Experience Porto & The Douro Valley with Mouths of Babes + Queer Connect

Question 1

What if the minimum travelers required for this trip isn't met?

Answer

A minimum of 10 travelers is needed for this trip to run. We will confirm whether the minimum has been met two months before the trip start date. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund.

We recommend that you wait to book flights until after the trip is confirmed, unless your tickets offer full flexibility. Queer Connect will not reimburse third-party costs (airfare, visas, insurance, etc.).

If the trip is cancelled, you’ll receive a full refund of all payments made to Queer Connect, or you can choose to transfer to another Queer Connect trip (subject to availability).

Question 2

Do I need to be LGBTQIA+ to attend?

Answer

Queer Connect retreats are intentionally created by and for LGBTQIA+ people. However, due to this trip being in partnership with Mouths of Babes and intended for their fans, all are welcome!

Please note that absolutely no disrespect or homophobic/transphobic behavior from any guests will be tolerated.

Question 3

Can I come solo?

Answer

Absolutely! Many of our guests come solo and leave with lifelong friends. For this trip, we offer private solo rooms at an additional cost.

Question 4

Is this a party trip?

Answer

Not at all. Yes we will be drinking plenty of wine on this trip, but the overall vibe is laidback. The focus of the trip is on connection, culture, rest, and joy — not clubbing every night.

Question 5

What is the group size for the trip?

Answer

For this trip, we can accommodate a maximum group size of up to 18 people including hosts. Regardless of group size, both of our accommodations offer a safe space and plenty of areas to have quiet time to yourself.

Question 6

Where will we be staying?

Answer

In Porto, we’ll be staying at a cozy boutique accommodation, nestled peacefully in the heart of the city.

In the Douro Valley, we will be staying at a beautiful Quinta – disembarking our private yacht, you’ll be welcomed to the renowned wine region with a sparkling pool, plenty of spaces to relax, enjoy a glass of wine, and soak in the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.

The exact accommodations will be chosen closer to the trip dependent on group size. They will be similar to those pictured under the “Where We’ll Stay” tab above,

Regardless of which we choose, you can expect stunning outdoor spaces and Portuguese charm. Throughout our stay, you’ll enjoy daily breakfasts, delicious chef-prepared meals, and comfortable amenities that will leave you feeling like queer royalty.

Question 7

Is airfare included?

Answer

No — flights are not included in the retreat price.

Question 8

Do I need a visa for Portugal?

Answer

If you’re staying in Portugal for 90 days or less within a 180-day period (e.g. for tourism, business, or visiting friends/family), you typically don’t need a visa if you’re from a visa‑exempt country (like the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, most Latin American countries). Otherwise, you must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before traveling.

For the most up‑to‑date and official information, please check Portugal’s government visa portal.

Question 9

What airport do I fly into?

Answer

The best airport to fly in to is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto. We recommend arriving in Porto during the day on September 10th, or a day or so before if you want to adjust to the time difference before we begin our adventure together.

If you want a bit more adventure, another good travel option is to fly into Lisbon – Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), and then travel by bus or train to Porto (~3.5 hour journey). Just make sure you arrive in Porto by the 10th!

Question 10

What’s included in the retreat price?

Answer

Accommodation, most meals, most transportation, activities, excursions, guides, entertainment, and support from your hosts. Just about everything but flights, travel insurance, and transportation from the airport to the accommodation.

See more details under the “What’s Included” tab above.

Question 11

Will I have free time?

Answer

Yes! The itinerary is full but spacious — you’ll have plenty of free time to rest, explore, or opt out of activities when needed.

Check the full Itinerary above for detailed info about when you will have free time.

Question 12

How much spending money should I bring?

Answer

Most of your big expenses are already covered — but you’ll want a little extra pocket money for personal treats and spontaneous splurges:

A few meals on your own (during free time)
Drinks, desserts, and snacks at your leisure
Souvenirs, local wine, or handmade goods from boutiques and markets
A tattoo session from a local queer artist

Here’s a rough guide for how much money to bring (per person), depending on your spending style:

Budget Babe: €150–€250 – Stick to casual local cafés, split a bottle of wine, grab a couple of cute souvenirs, and still soak up all the magic.

Mid-Tier Queer: €300–€450 – Mix of wine and cocktails bars, mid-range dining, boutique shopping, and maybe a little treat-yourself moment.

Big Spender Energy: €600-800+ – Michelin-star meals, designer shops, a full spa day, and whatever else sparks joy.

Portugal offers great value for money — and we’ve got all the local tips to help you spend wisely and fabulously.

Question 13

How do I pay?

Answer

We accept Stripe (all major cards except Amex), and offer payment plans via Klarna.

You can pay in full, or pay a 25% deposit to reserve your spot and pay the remaining balance later.

Question 14

Is my deposit refundable?

Answer

The trip deposit is non-refundable (unless the trip is cancelled by us for some reason). You can view our full Cancellation & Refund Policy for more details.

Question 15

Are payment plans available?

Answer

Yes! When paying a deposit, the cost is split into 2 payments.

OR – when paying in full, you can pay in 4 installments through Klarna – subject to their approval.

Question 16

Do I need travel insurance?

Answer

We strongly recommend it, and partner with SafetyWing for flexible, queer-friendly coverage.

Question 17

I have a medical condition or accessibility need — can I still join?

Answer

Most likely, yes. We do our best to make our trips as accessible as possible. Please email us to make sure we can support you and ensure the trip activities are safe and comfortable for your needs.

Question 18

Is alcohol or substance use allowed?

Answer

While this is not a substance-fueled party space, we aren’t party killers! There will be plenty of wine and alcoholic drinks available throughout the trip (non-alcoholic too) and encourage you to enjoy yourselves! You’re adults, so do as you please – all we ask is that you be respectful of the rest of the group and don’t get carried away. We prioritize collective care and consent.