Already have a domain you want to use? You can connect it to your Holidu booking website to drive more direct bookings under your own brand.

Before you start, make sure you have access to your domain provider's settings (for example, AWS, Vercel, or similar platforms). Keep in mind that if you already have a website live on that domain, it will be replaced by your direct booking website once this process is complete.

Why Connect Your Own Domain?

Connecting your own domain to your Holidu booking website offers several key benefits. It strengthens your brand identity by allowing guests to book directly through your own web address. This builds trust and makes your listing appear more professional and established. Additionally, having your own domain helps with search engine optimization, making it easier for potential guests to find you online.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Domain

Step 1: Enable Your Booking Website and Start the Connection

The first step is to access your Holidu app and prepare your booking website for domain connection.

1. Click Enable website if it is not enabled yet.
2. Click Connect my domain.

After you enter your existing domain name, a DNS tab will appear with specific DNS values that Holidu has generated for you. Make sure to copy these values carefully, as you will need them for the next steps in your domain provider's settings.

Tip: Don't worry if you're not familiar with DNS settings. We will guide you through each step of the process.

Step 2: Create a CNAME Record in Your Domain Settings

Now you need to log in with your domain provider and create a DNS record.

1. Log in to your domain provider's dashboard (such as AWS, GoDaddy, Namecheap, or another provider).
2. Look for an option to create a new DNS record or edit DNS settings.
3. A form will open where you can add your record details.

For the CNAME record, follow these steps:

• For Type, select CNAME.
• In the Holidu app, copy the NAME value from the CNAME line and paste it into the name field of the record you are creating.
• Copy the VALUE from the same CNAME line and add it to the value field.
• The TTL (Time To Live) and Routing policy fields can usually keep their default values.
• After entering these settings, save and create the record.

Example (AWS):

Important: If there are already records saved for the domain you want to use, delete those first. This will disconnect your existing website from the domain, so it will no longer be accessible to guests. This step is necessary so you can connect the domain to your new direct booking website.

Step 3: Add a CAA DNS Record

The next record you need to create is a CAA (Certification Authority Authorization) record. This record helps secure your domain connection.

1. Create another record in your domain settings.
2. For Type, select CAA.
3. In the Holidu app, copy the NAME value from the CAA line and enter it into the name field of the record you are creating.
4. In the value field, paste the value you get from the Holidu app.

Note: Some domain providers may require a special format for the value field. For example, they might ask for something like 0 issue "awstrust.com". In this case, add the value from Holidu in quotation marks as shown by your provider.

• The TTL and Routing policy fields can usually keep their default values.
• After making these settings, save and create the record.

Step 4: Verify Your Domain Records in the Holidu App

With the CNAME and CAA records you have added in place, Holidu automatically checks your DNS settings. This verification process usually takes around 5 minutes.

During this time, Holidu is confirming that your domain records are correctly set up. If everything looks good, your domain will be verified and you will be guided to the final step of the setup process.

Once verification is complete, you can proceed to add the final DNS record.

Step 5: Add an ALIAS DNS Record

After Holidu has verified your domain, there is just one more DNS record to add. This ALIAS record is essential for connecting your direct booking website to your domain.

Holidu will provide you with the specific values you need:

Create a new record in your domain settings and follow these steps:

1. Create a new DNS record in your domain provider's settings.
2. Change the Type to ALIAS.
3. Enter the values provided by Holidu.
4. Save and create the record.

Before moving forward, make sure your domain provider settings now include all three of the following records:

• ALIAS
• CAA
• CNAME

All three records are needed for your direct booking website to connect properly to your domain.

Step 6: Final Verification and Launch

The final step is to verify that everything is connected correctly. Return to the Holidu admin interface and wait until the domain is fully verified.

Once the verification is complete, you can now access your direct booking website by visiting your own domain. Your guests can book directly through your branded website, and all reservations will appear in your Holidu account.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your domain is not connecting after completing these steps, here are some common issues to check:

• DNS propagation delay: DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to fully propagate across the internet, though usually it is much faster. If verification has not completed after 5 minutes, wait a bit longer and try again.
• Incorrect values: Double-check that you have copied the NAME and VALUE fields exactly as shown in the Holidu app, including any special characters or formatting.
• Existing records: Ensure you have deleted any existing records for that domain before adding new ones.
• Record type selection: Verify that you selected the correct record type (CNAME, CAA, or ALIAS) for each step.

Next Steps

After your domain is successfully connected, you may want to:

• Customize your booking website design to match your brand.
• Add your property information and photos to your listing.
• Test the booking process to ensure everything works smoothly for your guests.
• Share your new booking website with your guests and on your marketing channels.

If you encounter any issues during this process or have questions about connecting your domain, our support team is here to help. Reach out to us through the Holidu help center for additional assistance.