Already have a domain you want to use? You can connect it to your Holidu booking website to drive more direct bookings under your own brand.

Before you start, make sure you have access to your domain provider's settings (for example, AWS, Vercel, or similar platforms). Please note that if you already have a website live on that domain, it will be replaced by your direct booking website once this process is complete.

Step-by-step guide to connecting your domain

Step 1: Start the process in the Holidu app by setting up your booking website

1. Click Enable website if it is not enabled yet.
2. Click Connect my domain.

1. After you start the setup and enter your existing domain name, a DNS tab appears.

Holidu generates a few specific DNS values for you here. Copy these values and add them to your domain provider's settings in the next step.

Tip: Don't worry if you're not familiar with DNS settings. We will guide you through it in the following steps.

Step 2: Create a new CNAME in your domain settings

Log in with your domain provider and look for an option to create a new record, often called a DNS record. A form will open where you need to:

• For Type, select CNAME.
• In the Holidu app, copy the NAME value from the CNAME line and paste it into the name field of the record you want to create.
• Copy the VALUE from the same CNAME line and add it to the value field of the record you want to create.
• The TTL and Routing policy fields can usually keep their pre-filled values.

After making those settings, create the record.

Example (AWS):

Important: If there are already records saved for the domain you want to use, please delete those first. This will disconnect your existing website from the domain, so it will not be accessible to guests anymore. This step is necessary so you can connect the domain to your new direct booking website.

Step 3: Add a CAA DNS record in your domain settings

Create another record in your domain settings. This time:

• For Type, select CAA.
• In the Holidu app, copy the NAME value from the CAA line and copy it into the name field of the record you want to create.
• In the value field, paste the value you get from the Holidu app.
  • Note: Some providers might require a special format for the value field, for example 0 issue "letsencrypt.org". In this case, add the value from the Holidu app in quotation marks.
• The TTL and Routing policy fields can usually keep their pre-filled values.

After making those settings, create the record.

Step 4: Head back to the Holidu app to check that the records are recognized

With the records you just added in place, Holidu automatically checks the DNS settings. This usually takes around 5 minutes.

If everything looks good, your domain is verified and you are guided to the final step of the setup.

Step 5: Add an ALIAS DNS record in your domain settings

Once Holidu has verified your domain, there is just one more DNS record to add. Holidu provides the specific values you need for this step.

Create a new record and change the Type to ALIAS.

Before moving on, make sure your domain provider settings now include all three of the following records:

• ALIAS
• CAA
• CNAME

All three records are needed for your direct booking website to connect properly.

Step 6: Final verification

Head back to the Holidu admin interface and wait until the domain is fully verified.

Congratulations! You can now access your direct booking website via your own domain. Your guests will see your brand throughout their booking experience, helping you build trust and encourage direct bookings.

Summary

Connecting your own domain to your Holidu booking website involves six straightforward steps. By following this guide, you'll successfully link your DNS records and have your branded booking website live. Remember that DNS changes can take a few minutes to propagate, so patience during the verification process is key. If you encounter any issues during these steps, our support team is here to help you.