Holidu
About
Holidu, a vacation rental platform, partnered with us to refresh its brand identity. We refined their strategy, visual language, and user experience to create a more inviting and emotionally resonant presence. The rebrand strengthened Holidu’s market positioning, improved brand recognition, and deepened connections with both property owners and travelers.
Usage
100M+Annual users
Ranking
#5Brand in travel category by JvM
Industry
TravelTech
Website
holidu.comIntro
Holidu, a fast-growing vacation rental platform, wanted to redefine its brand identity to stand out in a competitive market. More than just a search engine for vacation homes, Holidu aimed to build a deeper emotional connection with both property owners and travelers. The team was ready to transform their brand into something more meaningful and human-centered.

Challenge
The rebrand had to balance two distinct audiences—property owners and vacationers—while evolving Holidu’s identity without losing recognition. The brand initially positioned itself as "Wise" due to its tech-driven engine but needed to feel more inviting. Additionally, Holidu was merging two platforms into one, requiring a unified and intuitive brand experience.
Solution
Rather than overhauling everything, the approach was to refine and evolve the brand in a way that felt natural. The strategy shifted from "Wise and Innocent" to "Caring and Innocent," reinforcing warmth and trust. The creative direction was built around an "Invitation to Happiness," shaping the visuals to evoke relaxation and freedom. Elements like hammocks, smiles, and open doors were incorporated to enhance emotional appeal.
The logo underwent multiple iterations, with usability testing among 200 respondents helping to shape the final version. The result subtly integrated the letter "H" with a welcoming human figure, symbolizing openness and warmth. A warmer color palette replaced the old corporate blue, bringing in turquoise and peach tones that felt more personal and inviting. The new identity extended beyond digital assets, applying consistently across social media, merchandise, and marketing materials to create a cohesive brand experience.

Outcome
The outcome was a brand that successfully balanced transformation with continuity. Holidu now had a clearer market positioning, a stronger emotional connection with both hosts and travelers, and a design system that reinforced brand recognition across all touchpoints. Industry recognition followed, with Holidu securing a spot in a travel branding top five in startup ranking by Jung van Matt.
The rebranding journey was complex but rewarding. By refining strategy and design, Holidu evolved into a brand that feels more personal, welcoming, and emotionally engaging. The project is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in bridging strategy and emotion to create lasting impact.
