When getting ready to travel to another country, I like watching TV shows and movies, reading books and articles, listening to music, and getting inspired beforehand. When I get home from the destination I like to reminisce on my time there by making cocktails, cooking the cuisine, or playing a game founded in that country. Whether getting in the spirit and counting down the days for your trip or stretching out the memories when you're back home, enjoying a game while drinking a regional drink and listening to local music can be a great time. Games can be a lovely souvenir to pick up from your travels and can make thoughtful gifts.
Argentina
1. Chinchon, a card game similar to Gin Rummy for 2 - 4 players
Canada
2. Crokinole, similar to the Indian Carrom game for 2 - 4 players
Quebec City, Canada travel guidebook
China
3. Go, the oldest board game still played today. A territory game for 2 players
4. Mahjong, a tile-based game from the 19th century for 4 players
Cuba
5. Dudo, Cuban version of a Latin American bluffing dice game for 2 or more players
Dominican Republic
6. Dominoes with double six
Egypt
7. Mancala, an ancient game discovered in Egyptian ruins. A count and caption game for 2 players
France
8. Carcassonne, a tile-based game for 2 - 5 players inspired by a castle topped town in France
9. Risk, a war strategy board game for 2 - 5 players
Paris, France travel guidebook
Germany
10. Catan, a cooperative board game for 3 - 4 players
11. DVONN, a stacking game for 2 players
12. Skat, a trick-taking card game for 3 players
Hungary
13. Ulti, a trick-taking card game for 3 players, is Hungary's national card game
Budapest, Hungary travel guidebook
India
14. Carrom, a tabletop billiards-like game for 2 - 4 players
15. Pachisi, a cross and circle race game for 2 - 4 players
Iran
16. The Royal Game of Ur, from ancient Mesopotamia, the oldest game to have existed. This is a strategy race game for 2 players
Israel
17. Sheshbesh, also known as Backgammon, a race game for 2 players
Tel Aviv, Israel travel guidebook
Italy
18. Briscola, a trick-taking card game for 2 - 8 players, one of Italy's national card games
19. Scopa, one of Italy's national card games for 2 - 4 players or 3 - 6 players
20. Lingo playing cards, while not from Italy these include common Italian words, phrases, and slang to help you learn the language
Florence, Italy travel guidebook
Japan
21. Shogi, a chess game for 2 players
Madagascar
22. Fanorona, a strategy board game for 2 players
Mexico
23. Loteria, a game of chance similar to Bingo
Mexico City, Mexico travel guidebook
Morocco
24. Sabika, a medieval Spain and Morocco-inspired strategy board game for 1 - 4 players
Marrakesh, Morocco travel guidebook
Nepal
25. Bhag Chal, an asymmetric strategic board game for 2 players
The Netherlands
26. Dutch Blitz, an action card game for 2 - 4 players
New Zealand
27. Mu Torere, a Mouri position game for 2 players
Nigeria
28. Whot!, Nigeria's national card game is a shedding game for 2+ players
Lagos, Nigeria travel guidebook
Portugal
29. Azul, a Portugal-inspired tile game for 2 - 4 players
30. Lisboa, a complex resource management board game for 1 - 4 players
31. Vinhos, a trading and economic board game for 2 - 4 players
Lisbon, Portugal travel guidebook
Puerto Rico
32. Puerto Rico, while a part of the United States this island has a game inspired by it. This is a German-style Eurogame for 2 - 5 players.
San Juan, Puerto Rico travel guidebook
Russia
33. Durak, a shedding card game with 2 - 6 players
34. Loto, Russian version of Bingo
35. Werewolf, or Mafia, a hidden-role party game for 7+ people
Scotland
36. Hnefatafl, Viking abstract strategy game for 2 players from 400 AD. Is popular across Scandinavia
South Korea
37. Hwatu, complex strategy flower card game
38. Yut Nori, a board game with 2+ players
Spain
39. Mus, a vying card game from the 1700s for 4 players
Madrid, Spain travel guidebook
Thailand
40. Makruk, a chess game for 2 players
United Kingdom
41. Cribbage, from the 1600s, was considered Britain's national card game, with 2 - 4 players
London, United Kingdom travel guidebook
Vietnam
42. Bau Cua Ca Cop, a gambling game using dice
Hanoi, Vietnam travel guidebook
I may get paid if you click on the photos and buy any of these products, I really appreciate your support of a small and female-owned business. Which games have you played? Which games have I missed and should include?
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