Whether you're travelling by car, train or plane it can be a problem to keep the children entertained during the journey. If they're bookworms or thoroughly engrossed in their music or electronic game things may not be too bad, but if they're not, or they get bored then our list of top travel games may prove useful.
Some of these games do need the help of a pad and pencil, so don't forget to pack them! Small prizes perhaps of sweets will prolong the games and make the challenge that much more rewarding.
20 Questions
One player chooses an item or a person and the other players take turns to ask a question requiring only a yes or no answer - if the correct answer is given before the 20 questions are used up then the correct guesser chooses for the next round, otherwise the original player chooses again.
Hangman is another variation on 20 questions
I Spy
I spy with my little eye .............. an old favourite that can often produce some hilarious answers. It's a good idea to a time limit or a maximum number of guesses before the round stops. If you get the correct answer you take over and choose the next item.
Counting Games
These will often keep younger children amused for long periods as everyone can compete for as long as you want to play. If the items being counted a prolific a pad and pencil is essential.
If travelling by car you could count any number of variations of cars, lorries, buses, phone boxes, police cars, pubs etc.
When travelling by train you could count other trains, stations, tunnels,animals in the fields etc
At the airport you could count planes, particular colours of suitcases, different types of uniform etc
Battleships
You don't need to have 'proper' boards and plastic ships to play - just agree on the rules and both players have a pad and pencil - draw and index your grids (2 for each player - 1 for you and 1 to record your oponents locations), position your ships and away you go.
Noughts and Crosses
For very young children this simple game may prove entertaining. using a bigger grid will increase the level of challenge
Charades
If travelling in a quiet train you may have the opportunity to play charades - you may even find other passengers want to join in!
However you travel we hope that you enjoy your trip and that our top tips may help the journey be that much more enjoyable.
