12 Mesmerizing Travel Games Under $20

Lots of planning goes in to preparing and packing for a vacation. What does sometimes get neglected though is mapping out what to do to keep the troops entertained during the trip to your destination(s). Never fear. Here are 12 Travel Games Under $20 that will dramatically reduce the number of times that you hear “Are we there yet?”.

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Alphabet Name Game-This one is totally free. Take turns calling out a letter of the alphabet and a category, and each person in your group has to name something that fits the criteria. For example, name a city that starts with m.  Answers might include Madison, Manchester, Miami, and Missoula.

Box of Questions-Why not have a box full of questions that you can ask one another along the way on your trip? Make your own box filled with conversation starters or try something like the Melissa & Doug Family Road Trip Box Of Questions.

I See A….The designated announcer calls out an object or living thing that can spied out a car window. First person, who sees what’s called out and says so, gets a point. Play until someone gets ten points. He or she is the winner and gets to be the next announcer. Need ideas for objects to call out, give Spot It! on the Road or Travel Scavenger Hunt For Kids Card Game a try.

License Plate Game-This classic car game can either be played with pencil and paper cheap or this nifty Melissa & Doug License Plate Game. Growing up we played the license plate game every time we went on a road trip.  Years later, Mom still enjoys playing. I gave this wooden version as a gift to her a few years ago and it has held up and has been well-received.

Mad Libs– Such a classic and wonderful way to pass the time. And for the younger people on trips this is a great way to learn the parts of speech while having lots of fun. Neat versions include Mad Libs on the Road, Summer Fun Mad Libs Junior, and Vacation Fun Mad Libs.

Magnetic Travel Games-A magnetic surface really comes in handy when it comes to keeping track of game pieces while traveling. Give this Tic-Tac-Toe – Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere Game a go.  Also, worth checking out are magnetic travel puzzles such as the Melissa & Doug Magnetic Number Maze and the Travel Tangoes – Animals. A Travel Tangoes – People version is also available.

So on your next vacation, be sure and take along a few of these boredom busters to help you arrive in one piece, with your sanity still intact.

For more travel tips:

Finding Pet-Friendly Hotel Deals
9 Ways to Save Money on LEGOLAND® or Other Amusement Park Tickets