Travel Essentials: portable games

Games played on your iPhone or tablet are fine for the plane or departure lounge. When you get to your destination, however, there is nothing like gathering round a table with friends to play a game the old-fashioned way.

Geoffrey Parker bespoke professional travel chess and backgammon set

When it comes to handmade games sets, Geoffrey Parker is a name revered: his are the best money can buy, things of true beauty and fine craftsmanship. Well-heeled players don't have to sacrifice style when they're on the road: this travel version comes with an inlaid leather backgammon playing field in its own leather case with sewn handles and combination locks.

The folding chess board fits inside the lid of the case, with each piece of a Staunton set in its own suede-lined place, £5,690 (Dh32,535). Visit www.gift-library.com or call 00 44 20 3080 0530.

Leather backgammon roll

Handmade in leather and suede, light and flexible and thus easy to slip into a holdall, this game comes in its own bag with a set of wooden chips, four throwing dice and a doubling cube. Once laid out, the board remains flat. Exceptionally nicely put together in mustard leather from a small German company that Thomas Lyte saved from insolvency, it is also about £60 (Dh345) cheaper than identical-looking versions we've found elsewhere.

In mustard, £185 (Dh1,058). Visit www.thomaslyte.com or call 00 44 20 7 495 5959.

Magnetic Travel Scrabble

Nostalgic? Being magnetic, this version of the trusty old favourite can be played anywhere - on the plane, balanced on the side of the pool or on a sunbed. Old hands who've memorised half the dictionary show off by launching games in a second language, or bending the rules and sticking only to people's names. From Mattel, the world's largest toy company.

Around £19.99 (Dh114), available from www.amazon.com.