What to put in an advent calendar for people who love to travel?

Do you have a friend who can't shut up about how much they want to travel in 2025? Or a black-sheep cousin who is always scaring everyone by going on spontaneous solo travel voyages? Maybe a frequent flyer parent? Well, it can be quite hard to know what to get these travelers for the holidays - they always seem to have it all! But, fear not, we have come up with a list of all the best things to get your travel-loving person in a DIY advent calendar for this season!

Here’s a list of 24 ideas that’ll make their travel adventures a little easier and a lot more fun!

1. AirTag

Because losing luggage is SO last year. An AirTag will help your traveler keep track of their bags, their backpack, or even their passport holder. It’s like having a personal GPS for their things! Need help deciding which one to buy? Check out our blog about whether you should AirTag your luggage!

2. Tag for Backpack

Everyone’s got that one trusty backpack. Why not give it a little personality with a custom bag tag? Not only does it add flair, but it also helps them spot their bag a mile away in a crowded airport.

3. Tag for Suitcase

Similar to the backpack tag but for the big leagues—suitcases! Let’s face it, those black rolling suitcases all look the same. A tag will help your traveler avoid an awkward mix-up at baggage claim. 

4. Keychain with Picture of Home

Because no one wants to forget where they came from (especially when they’re lost in a foreign city). A cute keychain with a picture of home will remind them of their roots while they roam the world.

5. Luggage Lock

Safety first! A luggage lock ensures their bag stays closed, and their stuff stays safe—it’s the type of thing everyone needs but never remembers to purchase.

6. Sleep Mask

Let’s face it, airports and airplanes are not known for their ambiance. Sponsor your traveling friend’s naps: get them a super comfy sleep mask. Bonus points for cute designs!

7. Foldable Water Bottle

Because hydration is key (and who wants to carry a bulky water bottle around?). A foldable water bottle fits perfectly in any bag and will save your traveler a ton of plastic waste!

8. Earplugs

Planes, trains, and crowded tourist spots can get noisy. Help your traveler tune out the chaos with some comfy earplugs. Sweet silence, here they come!

9. Hand Sanitizer

We’ve all learned to love hand sanitizer (thanks, Covid). Small, portable, and perfect for germ-conscious travelers. Throw in a cute scent, and they’ll never leave home without it.

10. Stickers for Your Suitcase

Let’s face it, everyone loves a good sticker. From quirky travel quotes to funky designs, suitcase stickers make your traveler’s luggage stand out and express their personality. No more boring bags!

11. Lip Balm

Traveling dries out your skin (especially when you’re constantly on planes), so lip balm is an essential. A good one will keep those lips soft and kissable, no matter where in the world they land. Pro tip: mini Vaseline is some of the best chapstick out there, and so much more versatile!

12. First Aid Kit Travel Size

You never know when a paper cut or a bug bite might hit. A travel-size first aid kit is a lifesaver—and the perfect size for an advent calendar gift.

13. Adapter for Headphones

For those long flights, your traveler’s headphones are their best friend. But what if the airline has the wrong input? Or their bluetooth headphones die mid trip and all they have are airline-provided earphones? A jack to usb-c headphone adapter solves that issue and ensures they can jam out no matter what.

14. Passport Holder

Because losing your passport is a traveler’s worst nightmare. A cute passport holder keeps that important little book safe and sound, and it’ll make passport control just a bit more glamorous.

15. Scratch-off Map

Let’s help them track their adventures! A scratch-off map lets them mark off all the places they’ve visited, and it’s an excellent conversation starter at their destination.

16. Universal Adapter

When in doubt, go universal! A universal travel adapter ensures your globetrotter can plug in their devices no matter what country they’re in. No more scrambling for the right plug or begging the hotel reception to lend you one!

17. Power Bank

We all know the agony of a dying phone while traveling. Give your traveler the gift of power with a portable power bank. Now they’ll never miss a perfect photo op because their phone’s dead.

18. Chewing Gum

For fresh breath, ear pressure relief, or just a tasty treat during long flights. Chewing gum is a small yet mighty item every traveler can appreciate.

19. Travel Cutlery Set

Because nobody wants to use single-use plastic. It’s 2024: A foldable, reusable travel cutlery set is eco-friendly, practical, and perfect for meals on the go (or picnics in the park).

20. Inflatable Pillow

Those long-haul flights? Not as comfy as we’d like. An inflatable pillow makes naps on the plane so much better—and it won’t take up valuable bag space.

21. Pen

A simple pen, but oh-so-important. Your traveler will never be caught without one, whether it’s filling out customs forms or scribbling down memories in a journal.

22. Phone Octobuddy

What’s a phone octobuddy, you ask? It’s a sticky pad that can suction cup your phone to basically any flat surface! And you can find them online for less than 1 euro! Perfect for watching movies, FaceTiming, or taking selfies while on the road.

23. Cardholder

A cardholder is a minimalist’s dream. It keeps their cards safe and organized without weighing down their wallet. Plus, it’ll fit perfectly in any bag!

24. Phone Book Mini

You never know when you’ll need a paper backup, right? A tiny phone book can be a great emergency contact holder for your traveler, just in case they misplace their phone or run into tech issues.

Bonus items: Didn’t like all of these? Here are some extra ideas that can’t miss! 

1. Travel size makeup?
2. Dry shampoo 
3. Deodorant 
4. Stain remover stick 
5. Mini sunscreen stick
6. Hand warmers
7. Candy and snacks!  

There you have it: 24 (and then some!) creative and practical items to put in an advent calendar for people who love to travel! These small but thoughtful gifts will make their holiday season brighter and their travels smoother. And speaking of: the best gift of all: give your traveling friends the (priceless) gift of knowledge! 

If they've had a flight delayed or cancelled in the last 6 years, there is a good chance they could be eligible for up to :claim_amount_600 and a refund of their ticket! They can check their eligibility in one minute with Flight-Delayed.com!