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 guide will walk you through each step of the process, from setting up your website in the Holidu app to configuring your DNS records with your domain provider.

Before you start, make sure you have access to your domain provider's settings (such as AWS, Vercel, or similar platforms). Please note 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.

Step 1: Enable Your Booking Website and Start the Setup

The first step is to prepare your Holidu app for domain connection:

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

Once you start the setup and enter your existing domain name, the DNS configuration tab will appear. Here, Holidu will generate specific DNS values that you'll need to add to your domain provider's settings in the next steps. Don't worry if DNS settings seem unfamiliar—we'll guide you through each step.

Step 2: Create a CNAME DNS Record in Your Domain Settings

Now it's time to configure your first DNS record. Log in to your domain provider and look for an option to create a new 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 your new record.
• Copy the VALUE from the same CNAME line and add it to the value field of your record.
• The TTL and Routing policy fields can usually keep their default, pre-filled values.

After entering these details, create the record in your domain provider.

Important: If there are already existing 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 essential to connect your domain to your new Holidu direct booking website.

Example (AWS):

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

Next, create a second DNS record for your domain's Certificate Authority Authorization (CAA). This ensures proper security for your domain:

• For Type, select CAA.
• In the Holidu app, copy the NAME value from the CAA line and paste it into the name field of your new record.
• In the value field, paste the value provided by the Holidu app.
• Some domain providers might require a special format for the value field, such as 0 issue "http://awstrust.com". In this case, add the value from Holidu within quotation marks.
• The TTL and Routing policy fields can usually keep their default values.

After entering these details, create the CAA record in your domain provider.

Step 4: Verify Your DNS Records in the Holidu App

Now that you've added the CNAME and CAA records to your domain provider, Holidu will automatically check your DNS settings. This verification process usually takes around 5 minutes.

Once Holidu recognizes your records and everything looks correct, your domain will be verified. You'll then be guided to the final step of the setup.

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

After Holidu has verified your domain, there is just one more DNS record to add. Holidu will provide you with specific ALIAS values. Here's how to create this final record:

1. Create a new DNS record in your domain provider.
2. Change the Type to ALIAS.
3. Copy the NAME and VALUE from the Holidu app and paste them into the corresponding fields.
4. Keep the TTL and Routing policy fields at their default values.

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

• ALIAS
• CAA
• CNAME

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

Step 6: Final Verification and Go Live

Return to the Holidu admin dashboard and wait for the final domain verification. Once this process is complete, your direct booking website will be live and accessible via your own domain.

Congratulations! Your booking website is now connected to your own domain. Your guests can now access your direct booking website using your custom domain, which helps establish your brand and encourages direct bookings without relying on third-party platforms.

Need Additional Help?

If you encounter any issues during the domain connection process, don't hesitate to contact our support team. We're here to help ensure your direct booking website is set up successfully with your custom domain.