There is a reason that "Ticket to Ride" has sold over 2 million copies and has won numerous awards in several countries. I had not even heard of this board game until recently but after receiving it from Amazon last week our whole family became addicted and we have played it almost every day.  It's simple enough so that young children can learn it but has enough strategy that there are entire web sites dedicated to playing it more thoughtfully.  It really is a great game.