Travel Games

Most classic travel games, such as chess, draughts and dominoes, suit ages 6 and upward, though simpler versions work well from around 4. Each Jaques travel game carries a recommended age on the packaging. When in doubt, choose by the child's patience for turn-taking rather than strictly by age, as that matters more on a long journey.

Wooden pieces sit flat, stack neatly and do not crack or warp the way plastic does under heat in a car boot or hold luggage. They also feel satisfying to handle, which keeps children engaged longer. A well-made wooden travel set from a maker like Jaques, established 1795, will still be playable after decades, not just one holiday season.

Pick a game with a contained board or case so pieces cannot scatter, and check that the rules can be explained in under two minutes. Games like travel chess or dominoes work well because children can drop in and out without losing the thread. For mixed-age groups, choose something with simple mechanics that still rewards a bit of strategy.

Keep wooden games away from prolonged damp and direct heat. If pieces get grubby, wipe them with a lightly damp cloth and dry immediately; never soak them. Store the set in its case so pieces are not rolling loose in a bag. Treated this way, a quality wooden travel game needs no further maintenance and will last for many years.

They make very practical gifts because they are compact, immediately useful and not the sort of thing families tend to buy themselves. A wooden travel chess or draughts set works for birthdays, Christmas or going-away presents. The presentation quality of a Jaques set means it looks considered without needing extra wrapping, and it suits a wide age range, which removes the guesswork.

The majority of classic travel games, including chess, draughts, backgammon and dominoes, are designed for two players, making them ideal for a parent and child or two siblings. Some sets, like dominoes, can extend to three or four players with no extra equipment. Always check the player count before buying if you are planning for a group or family game.

A genuinely portable game has a rigid, closeable case or board that secures the pieces inside, fits easily into a hand luggage bag, and weighs little enough not to matter. Magnetic boards help on bumpy journeys. Jaques travel sets are sized and built with actual travel in mind, not simply scaled-down versions of home sets that still need a flat table and careful handling.