Syncing your calendar with other booking platforms is essential for managing your Holidu listing efficiently and avoiding double bookings. This guide walks you through the process of configuring iCal synchronization to connect your Holidu calendar with other platforms.

Understanding iCal Synchronization

iCal synchronization creates a two-way connection between your Holidu calendar and other booking channels. Once connected, your availability stays aligned across all platforms, significantly reducing the risk of double bookings and simplifying your calendar management.

Supported Channels

Holidu supports iCal synchronization with the following channels:

• 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 calendar provider is not listed above, please check with your external provider to confirm they support two-way iCal synchronization. We recommend testing any connection manually by creating a block on each calendar to verify that synchronization works correctly.

Disclaimer: While Holidu supports the channels listed above, we cannot guarantee compatibility with every external iCal calendar. Always verify that the sync works as expected for your specific use case.

How to Import and Export an iCal Calendar

The import and export process is the same whether you are setting up your first synchronization or adding an additional one.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log in to your external booking channel and locate the iCal synchronization settings. Find and copy your iCal URL (this is your export link).
2. In a new browser window or tab, log in to your Holidu account and select the property you want to synchronize.
3. On the left-hand side navigation menu, scroll down to the Configuration section.
4. Click on "iCal & Synchronization".
5. Choose your setup scenario:
   • First-time setup: Click "Configure"
   • Additional synchronization: Click "Add new synchronization"
6. Select the name of the channel you want to sync from the dropdown list of options.
7. Complete the two-step setup process:
   • Step 1 - Import: Paste the iCal URL from your external provider into the "Address of iCal" field.
   • Step 2 - Export: Copy Holidu's iCal URL that is provided on this screen and paste it into the iCal import section on your external provider's platform.
8. Click "Save" to complete the synchronization setup.

Important Notes for Specific Platforms

Booking.com

When configuring iCal synchronization with Booking.com, navigate to your export settings and ensure the box for "Booked and Closed Dates" is checked. This setting ensures that both confirmed bookings and manually blocked dates synchronize properly with your Holidu calendar.

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

Airbnb

Airbnb's iCal synchronization has a time limitation: it only supports synchronization from today through the next 364 days. Availability dates beyond this 364-day window will not be synchronized. Plan your blocking strategy accordingly to work within this constraint.

For more information, see the Airbnb iCal help article.

VRBO

VRBO provides iCal synchronization functionality through their calendar management system. Ensure you follow their setup process carefully to establish a proper connection with your Holidu calendar.

For detailed instructions, refer to the VRBO iCal help article.

Troubleshooting Tips

Calendar Synchronization Not Working

Problem: Changes made on one calendar are not appearing on the other.

Solution: The iCal URL may have been entered incorrectly. Double-check that the URL is copied completely and accurately. Even a single missing character or typo will cause the synchronization to fail. Copy the URL directly from your provider's settings without manual edits.

Calendar Updates Are Delayed

Problem: You have made changes to your calendar but do not see them reflected immediately on the connected platform.

Solution: iCal synchronization is not instantaneous. If the calendar does not update immediately, click the green "Refresh" button in your Holidu synchronization settings. Calendar updates typically appear within a few minutes, but external platforms may take slightly longer to process changes.

Verifying Your Synchronization is Working

Problem: You are unsure whether the synchronization is functioning correctly.

Solution: Always test the connection manually by creating a blocking date or unavailable period in one calendar and checking whether it appears on the other calendar within a few minutes. This verification step confirms that the two-way synchronization is working as expected before you rely on it for your booking management.

Visual Guide

For a visual walkthrough of connecting your Holidu calendar to Airbnb, watch the video below:

iCal Synchronization Setup Video - Airbnb Example

Next Steps

Once your iCal synchronization is configured and tested, your calendars will remain synchronized across all connected platforms. Regularly verify that bookings and blocks appear correctly on all channels to ensure smooth property management and minimize the risk of double bookings.