Why Is Your Vrbo Calendar Not Syncing With Airbnb In 2024?
Written by Pauline Lafleur Mar 23, 2022 · 2 min read
Table of Contents
Don’t ever use VRBO no protection for your trip if the owner decides from www.reddit.com
The Problem
If you're a vacation rental owner who lists on both Vrbo and Airbnb, you may have noticed that your calendars are not syncing properly. This can be frustrating, as it can lead to double bookings and unhappy guests. The issue seems to have started in 2023 and has continued into 2024, leaving many property owners at a loss for what to do.
What Causes the Problem?
The problem seems to stem from a change in Vrbo's calendar syncing system. Previously, Vrbo used a system called iCal to sync calendars with Airbnb. However, in early 2023, Vrbo switched to a new system called calendar feeds. While this change was supposed to make syncing easier, it has caused a number of issues.
How Does the Problem Manifest?
The most common manifestation of the problem is that bookings made on Airbnb do not appear on the Vrbo calendar. This means that if you have a guest book your property on Airbnb, the dates will not be blocked off on your Vrbo calendar. This can lead to double bookings and unhappy guests who arrive to find that your property is already occupied.
The Solution
Option 1: Manually Block Off Dates
One solution to the problem is to manually block off dates on your Vrbo calendar when you receive a booking on Airbnb. This can be time-consuming, but it ensures that you don't have any double bookings.
Option 2: Use a Third-Party Channel Manager
Another solution is to use a third-party channel manager that can sync your calendars across multiple platforms. There are a number of channel managers available, including MyVR, Lodgify, and Rentals United. These tools can save you time and ensure that your calendars are always up-to-date.
Question and Answer
Q: Is there a way to fix the problem without using a channel manager?
A: Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for the problem. The best solution is to either manually block off dates or use a channel manager that can sync your calendars across multiple platforms.
Q: Are there any other platforms that are affected by this issue?
A: At this time, it seems that the issue is limited to Vrbo and Airbnb. However, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your calendars and ensure that they are syncing properly across all platforms.