Prevent double-bookings across Airbnb & VRBO

Double-bookings usually aren't negligence — they're the combination of iCal delays, multiple tabs, and “I'll fix it later” fatigue. Here's a practical workflow that reduces risk.

No credit card required. Uses read-only iCal links (no platform passwords).

The 3 causes (so you can fix the right thing)

iCal delays
Some platforms only refresh periodically. “Synced” doesn't mean “instant”.
Fragmented visibility
If you can't see everything at once, you rely on memory and luck.
Human ops load
When you're tired, you skip checks. That's when mistakes slip in.

A lightweight “sanity check” workflow

  1. Keep a single aggregated view of your bookings (Airbnb + VRBO + Google Calendar).
  2. Do a weekly 10-minute review: look for overlaps, tight turns, and gaps that need blocking.
  3. Share a live schedule with your cleaner/co-host so everyone reacts to changes quickly.

FAQ

Can software guarantee zero double-bookings?

Not with iCal alone. The realistic goal is to reduce risk with visibility and a repeatable check. (If you need hard guarantees, you're in “channel manager/PMS” territory.)

What's the minimum setup?

Add your Airbnb and VRBO iCal links. That's enough to start seeing everything in one place.

What should I do when I see an overlap?

Decide which booking is “source of truth” and immediately block/cancel on the other platform (following your platform policies). Then add a small buffer in your workflow to prevent repeats.

Is this still useful if I only list on one platform?

Less. This page is for multi-platform operators (or anyone coordinating people like cleaners/co-hosts).

Want fewer “calendar panic” moments?

Start free, add your calendars, and get one view of everything.