Travel + Games: Travel Games and the Gamification of the Journey

Traveling has always been an adventure, and throughout history, people have sought various ways to make the journey itself as entertaining as the destination. The Thanksgiving holiday season is certainly no exception. 

Long before smartphones and tablets, families embarked on road trips armed with board games like “Travel Scrabble” or magnetic chess sets. These games were compact and designed to withstand the bumps and turns of the road. 

“Auto Bingo” emerged as a classic road trip game, transforming the passing scenery into a scavenger hunt. Whether spotting a red barn, a license plate from a distant state, or a roadside attraction, players found joy in unexpected sightings. This game was a staple of my family car trips, creating shared memories and a sense of exploration.

Some early games, like “Touring,” the main image of this post, were designed to honor the journey itself. “Touring” was a card game created by William Janson Roche in 1906. It simulates a car race, and players use mileage cards to advance while overcoming hazards. The game gained popularity and was acquired by Parker Brothers in 1925. Parker Brothers released their own version and continued producing it for several decades. The game’s mechanics evolved over time, reflecting changes in the automotive industry. Although not as well-known today, “Touring” played a significant role in the history of card games.

Portable gaming devices and tech-enabled cars marked a new era for travel entertainment. From the Game Boy to today’s powerful handheld consoles and phones, travelers could immerse themselves in virtual worlds while crossing physical ones. Digital gaming provides an escape, turning the long hours on the road into an engaging experience for everyone except the driver.

The 1987 film Trains, Planes, and Automobiles humorously captures the essence of travel as a game. The characters played by John Candy and Steve Martin highlight the unpredictability and struggle of getting from point A to point B. Much like a game, their journey is filled with obstacles, unexpected detours, and the pursuit of a common goal – reaching their destinations for Thanksgiving.

In the realm of modern travel, companies have taken inspiration from games to enhance customer loyalty. Airlines, hotels, and other travel businesses have embraced gamification principles, turning routine activities like renting a car into rewarding experiences. Loyalty programs feature tiered levels, points, and perks, transforming the act of traveling into a game where loyal participants strive for status and rewards.

As technology continues to advance, so too will the ways we entertain ourselves on the road. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are likely to play a significant role in creating immersive travel experiences. Whether exploring sites virtually or engaging in interactive storytelling during a journey, the future of travel games holds exciting possibilities.

The evolution of travel games reflects our innate desire to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. From magnetized board games to the video games, the evolution and increased portability of travel entertainment mirrors societal changes and technological advancements. As we continue to explore new horizons, one thing remains constant – the journey itself can be just as exciting as the destination, especially with a little patience and a well-designed game.