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Travel puzzles are an excellent choice for on-the-go fun, whether you’re waiting in an airport lounge or winding down in your hotel room. These compact and challenging games can keep travelers of all ages entertained. However, with the wide range of options available, it can be tough to choose the best travel puzzle for your gaming style. In this article, we take on the legwork. We have researched, challenged ourselves with, and tested an extensive variety of travel puzzles, to enlighten you on the most entertaining, compact and stimulating options.
The best travel puzzles should be both challenging and easy to transport, have a long playtime, and encourage problem-solving skills. Size is a critical factor since you want something that won’t take much space in your luggage. Durability is another aspect to consider given the wear and tear we subject our travel items to. A good travel puzzle should also offer replay value, so you don’t get bored after just a few plays.
We’ve trialed single-piece spin-offs and complex, multi-piece puzzles alike to ascertain those that offer the optimal combination of challenge and longevity. From slide puzzles to brainteasers, tangram puzzles to math teasers – we’ve tried our hands at all categories. And not to forget, we’ve carefully considered the materials used – plastic, wood or metal, to ensure they can weather the ‘travel’ journey well.
By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll confidently navigate the labyrinth of travel puzzle choices and be ready to choose the one best fitting your preferences. We aim to leave you more informed, and with our winner picks, we hope to make your next travel a puzzlingly fun experience!
Best Travel Puzzles
Choosing the ideal travel puzzle, while juggling between considerations of weight, size, difficulty level, material used, portability, and replay value can seem like putting together…well, a puzzle. In this article, based on our rigorous research and thorough testing, we unveil our top choices of the finest travel puzzles on the market. Stay tuned to heat up your next holiday destination with these portable mind stimulators.
SmartGames IQ Love Travel Puzzle Game with 120 Challenges for Ages 7 – Adult
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging puzzle game for the whole family, the SmartGames IQ Love Travel Puzzle Game with 120 Challenges is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The game is easy to understand and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or skill level.
- It’s a great way to exercise your brain and improve your problem-solving skills.
- The game is compact and portable, making it perfect for travel or taking on the go.
Cons
- Some of the puzzles can be quite challenging and may require a lot of trial and error to solve.
- The game only comes with 120 puzzles, which may not be enough to keep some players engaged for long periods of time.
- The game is a bit pricey compared to other similar puzzle games on the market.
We’ve had a lot of fun playing the SmartGames IQ Love Travel Puzzle Game with 120 Challenges. The game is easy to understand and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or skill level. It’s a great way to exercise your brain and improve your problem-solving skills, and the compact and portable design makes it perfect for travel or taking on the go.
One thing to keep in mind is that some of the puzzles can be quite challenging and may require a lot of trial and error to solve. Additionally, the game only comes with 120 puzzles, which may not be enough to keep some players engaged for long periods of time. Finally, the game is a bit pricey compared to other similar puzzle games on the market.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the SmartGames IQ Love Travel Puzzle Game with 120 Challenges to anyone looking for a fun and engaging puzzle game for the whole family.
Mudpuppy Unicorn Magic to Go Puzzle, 36 Pieces, Ages 3+, Travel-Friendly Bag, Made with Safe, Non-Toxic Materials, Multicolor (735356947)
If you’re looking for a travel-friendly puzzle for your little one, the Mudpuppy Unicorn Magic to Go Puzzle is a great option.
Pros
- The 36-piece puzzle is easy for young children to assemble, and the travel-friendly bag makes it convenient to take on the go.
- The puzzle pieces are made with safe, non-toxic materials, so you can feel confident that your child is playing with a high-quality product.
- The fun unicorn theme is sure to be a hit with young children, and the puzzle is a great way to encourage their problem-solving skills.
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted that the puzzle pieces can be a bit flimsy, so you may need to handle them with care.
- The puzzle may not be as durable as some other options on the market, so it may not hold up as well with frequent use.
- The puzzle is only 18 inches by 18 inches, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a larger puzzle to work on.
Overall, we think the Mudpuppy Unicorn Magic to Go Puzzle is a great choice for parents looking for a travel-friendly puzzle for their young child. With its easy assembly, safe materials, and fun theme, it’s sure to be a hit with both parents and kids.
1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle, Travelling The World Postcard Collage Puzzle
If you’re looking for a jigsaw puzzle that will transport you to different parts of the world, then the 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle, Travelling The World Postcard Collage Puzzle, is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The puzzle features a beautiful collage of postcards from around the world, making it a great conversation starter.
- With 1000 pieces, this puzzle is perfect for both beginners and experienced puzzlers.
- The high-quality, thick puzzle board pieces fit securely with no dust or fuzzy pieces.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the puzzle is too easy for their liking.
- The puzzle box is quite large, which may not be ideal for those with limited storage space.
- The puzzle may take longer to complete than expected due to its size.
This puzzle is perfect for anyone who loves to travel or dreams of exploring different parts of the world. The collage of postcards features beautiful landscapes, monuments, and cultural sites from all around the globe. The puzzle is also a great way to relax and unwind, as puzzling is a fun and engaging activity that can be done alone or with friends and family.
The puzzle pieces are made of high-quality, thick puzzle board material, which ensures that they fit securely and there are no dust or fuzzy pieces. The puzzle is also expertly printed with vibrant colors and crisp lines, which makes the final image pop.
Overall, the 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle, Travelling The World Postcard Collage Puzzle, is a great choice for anyone who loves puzzles and travel. It’s a beautiful, engaging, and challenging puzzle that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.
Melissa & Doug Take-Along Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzles Travel Toy On the Farm (2 15-Piece Puzzles) – Portable Puzzle Board, Seek And Find Activities, Travel Toys For Toddlers And Kids Ages 3+
If you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your toddler or young child, the Melissa & Doug Take-Along Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzles Travel Toy On the Farm is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The magnetic puzzle board is portable and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go.
- The puzzles are designed with realistic images, helping children develop an appreciation for nature and animals.
- The puzzles are designed to be age-appropriate, with simple enough designs for young children to complete on their own, but still challenging enough to keep older children engaged.
Cons
- The magnets can be strong enough to pose a choking hazard if swallowed, so parents should exercise caution and make sure the puzzles are used under adult supervision.
- The puzzles are designed to be 15 pieces each, which may be too many for very young children to handle.
- The puzzles are designed to be 2 in total, which may not be enough to keep older children engaged for extended periods of time.
Overall, we were impressed with the quality and design of the Melissa & Doug Take-Along Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzles Travel Toy On the Farm. Our child enjoyed completing the puzzles and learning about different farm animals, and we appreciated the portable and lightweight design that made it easy to take on the go.
The puzzles are designed with realistic images that help children develop an appreciation for nature and animals, and the age-appropriate designs make them suitable for young children to complete on their own. However, parents should exercise caution when using the puzzles, as the magnets can be strong enough to pose a choking hazard if swallowed.
In summary, if you’re looking for a fun and educational toy for your toddler or young child, the Melissa & Doug Take-Along Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzles Travel Toy On the Farm is definitely worth considering.
Vintage World Travel Puzzles for Adults 1000 Piece, Colosseum Eiffel Tower Landscape Poster Puzzle Landmarks, Scenic Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults Paris Italy Scenery
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding puzzle experience, the Vintage World Travel Puzzles for Adults 1000 Piece, Colosseum Eiffel Tower Landscape Poster Puzzle Landmarks, Scenic Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults Paris Italy Scenery is a great choice.
Pros
- The 1000 piece puzzle is perfect for experienced puzzlers who are looking for a challenge.
- The high-quality image on the puzzle box is a great preview of the final product.
- The puzzle pieces are thick and sturdy, which makes them easy to handle and reduces the risk of damage.
Cons
- The puzzle pieces have a glossy finish, which can make them difficult to distinguish from each other.
- The puzzle has no border, which can make it challenging to fit the pieces together properly.
- The puzzle may take longer to complete than some other 1000 piece puzzles due to its complexity.
We’ve had a great experience with this puzzle. The image on the puzzle box is clear and detailed, which made it easy to get a sense of what the final product would look like. The puzzle pieces are thick and sturdy, which made them easy to handle and reduced the risk of damage.
One thing to keep in mind is that the puzzle pieces have a glossy finish, which can make them difficult to distinguish from each other. Additionally, the puzzle has no border, which can make it challenging to fit the pieces together properly. However, we found that using a puzzle mat and taking our time helped us to overcome these challenges.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Vintage World Travel Puzzles for Adults 1000 Piece, Colosseum Eiffel Tower Landscape Poster Puzzle Landmarks, Scenic Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults Paris Italy Scenery to anyone who is looking for a challenging and rewarding puzzle experience.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best travel puzzles, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of factors to help you make an informed decision.
Size and Portability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a travel puzzle is its size and portability. Look for puzzles that are compact and easy to pack, such as those that come in a carrying case or bag. Additionally, consider the size of the puzzle once it is assembled. A smaller puzzle is more suitable for travel, as it takes up less space and is easier to transport.
Difficulty Level
Another important factor to consider is the difficulty level of the puzzle. While some people enjoy challenging puzzles, others may prefer easier ones. Look for puzzles that are labeled with a difficulty level, such as easy, medium, or hard. Additionally, consider your own skill level and choose a puzzle that is appropriate for you.
Quality and Durability
When choosing a travel puzzle, it’s important to consider its quality and durability. Look for puzzles that are made from high-quality materials and that are designed to withstand wear and tear. Additionally, consider the puzzle’s packaging and whether it is sturdy enough to protect the puzzle during travel.
Theme and Design
Finally, consider the theme and design of the puzzle. Some people may prefer puzzles with specific themes, such as nature or animals, while others may prefer more abstract designs. Additionally, consider the puzzle’s color scheme and whether it is visually appealing to you.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best travel puzzle for your needs and enjoy a fun and relaxing activity while on the go.