Guide

Listing on Airbnb and Vrbo without double bookings

To list on Airbnb and Vrbo safely, import each platform's calendar into the other, test both directions with a blocked date, and stop same-day bookings. Sync is delayed, so it lowers the risk of double bookings rather than removing it.

Examples on this page use made-up homes and numbers to show the method. They are not client results.

Step 1: Export from Airbnb, import to Vrbo

In your Airbnb calendar’s availability settings, find the option to connect or export a calendar and copy the link. In Vrbo’s calendar settings, import that link and give it a name you will recognise.

Step 2: Export from Vrbo, import to Airbnb

Do the same in reverse. Without this second step, Vrbo bookings will not block Airbnb.

Step 3: Test both directions

  • Block one far-off night on Airbnb. Check that it shows as unavailable on Vrbo after the next refresh.
  • Remove it, then block a night on Vrbo and check Airbnb.

Do not skip this. A link that was pasted wrongly looks the same as one that works until the day it matters.

Step 4: Cover the delay

Imported calendars refresh on a schedule, not instantly. To lower the risk in that window:

  • Set advance notice of at least one day on both platforms.
  • Avoid deep last-minute discounts on both platforms at once.
  • When a booking arrives for a date within the next few days, check the other calendar by hand.

Step 5: Match the settings that do not sync

iCal sync carries dates only. Set these separately on each platform and keep them the same:

  • Minimum stay
  • Nightly rates and fees
  • Check-in and checkout times
  • Cancellation policy and house rules

If you have more than one listing for the same home

Some hosts list a whole house and part of it as two listings. Every listing has to block every other one, on both platforms. Draw the links on paper first. After adding any calendar, re-test the ones you already had: an existing link can stop working when a new import is added.

When to move to a channel manager

If you take many last-minute bookings or run several homes, a channel manager syncs in near real time and is worth the monthly fee.

Want this done for you?

With Co-Hosting, we add your home to Vrbo and keep both calendars in sync as part of the service. Or start with a free listing check.

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