Already own a domain name? You can connect it to your Holidu booking website and start driving more direct bookings under your own brand. This guide walks you through the six steps to connect your domain, from the first setup in the Holidu app to the final verification.

Connecting your domain takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including DNS verification. You will need access to your domain provider's settings, such as AWS, Vercel, or another DNS host.

Before you start

Make sure you can log in to your domain provider and find the DNS or record settings. Keep the Holidu app open in a second window so you can copy values easily.

Please note: If you already have a website live on this domain, it will be replaced by your direct booking website once the process is complete. Guests will no longer be able to reach the old site at that address.

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

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

• Enter your existing domain name. A DNS tab will appear.

Holidu generates a few specific DNS values for you here. Copy these values and keep them handy for the next step.

Tip: Do not worry if you are not familiar with DNS settings. We will guide you through each record in the steps below.

Step 2: Create a new CNAME record in your domain settings

Log in to your domain provider and look for an option to create a new record (or DNS record). A form will open.

• For Type, select CNAME.
• In the Holidu app, copy the NAME value from the CNAME line (1) and paste it into the name field of the new record.
• Copy the VALUE from the same line (2) and paste it into the value field.
• The TTL and Routing policy fields can usually keep their pre-filled values.

When you have filled in these fields, save the record.

Example (AWS):

Important: If there are already records saved for the domain you want to use, delete them before you create the new record. Deleting them will disconnect your existing website from the domain. This is required so the domain can connect 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 (3) and paste it into the name field of the new record.
• In the value field, paste the value from the Holidu app (4).
• Some providers require a special format for the value field, for example: 0 issue "awstrust.com". If your provider asks for this format, add the value (4) from the Holidu app inside quotation marks.
• The TTL and Routing policy fields can usually keep their pre-filled values.

When you have filled in these fields, save the record.

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

With the CNAME and CAA records in place, go back to the Holidu app. Holidu checks your DNS settings automatically. This usually takes around 5 minutes.

If everything looks good, your domain is verified and you will be guided to the final steps of the setup.

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

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

Create a new record and change the Type to ALIAS. Enter the values from the Holidu app and save the record.

Before you move on, check that your domain provider now includes all three of these records:

• ALIAS
• CAA
• CNAME

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

Step 6: Final verification

Go back to the Holidu admin interface and wait until your domain shows as verified.

Once the domain is verified, you can access your direct booking website through your own domain. Share your new address with guests and update your marketing channels to point to it.

Need more help?

If you run into issues, visit the Holidu Help Center for more guides on managing your booking website. Our support team is also ready to help you if a DNS record does not verify after a few hours.