Best geography game to come along since Carmen Sandiego. Travelrama is quick to hook kids with its good looks, lively music and an appealing challenge: hit the road to collect five postcards ... before your opponents get their postcards ... and before your mileage meter runs out.
Besides sheer fun, this cross-country adventure for one to four players gives kids a fairly rigorous workout not only in U.S. geography but also in problem-solving, map-reading, math and strategic thinking. If kids don't know which states are represented by the postcards on their list, they have to figure it out. (Players who opt for the Learner's Permit playing level get a few hints; players who select the Driver's License level have to use their wits, the resources of the Travelrama album, or outside references to pick the right destinations.) Kids also have to pick an advantageous starting point (a good choice may net two, or even three, postcards right off the bat). They have to map out the shortest route to other states. And they have to outthink their opponents, too.
Younger players might want to play solo at first to become familiar with the game and to hone their geographical know-how before taking on opponents. Or, they might team up with an older sibling, friend or parent. The game is most fun when lots of people play.
The bottom line: a great family game since each player can compete at a different skill level. Unlike Carmen, Travelrama has good multimedia resources within the program for kids to learn things they don't know.
 | for Learning | Learn U.S. landmarks and geography on a novel road trip; skills include computation, map reading, memory |
| for Looks | Best combination of photos, maps and gameplay |
 | for Longevity | Families can enjoy this for years |
