip and your relationship. Whether you choose the best two-player board games for couples, the best card games for couples, or the best romantic board games for couples, you’re sure to have a great time playing together. Happy travels and gaming!
