Syncing your calendar across multiple platforms is essential for managing your Holidu listing efficiently. By connecting your iCal calendar with other channels, you ensure that your availability is always up to date, preventing costly double bookings and maintaining a professional presence across all platforms.

This guide walks you through the process of configuring iCal synchronization with Holidu, whether it's your first time setting it up or you're adding an additional calendar connection.

Supported Channels for Calendar Synchronization

Holidu supports two-way iCal synchronization with the following providers:

• 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

Note: If your calendar provider is not listed above, contact your external provider to confirm they support two-way iCal synchronization. We recommend testing the connection manually by creating a test block on each calendar to verify the sync works correctly.

How to Import and Export an iCal Calendar

The import and export process remains the same regardless of whether you're setting up your first synchronization or adding an additional one. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather Your iCal Information

1. Log in to your external calendar provider (such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO).
2. Navigate to the iCal or calendar synchronization settings.
3. Locate and copy your iCal export URL (also called the iCal link or feed URL).

Step 2: Access Holidu Calendar Settings

1. Log in to your Holidu account.
2. Select the property you want to synchronize.
3. From the left-hand menu, scroll down to locate Configuration.
4. Click on iCal & Synchronization.

Step 3: First-Time Setup or Adding Additional Sync

For your first synchronization: Click the Configure button.

To add an additional synchronization: Click Add new synchronization.

Select the name of the channel you wish to sync from the provided list.

Step 4: Complete the Import and Export Setup

You will see two steps on the setup screen:

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

Step 2 – Export: Copy the Holidu iCal URL that appears on screen. Go back to your external provider's settings and paste this URL into their iCal import section.

Step 5: Save Your Configuration

1. Review your settings to ensure both URLs are correct.
2. Click Save.
3. Your calendars are now synchronized. It may take a few minutes for initial data to sync.

Important Notes for Popular Platforms

Booking.com Calendar Synchronization

To ensure both confirmed reservations and manual blocks sync correctly with your Holidu calendar:

1. Log in to your Booking.com account.
2. Go to your calendar settings.
3. In the export settings, check the boxes for both Booked Dates and Closed Dates.
4. This ensures that reserved dates and any manual blocks you create are reflected in Holidu.

For detailed instructions, visit the Booking.com iCal help article.

Airbnb Calendar Synchronization

Airbnb's iCal feed has a specific limitation you should be aware of:

The Airbnb iCal supports synchronization only from today through the next 364 days. Dates beyond this 364-day window will not be synced. This means you should plan your calendar management accordingly and check your Holidu calendar regularly to ensure bookings from Airbnb are captured.

For more information, visit the Airbnb iCal help article.

VRBO Calendar Synchronization

VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) offers iCal synchronization features. Ensure your export settings include all relevant booking states.

For step-by-step instructions, visit the VRBO iCal help article.

Troubleshooting Tips

Calendar Not Updating?

Check the iCal URL: Verify that you copied the iCal URL correctly from your external provider. Even a single character error can prevent synchronization. Copy and paste the URL directly without manually typing it.

Changes Not Appearing Immediately?

Refresh Your Calendar: Click the green Refresh button in your Holidu iCal settings. Calendar syncs are not always instantaneous and may take a few minutes to process. If changes still don't appear after 10 minutes, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Verifying the Sync is Working

Perform a Manual Test: The most reliable way to confirm your synchronization is working correctly is to create a test block in one calendar and verify it appears in the other:

1. Go to your external provider's calendar and create a manual block for a specific date.
2. Return to Holidu and click the Refresh button.
3. Check if the blocked date now appears in your Holidu calendar.
4. Repeat the process in reverse: create a block in Holidu and verify it appears on the external provider's calendar.

If both tests are successful, your synchronization is functioning correctly.

Still Having Issues?

If you've followed all the steps and your calendar is still not syncing, double-check that your external provider actually supports two-way iCal synchronization. Some platforms only offer one-way sync. Contact your provider's support team if you're unsure, then reach out to the Holidu support team with details about the channels you're trying to connect.

Video Guide: Connecting to Airbnb

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

Watch the Holidu to Airbnb Calendar Sync Tutorial

This video demonstrates the exact process of importing your Airbnb iCal and exporting your Holidu iCal, making setup quick and straightforward.