I don’t know if the UK is built for this kind of heat — and I’m definitely not. Fans are sold out, ice cream melts before you’ve left the shop, and sitting in a car feels like stepping into an oven someone forgot to turn off. Naturally, everyone’s trying to escape somewhere: the coast, the countryside, even just “somewhere with shade and a breeze.”
But travelling in the heat? That’s a challenge of its own.
Hours on the road, endless train delays, and the kind of cabin fever that sets in three minutes into a traffic jam… it’s not exactly relaxing. Especially if you’re with kids. Or friends who can’t go ten minutes without asking how much longer it’ll be.
That’s where travel games have become the unsung heroes of summer.
Not in the “everyone gather round for an organised game night” kind of way — I’m talking about the little distractions that slip easily into a bag, come out at just the right moment, and somehow reset everyone’s mood. No boards, no batteries, no stress. Just something fun, simple, and briefly forgetful of the fact that we’re all quietly sweating through our clothes.
You don’t need a full collection. One or two solid ones will do. Something like a card game that doesn’t require a table, or a fast-paced word game that sparks the right amount of competition without causing arguments (well… most of the time).
The perfect games for this type of weather that you can depend on to bring competitive side out of anybody is ButtChess and Bigly! These are great for two- players so if your on a trip with your partner, playing whilst your friends driving these are perfect for you. The quick to play game make for great time fillers something you can take out the bag and teach to somebody new in seconds, yes seconds! Or even a larger group of people can enjoy ButtChess + 1 our 3 player version which can take strategy to a new level.
And while no game can fix a delayed train or a heatwave that makes your crisps go soggy in the bag, they can help pass the time. They spark laughter, banter, distraction — all the things that make the summer feel a little lighter, even if the air definitely isn’t.
So no, I’m not turning this into a recommendation post. But if you're planning a trip this summer, or even just a local day out, take something fun and compact with you. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something everyone can play while waiting for chips, trains, or that one friend who’s always late.
This heat might be out of our control — but at least we can still play our way through it.