How to Sync Your Airbnb and VRBO Calendars

Managing listings across multiple vacation rental platforms can quickly become complicated. Syncing your Airbnb and VRBO calendars is essential to prevent double bookings and keep your availability accurate. This guide walks you through the process of connecting these platforms in both directions.

Why Sync Your Airbnb and VRBO Calendars?

  • Prevent double bookings: Automatically block dates on both platforms when you receive a reservation
  • Maintain consistency: Keep your availability synchronized across platforms without manual updates
  • Save time: Eliminate the need to manually update multiple calendars when bookings change
  • Reduce stress: Minimize the risk of scheduling conflicts and unhappy guests

How to Import Your Airbnb Calendar to VRBO

  1. Log in to your Airbnb account and go to “Calendar”
  2. Click on “Availability Settings” (gear icon) in the upper right corner
  3. Scroll down to “Calendar Export” or “iCal Links”
  4. Find your property listing and click “Export Calendar”
  5. Copy the provided iCal link (a URL ending with .ics)

Importing into VRBO

  1. Log in to your VRBO account and navigate to your property
  2. Go to “Calendar” and find “Calendar Settings” or “Sync calendars”
  3. Select “Import Calendar” or “Add a Calendar”
  4. Paste the Airbnb iCal link you copied earlier
  5. Give this calendar a recognizable name (e.g., “Airbnb Bookings”)
  6. Save your changes
  7. VRBO will now import bookings from your Airbnb calendar

How to Import Your VRBO Calendar to Airbnb

  1. Log in to your VRBO account and go to your property
  2. Navigate to “Calendar” and look for “Calendar Settings” or “Sync calendars”
  3. Find the section labeled “Export Calendar” or “Share Your Calendar”
  4. Copy the provided iCal URL (it will end with .ics)

Importing into Airbnb

  1. Log in to your Airbnb account and go to “Calendar”
  2. Click on “Availability Settings” (gear icon) in the top right
  3. Scroll to “Import Calendar” section
  4. Click “Add a new calendar”
  5. Paste the VRBO iCal link you copied earlier
  6. Name the calendar something clear (e.g., “VRBO Bookings”)
  7. Click “Import Calendar”
  8. Your VRBO bookings will now appear as blocked dates in your Airbnb calendar

Understanding the Limitations of Calendar Syncing

While calendar syncing between platforms is helpful, it has several important limitations:

  • Delayed updates: Changes can take 12-24 hours to synchronize between platforms
  • One-way information: Only basic booking dates transfer, not guest information or booking details
  • Limited functionality: Cancellations may not update properly across platforms
  • Manual verification needed: Regular checks are still recommended to ensure everything synced correctly
  • No pricing synchronization: Rate changes must be updated on each platform separately

Centralizing Your Booking Management with TurnCal

The limitations of direct calendar syncing highlight the need for a central management system. TurnCal offers a comprehensive solution designed specifically for vacation rental owners:

  • Unified dashboard: View all your properties and bookings across platforms in one place
  • Real-time synchronization: Connect with Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and other platforms. Force a real-time refresh on your timeline.
  • Automated turnover scheduling: Coordinate cleaning and maintenance between stays
  • Team coordination: Share relevant calendar information with staff while keeping sensitive details private
  • Free to use: No cost for basic functionality

Creating an Efficient Multi-Platform Workflow

By connecting both your Airbnb and VRBO calendars to TurnCal, you create a streamlined workflow that solves many of the challenges of multi-platform hosting:

  • Single source of truth: Let TurnCal be your primary calendar for seeing bookings and cleanings
  • Simplified communication: Coordinate with cleaning staff through one consistent interface
  • Time savings: Manage all your properties from one dashboard instead of logging into multiple platforms
  • Professional calendar sharing: Generate clean, customized calendar views specific to each property or team member

Take Control of Your Multi-Platform Hosting

While direct syncing between Airbnb and VRBO provides basic protection against double bookings, utilizing a specialized platform like TurnCal elevates your hosting operation with professional-grade tools designed specifically for vacation rental management for individuals with just a few properties, but not too many features like the big PMS systems.

The most successful hosts recognize that efficient operations require systems that simplify complexity rather than add to it. TurnCal transforms disconnected booking platforms into a coherent, manageable system that saves time and reduces stress.

Try TurnCal today to experience the difference a dedicated turnover calendar can make in your vacation rental business. Eliminate the headaches of multi-platform hosting and focus on providing exceptional experiences for your guests instead of wrestling with calendar synchronization.