Synchronizing your Holidu calendar with other platforms ensures that your availability stays aligned across all channels, reducing the risk of double bookings. Whether you're managing listings on Booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO, or other providers, connecting your calendars through iCal synchronization is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through every step, from initial setup to troubleshooting common issues.

Supported Channels for iCal Synchronization

Holidu supports calendar synchronization with the following channels and platforms:

• Admin
• Abritel
• Airbnb
• Atraveo
• Avaibook
• Avantio
• Booking.com
• FeWo-direkt
• Feratel
• Fewomanager.de
• Icnea
• Iperbooking
• Menorca Vacations
• Mister B & B
• Octorate
• TouristManager - LTS
• VRBO
• Wimdu

If your desired calendar provider is not listed, contact your external provider to confirm they support two-way iCal synchronization. Always test the connection manually by creating a test block on each calendar to verify the sync is working correctly.

Disclaimer: While we support many popular platforms, compatibility with every external iCal calendar cannot be guaranteed. We recommend verifying that the sync works as expected before relying on it for your bookings.

How to Import and Export an iCal Calendar

The import and export process is the same whether you're setting up your first synchronization or adding an additional one. Follow these steps to connect your calendars:

Step 1: Gather Your iCal URL from the External Provider

1. Log in to the external channel or platform you want to sync with (for example, Booking.com or Airbnb).
2. Navigate to the calendar or synchronization settings.
3. Look for the iCal export link or calendar URL. This is the link you'll need to import into Holidu.
4. Copy this URL to your clipboard.

Step 2: Access Holidu's iCal Synchronization Settings

1. Log in to your Holidu account.
2. Select the property you want to synchronize.
3. On the left-hand side menu, scroll down to find Configuration.
4. Under Configuration, click on iCal & Synchronization.

Step 3: Choose Your Synchronization Setup

At this point, you have two options depending on whether this is your first sync or an additional one:

• First-time setup: Click the Configure button to set up your initial calendar synchronization.
• Additional sync: If you already have one synchronization configured and want to add another, click Add new synchronization.

Select the name of the channel or provider you want to sync from the list of available options.

Step 4: Complete the Import and Export Setup

You'll see a setup screen with two key steps:

Step 1 – Import: Paste the iCal URL you copied from the external provider into the "Address of iCal" field in Holidu.

Step 2 – Export: Holidu will generate its own iCal URL. Copy this URL and paste it into the calendar import section on the external provider's platform. This creates a two-way sync, ensuring updates flow in both directions.

Step 5: Save Your Configuration

1. Review both URLs to ensure they've been entered correctly.
2. Click the Save button.
3. The system will validate the connection and confirm the sync is active.

Important Notes for Specific Platforms

Booking.com

When exporting your calendar from Booking.com, ensure that you have enabled the correct export settings. In your Booking.com export settings, tick the box for Booked and Closed Dates. This critical setting ensures that both confirmed bookings and manual blocks (blocked dates) are synchronized with your Holidu calendar, preventing double bookings and ensuring your availability is always accurate.

For detailed instructions from Booking.com, visit their help center: Booking.com iCal connection guide

Airbnb

Airbnb's iCal calendar synchronization has an important limitation you should be aware of. The Airbnb iCal export supports synchronization only for dates from today through the next 364 days. Any dates beyond this 364-day window will not be synced to your Holidu calendar. This means you'll need to update your Airbnb availability regularly to ensure future dates are included in the synchronization.

For more information, see Airbnb's help documentation: Airbnb iCal instructions

VRBO

VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) provides straightforward iCal synchronization. Follow the standard import and export steps outlined above. For VRBO-specific guidance, consult their help documentation: VRBO iCal synchronization guide

Troubleshooting Tips

The Calendar Sync Isn't Working

Check the iCal URL for accuracy: The most common reason for sync failures is an incorrectly copied URL. Verify that the iCal URL has been copied from the external provider exactly as it appears, with no extra spaces, characters, or typos. Even a single character difference will cause the sync to fail.

Updates Are Not Appearing Immediately

Refresh your calendar: Calendar synchronization may not happen instantaneously. If blocked dates or bookings don't appear right away, look for a green Refresh button within the iCal & Synchronization section and click it. After clicking Refresh, allow a few minutes for the changes to propagate through the system.

Verify the Connection with a Manual Test

Always test the sync manually: Before relying on the synchronization for your actual bookings, create a test block or unavailable date in one calendar and verify it appears in the other within a few minutes. This simple test confirms the two-way synchronization is working as expected. Once you've confirmed the sync is functioning properly, you can proceed with confidence.

Still Having Issues?

If the sync continues to fail after checking the URL and refreshing, ensure the external provider supports two-way iCal synchronization. Some platforms may have regional variations or may require additional settings to be enabled. Contact your external provider's support team if needed, or reach out to the Holidu support team for further assistance.

Video Guide: Connecting Your Airbnb Calendar to Holidu

For a visual walkthrough of connecting your Airbnb calendar to Holidu, watch this step-by-step video guide: How to Connect Airbnb Calendar to Holidu