Ticket to Ride is one of the best games ever.  The best part is that it is also one of the easiest to learn.  I taught my 8 year old brother a week ago and now he plays it as well as anyone.  A great game for the family or for just with your friends.  I am a huge board game fanatic and this is easily one of the top 5 games we go to the most often.  If you are interested in trying out strategy board games for the first time, this is definitely the one you want to start with.  Simple rules and yet lots of fun.  It's even a ton of fun for those who do not like to think too much just to try to troll and block others' routes.  A must own!