How to Connect Your Booking Website to Your Own Domain

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. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, making it simple and straightforward.

Before You Start

Before beginning, make sure you have access to your domain provider's settings (such as AWS, Vercel, GoDaddy, or similar platforms). A quick heads-up: if you already have a website live on that domain, it will be replaced by your direct booking website once this process is complete.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Domain

Step 1: Start the Process in the Holidu App by Setting Up Your Booking Website

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

1. After you start the setup and enter your existing domain name, a DNS tab appears with specific DNS values generated for your domain.

Holidu generates specific DNS values for you here. Copy these values and add them to your domain provider's settings in the next steps. Don't worry if you're not familiar with DNS settings — we will guide you through the entire process.

Step 2: Create a New CNAME in Your Domain Settings

Log in with your domain provider and look for an option to create a new record (also called a DNS record). A form will open where you'll enter the following information:

• 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're creating.
• Copy the "VALUE" from the same CNAME line and add it to the value field of the record.
• The "TTL" and "Routing policy" fields can usually keep their pre-filled values.

After making these settings, create the record.

Example (AWS):

Important: If there are already records saved for the domain you want to use, please delete those first. This will disconnect your existing website from the domain, so it will not be accessible to guests anymore. This step is necessary so you can connect the domain to your new direct booking website.

Step 3: Add a CAA DNS Record in Your Domain Settings

Create another record in your domain settings. This time follow these steps:

• For Type, select CAA.
• In the Holidu app, copy the "NAME" value from the CAA line and paste it into the name field of the record you're creating.
• In the value field, paste the value you get from the Holidu app.
• Note: Some providers might require a special format for the value field, for example 0 issue "letsencrypt.org". In this case, add the value from the Holidu app in quotation marks.
• The "TTL" and "Routing policy" fields can usually keep their pre-filled values.

After making these settings, create the record.

Step 4: Head Back to the Holidu App to Check That the Records Are Recognized

With the records you just added in place, Holidu automatically checks your DNS settings. This verification usually takes around 5 minutes.

If everything looks good, your domain is verified and you will be guided to the final step of the setup.

Step 5: Add an ALIAS DNS Record in Your Domain Settings

Once Holidu has verified your domain, there is just one more DNS record to add. Holidu will provide you with the specific values needed:

Create a new record and change the Type to ALIAS.

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

• ALIAS
• CAA
• CNAME

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

Step 6: Final Verification

Head back to the Holidu admin interface and wait until the domain is verified. Once verification is complete, you will see a confirmation message.

Congratulations! You can now access your direct booking website via your own domain. Your guests will see your professional branded domain when visiting your booking site, helping to build trust and drive more direct bookings.

Need Additional Help?

If you encounter any issues during the domain connection process or have questions about your DNS settings, our support team is here to help. Each domain provider has slightly different interfaces, but the core process remains the same. If you're unsure about any of the steps, don't hesitate to contact Holidu support for personalized assistance.