You’re probably familiar with those low points in a roadtrip: fickle weather, long journeys or quiet evenings at the campsite. So what games should you take on your road trip to ensure you never get bored? In this article, we give you some simple, space-saving and ultra-fun ideas to punctuate your adventure, solo, in pairs or in a group.
In this article, you’ll find a selection of games to take with you on your road trip, classified according to the type of trip (couples, friends or family), with ideas that are easy to transport, take up little space and are suitable for breaks as well as long evenings on the road.
How do you choose the right games to take on a road trip?
When you’re planning your road trip, you think about the road, the meals, the itinerary… but rarely about the games. And yet, choosing the right games to take on a road trip is often what makes the difference between a long, boring journey and a shared, lively, fun time.
First of all, you need to ask yourself several questions:
- How many people will be playing? Choose modular games (2 to 6 players).
- Do you have space? Focus on small formats, without superfluous accessories.
- Will it be easy to take out and put away? Some games take too long to set up in a van.
- Suitable for outdoor use? Choose laminated cards or sturdy formats.
- Can you play without a table? Perfect for evenings on the beach or around the fire.
Finally, choose games you really enjoy. There’s no point in following a trend or picking up a game “because it’s small” if you don’t want to play it. The aim is to create memories, laugh, chat and enjoy. Your favorite game, even if it’s a little damaged, is better than a perfect one that’s just sitting at the bottom of your bag.
The best board games to take on a road trip
When you’re on the road, every inch counts. You don’t want to clutter up your van with XXL boxes. Fortunately, many board games have ultra-compact travel versions, perfect for vanlife.
Here’s a selection of games to slip into your bag:
- Dobble: fast, simple, addictive, and perfect for playing at the aperitif.
- 6 qui prend ! : Ideal for several people, it doesn’t take up much space and guarantees lots of laughs.
- UNO: a timeless classic, accessible to all ages.
- The Mind or Skyjo: easy to learn, perfect for quick games.
- Bananagrams: an alternative to Scrabble, with no board and no pen.
And if you want to add a touch of Quebec to your roadtrip, discover Sul’bord d’la 138. Halfway between a quiz and a fun game, this knowledge game plunges you into the world of Quebec, in a playful version. You form two teams, appoint a host, and off you go for a trivia showdown. Three game modes are available, including a classic 10-point game and another where you can eliminate opposing players after each correct answer. For ages 10 and up, Sul’bord d’la 138 is perfect for group evenings by the river, camping or in the van.
These road-trip games are lightweight, with no complicated accessories, and perfect for playing outdoors or in the confined space of a van.
Games to take on a family road trip
Travelling by van with children is magical… but also a real challenge when it comes to keeping them occupied during hours of driving or rainy days. The right games can make all the difference.
Here are some family games perfect for a roadtrip:
- Story Cubes: develop children’s (and adults’) imaginations with story cubes.
- Uno Junior: a simplified version of the classic for youngsters.
- Guessing and mime games: no equipment, but always effective.
- Visual road lottery: print out or buy a magnetic version for a different way of looking at the landscape.
Choose games that are quick to set up, with no small parts that are easy to lose, and above all… have fun with them!
Games are much more than mere pastimes: they create bonds, liven up evenings, soften downtime and leave room for precious memories. By choosing the right games to take on your road trip, you’re guaranteed to enjoy moments of complicity, laughter and relaxation, whatever the weather or destination.
And to make your adventure complete, all you need is a fully equipped van. With Le Baroudeur, you rent a fully-equipped van designed for life on the road: comfortable, practical, and ready to take you exploring the most beautiful regions of Quebec. All you have to do is load your bag, a few games and let the journey take you.
Reservations for 2025 are now open. So, when are you leaving?
👉 Discover our vans and book your next road trip here.
