Pack the Fun! : How to Enjoy Chess on Your Holidays

There is truly nothing quite like heading off on holiday, leaving the daily routine behind, and taking time to unwind. Whether you are lounging by the pool, soaking up the coastal sunshine, or snuggled up in a cozy cottage, bringing your favorite game along for the ride can turn a great trip into a jolly good one!

At Jolly Good Chess, we reckon chess is the absolute ultimate travel companion. It needs no batteries, fits easily into your suitcase, and offers endless fun wherever your adventures take you. Here are a few of our absolute favorite ways to make chess a warm, memorable part of your holiday.

1. Grab a Trusty Travel Set

Playing chess on the move is brilliant, but a sudden bump on the train or a cheeky sea breeze can send your pawns flying! A cute, compact magnetic set—which you can easily pick up for under £15 or £20—is a complete game-changer. The pieces stay right where you put them, meaning you can pause your match whenever ice cream arrives and pick it right back up later.

2. Hunt Down Giant Outdoor Sets

Keep an eye out while you are exploring! Lots of holiday resorts, seaside promenades, and sunny parks have giant outdoor chess sets embedded right into the paving. Tracking them down is half the fun, and there is something delightfully joyful about hauling giant rooks and kings around while enjoying the fresh air. It is a fantastic photo op and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

3. Make New Friends Over the Board

Chess is a wonderful universal language. You don't need to speak the local tongue to share a warm, friendly game with someone at a beachside cafe or holiday lounge. Simply setting up a board in a cozy spot is a friendly invitation. Before you know it, you’ll be sharing smiles, laughs, and a great match with a fellow holidaymaker.

4. Kick Back with a Paper Puzzle Book

If your goal is to completely unplug from screens and enjoy some quiet time, tuck a paperback chess puzzle book into your beach bag. Working through a gentle puzzle or two with a cool drink in hand is purely relaxing. A small £10 pocketbook gives you hours of blissful, low-pressure fun while you soak up the holiday vibes.

The Holiday Golden Rule: Above all, holiday chess is meant to be lighthearted and fun! Leave the strict study routines at home, embrace the relaxed pace, and just enjoy the magic of the game.

P.S. Can you spot what's wrong with this picture?