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Home » How to connect Airbnb and Vrbo calendars?

How to connect Airbnb and Vrbo calendars?

April 3, 2025 by TinyGrab Team Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

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  • Mastering Calendar Synchronization: Seamlessly Connect Airbnb and Vrbo
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
      • How often do Airbnb and Vrbo calendars sync?
      • What is an iCal URL and why is it important?
      • What happens if I don’t sync my Airbnb and Vrbo calendars?
      • Can I sync more than two calendars?
      • Is there a better alternative to iCal synchronization?
      • What are the limitations of iCal synchronization?
      • How do I troubleshoot calendar synchronization issues?
      • Does iCal synchronization sync pricing information?
      • Can I block off personal dates on both calendars simultaneously?
      • Is using a channel manager better than iCal synchronization?
      • Can I use a Google Calendar or other personal calendar to sync with Airbnb and Vrbo?
      • What happens if I stop using one of the platforms (Airbnb or Vrbo)?

Mastering Calendar Synchronization: Seamlessly Connect Airbnb and Vrbo

Connecting your Airbnb and Vrbo calendars is paramount for any serious short-term rental operator. It’s the cornerstone of avoiding those dreaded double bookings and maintaining a professional, reliable business. The good news? It’s entirely achievable using iCalendar (iCal) synchronization. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it, step by step:

  1. Locate Your Airbnb Calendar Export Link (iCal URL): Log into your Airbnb account and navigate to your listing. Go to the “Calendar” section. Within the calendar settings, you should find an option labeled something like “Export Calendar” or “Sync with other calendars”. This will provide you with a unique iCal URL. Copy this URL – it’s the key to sharing your Airbnb availability.

  2. Import the Airbnb iCal URL into Vrbo: Log into your Vrbo account. Find the listing you want to synchronize. Typically, in the listing management section, you’ll find a “Calendar” or “Availability” area. Look for an option to “Import Calendar” or “Add Calendar Connection”. You’ll be prompted to paste the Airbnb iCal URL you copied earlier. Give the calendar a descriptive name (e.g., “Airbnb Calendar”). Save the settings.

  3. Locate Your Vrbo Calendar Export Link (iCal URL): Now, repeat a similar process for Vrbo to get their iCal URL. In your Vrbo calendar settings, you’ll find an option to “Export Calendar” or “Sync with other calendars”. Copy the unique Vrbo iCal URL.

  4. Import the Vrbo iCal URL into Airbnb: Return to your Airbnb calendar settings. This time, you’ll be importing the Vrbo iCal URL. Look for the “Import Calendar” or “Sync with other calendars” option and paste the Vrbo iCal URL. Give this calendar a descriptive name as well (e.g., “Vrbo Calendar”). Save the settings.

  5. Test and Verify the Synchronization: After importing both iCal URLs, it’s crucial to test that the calendars are indeed talking to each other. Block off a night or two on your Airbnb calendar and verify that the same dates are automatically blocked on your Vrbo calendar. Do the reverse – block dates on Vrbo and check Airbnb.

  6. Understand the Synchronization Frequency: iCal synchronization isn’t instantaneous. The time it takes for updates to reflect across platforms can vary (typically from a few minutes to a few hours). Plan accordingly and avoid last-minute bookings that could lead to double bookings before the calendars fully sync.

By following these steps, you can achieve a reliable two-way synchronization between your Airbnb and Vrbo calendars, minimizing the risk of booking conflicts and ensuring a smooth operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often do Airbnb and Vrbo calendars sync?

The synchronization frequency between Airbnb and Vrbo varies. While both platforms aim for near real-time updates, it’s generally recommended to expect a delay of up to a few hours. Some updates might occur within 30 minutes, while others might take longer. Always double-check both calendars, especially during peak booking times, to avoid conflicts.

What is an iCal URL and why is it important?

An iCal URL (also known as an iCalendar link) is a web address that points to a file containing calendar data in the iCalendar format. This format is a standard way to share calendar information across different applications and platforms. In the context of Airbnb and Vrbo, the iCal URL allows the platforms to “read” each other’s availability and block dates accordingly. It’s the cornerstone of automated calendar synchronization.

What happens if I don’t sync my Airbnb and Vrbo calendars?

Failing to synchronize your Airbnb and Vrbo calendars is a recipe for disaster. You risk double-booking your property, which can lead to unhappy guests, negative reviews, and potential financial losses. Double bookings can damage your reputation and make it harder to attract future bookings. Calendar synchronization is a non-negotiable aspect of managing multiple listings.

Can I sync more than two calendars?

Yes, you can. The iCal synchronization method allows you to connect multiple calendars across various platforms. This is particularly useful if you list your property on additional websites like Booking.com or Expedia. Each platform will have its own iCal URL that you can import into the others. Keep in mind the importance of always verifying that the synchronization works properly, as the more calendars you have connected, the higher the chance of error.

Is there a better alternative to iCal synchronization?

While iCal synchronization is a widely used and free method, it’s not always the most reliable or efficient. Channel management software offers a superior alternative. These platforms provide real-time synchronization, centralized management of your listings, automated pricing adjustments, and other advanced features. However, channel managers usually come with a subscription fee. If you manage multiple properties, a channel manager is worth considering.

What are the limitations of iCal synchronization?

iCal synchronization has some inherent limitations. Firstly, it’s not instantaneous. The delays in updating calendars can create a window for potential double bookings. Secondly, iCal synchronization only handles availability; it doesn’t sync pricing, descriptions, or other listing details. You’ll need to manage those separately on each platform. Finally, iCal synchronization is sometimes prone to errors or disruptions, requiring manual troubleshooting.

How do I troubleshoot calendar synchronization issues?

If you encounter problems with your calendar synchronization, here are some troubleshooting steps:

  • Verify the iCal URLs: Double-check that you’ve copied and pasted the correct iCal URLs for both Airbnb and Vrbo.
  • Check the synchronization status: Both platforms might provide an indication of the last successful sync. Look for any error messages.
  • Manually refresh the calendars: Some platforms offer a “refresh” or “sync now” button.
  • Contact support: If the problem persists, reach out to Airbnb or Vrbo support for assistance.
  • Restart the process: Delete and re-add the iCal URLs if all else fails.

Does iCal synchronization sync pricing information?

No, iCal synchronization does not sync pricing information. It only synchronizes availability (blocked and available dates). You’ll need to manually update your pricing on each platform or use a channel manager that offers pricing synchronization. It is important to maintain consistent pricing across your listings to avoid confusion and ensure fair treatment for your guests.

Can I block off personal dates on both calendars simultaneously?

Yes, by ensuring two-way iCal synchronization, you can block off personal dates on either your Airbnb or Vrbo calendar, and the change will be reflected on the other platform. This simplifies managing your availability for personal use or maintenance. This feature is one of the most beneficial parts of syncing calendars.

Is using a channel manager better than iCal synchronization?

A channel manager offers significant advantages over iCal synchronization, including real-time synchronization, centralized control, automated pricing, and unified messaging. However, it comes at a cost. For hosts with only one or two properties, iCal synchronization might suffice. However, if you manage multiple listings, the investment in a channel manager is generally worthwhile, as it saves time, reduces errors, and optimizes your revenue.

Can I use a Google Calendar or other personal calendar to sync with Airbnb and Vrbo?

Yes, you can integrate Google Calendar (or other personal calendars that support iCal URLs) with Airbnb and Vrbo. This can be useful for blocking off dates based on personal events or commitments. The process is the same: obtain the iCal URL from your personal calendar and import it into Airbnb and Vrbo. It is important to note that changes done on these third-party calendars take some time to reflect on Airbnb or Vrbo.

What happens if I stop using one of the platforms (Airbnb or Vrbo)?

If you decide to stop using either Airbnb or Vrbo, it’s crucial to remove the iCal connection from the remaining platform. This prevents unnecessary synchronization attempts and potential errors. Simply go to the calendar settings on the platform you’re continuing to use and delete the imported calendar from the platform you are discontinuing. Always verify that the change is reflected to prevent any mishaps.

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