Have you ever had an idea that seems kinda crazy but thought, hmm I wonder if I COULD do that? Winter break has been full of family game nights. The wheels started turning…a card game about the highs and lows of traveling…that sounds fun…and The Travel Bug Card Game was born.

Highs and Lows of Traveling

Delays and challenges are a part of traveling domestically or internationally. But how we handle those circumstances makes all the difference in how we tell the story of our travel experience. My goal is for our children to learn to face those circumstances with patience, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

In The Travel Bug Card Game, players can give each other Delays such as lost luggage and inclement weather. They have to play an “All Set, Let’s Jet!” card to book Destinations again. These cards have messages that give proactive ideas for avoiding some delays like arriving early for a flight or packing light. Others give a compliment for handing a delay with patience or flexibility. “You kept your cool when your flight was suddenly canceled.”

Booking Fun Destinations

The object of the game is to book a particular amount of destinations by collecting components necessary for different destinations. This helps players learn how to prioritize and make decisions about where to travel.

Just from playing the prototype, my kids have learned that some countries require a tourist visa while others only need a passport for entry. They noticed that some destinations take two flights, but others need three to get to. It has been fun to involve the whole family in determining destinations and setting the rules for the game. (Grazie, Hannah!)

Kickstarter Crowdfunding

It was encouraging to receive backers on the Kickstarter project within hours of submitting the final review. Kickstarter is ALL or NOTHING crowdfunding, so if I get to $4,500 by Jan. 31, 2026 I can submit it to the printers and get it in the hands of players by June. How wild is that?!

Backers at all 3 Levels will receive a game. Here’s the link if you’re interested in backing! Something unique is that some backers will have the chance to shape the game with input into the Travel Delay or Destination cards. I can’t wait to collaborate with them.

A disadvantage to Kickstarter though, like many things these days, there’s spam. I have had 20+ emails already from people who want to “help” with marketing. Two of them pledged money and then backed out the next day. Pretty crummy.

It’s been so energizing to tap into creativity. I hope 2026 continues to be a year full of creative moments. I can’t wait to share this awesome game with families who love to travel.

What about you?

Add to the comments how you plan to tap into your creative side this year!