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

Why Calendar Synchronization Matters

When you sync your calendar with other channels, your availability stays aligned across all platforms in real time. This reduces the risk of double bookings and ensures guests can only reserve dates that are actually available. Whether you're managing listings on multiple OTA platforms or syncing with your personal calendar, iCal synchronization keeps everything in harmony.

Supported Channels and Platforms

Holidu supports iCal synchronization with a wide range of booking platforms and calendar services. Here are the channels you can connect:

Provider	iCal Sync Support
Admin	Supported
Abritel	Supported
Airbnb	Supported (365-day limit — bookings beyond that need a manual block)
Atraveo	Supported
Avaibook	Supported
Avantio	Supported
Booking.com	Supported — tick "Booked + Closed dates" in your Booking.com export settings
FeWo-direkt	Supported
Feratel	Supported
Fewomanager.de	Supported
Icnea	Supported
Iperbooking	Supported
Menorca Vacations	Supported
Mister B&B	Supported
Octorate	Supported — export only (one-way)
TouristManager - LTS	Supported
VRBO / HomeAway	Supported
Wimdu	Supported
Google Calendar	Supported — refreshes approximately once per day, slower than other channels
Outlook / iCloud Calendar	Not tested — sync compatibility not confirmed
Smoobu	Supported
Wubook	Supported — export only (one-way)
KrossBooking	Supported
Amenitiz	Supported
Expedia	Supported
Eviivo	Supported
Fincallorca	Supported
Homerti	Supported
Ruralidays	Supported
SECRA	Supported
Spain-Holiday	Supported
Your Rentals	Supported
Gites.fr	Supported
Rentals United	Not supported
Kigo	Not supported
TripAdvisor	Not supported
Siteminder	Not supported
Homerez	Not supported
Belvilla	Not supported

If your calendar provider is not listed, check with them 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 as expected.

Disclaimer: Holidu cannot guarantee compatibility with every external iCal calendar. Always verify that the sync works correctly with your specific provider before relying on it.

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:

Step 1: Locate Your iCal URL on the External Platform

1. Log in to the other booking channel or calendar platform.
2. Navigate to the calendar or synchronization settings.
3. Find and copy your iCal export URL (often labeled as "iCal link," "Calendar link," or "Export calendar").

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 Configuration.
4. Click on iCal & Synchronization.

Step 3: Configure or Add Synchronization

For first-time setup: Click Configure. Select the name of the channel or platform from the list provided.

For additional synchronizations: Click Add new synchronization. Select the channel you want to add.

Step 4: Complete Import and Export

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

Step 2 – Export: Copy your Holidu iCal URL and paste it into the calendar import or synchronization section on the external platform's settings.

Step 5: Save Your Settings

1. Review your settings to ensure all URLs are correct.
2. Click Save.
3. Your calendars should now begin synchronizing.

Important Notes for Popular Platforms

Booking.com

When exporting your calendar from Booking.com for synchronization with Holidu, ensure you enable the correct settings. In your Booking.com export settings, tick the box for "Booked and Closed Dates." This ensures both confirmed reservations and manual blocks are synced accurately with your Holidu calendar.

For detailed Booking.com instructions, visit their iCal connection guide.

Airbnb

Airbnb's iCal synchronization has an important limitation: it supports synchronization only from today through the next 364 days. Any bookings or availability changes beyond this 365-day window will not sync with Holidu. For dates beyond this range, you will need to manually create blocks in Holidu to mark them as unavailable.

Learn more in Airbnb's official iCal guide.

VRBO

VRBO supports iCal synchronization with Holidu. Ensure your iCal export is properly configured in your VRBO account settings. For step-by-step guidance, consult VRBO's calendar synchronization instructions.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sync Is Not Working

Check the iCal URL: Verify that you've copied the iCal URL correctly from the external platform. Even a single typo or missing character will cause synchronization to fail. Copy and paste carefully to avoid errors.

Calendar Updates Are Slow

Refresh your calendar manually: If your calendar has not updated immediately, locate the green "Refresh" button in your Holidu iCal settings and click it. Calendar updates can take a few minutes to process, so check back after refreshing.

Availability Changes Not Syncing

Perform a manual test: To confirm your synchronization is working correctly, create a test block or update availability on one calendar and check if it appears on the other within a few minutes. This helps identify connection issues.

Double Bookings Still Occurring

If you're experiencing double bookings despite synchronization, check that all platforms are properly connected. Verify that the export URLs you're using are current (some platforms require you to refresh or regenerate these URLs periodically). Also, confirm that you've saved your settings on Holidu after adding the synchronization.

Platform Not Listed

If your calendar provider is not on Holidu's supported list, contact their customer support to confirm they offer iCal synchronization. Some platforms may have recently added this feature, or you may need to enable it in your account settings.

Video Guide: Connecting Holidu to Airbnb

For a visual walkthrough of the iCal synchronization process, watch our step-by-step video guide: Connect Your Holidu Calendar to Airbnb.

Next Steps

Once your calendars are synchronized, monitor them for the first few days to ensure all bookings and blocks are syncing correctly. If you encounter any issues during setup or notice that synchronization isn't working as expected, contact Holidu's support team for assistance.