Can I travel?
Yes, you can travel with PCD as long as you take the proper precautions. Make sure you pack the proper amount of medication, have a bit extra in the event of a delay or unforeseen circumstance, and have your emergency medical card. If you are staying with a family, or traveling through a program, make sure to inform the proper adults beforehand.
What should I pack, and how should I store it?
Pack more supplement than you think you'll need, with extra doses beyond the length of the trip in case of delays. Split your supply between two bags in case one gets lost. Keep medication in its original prescription bottle. We recommend not removing pills from the prescription bottle, since many formulations have hydrophilic binding agents, meaning that if they're exposed to pressure changes (like changing elevation or traveling by airplane) or extreme conditions, they can deteriorate and become unusable. The prescription bottles often include pigmentation in the material of the container specifically to help prevent this.
Traveling alone or staying with someone else?
If you are traveling and/or staying alone, we highly recommend purchasing a medical identification bracelet, or putting a visible widget on the home screen of your cell phone, so that in the unlikely event of an emergency, the people helping you are aware of what you need. If you're staying with a family or traveling through a program, make sure to inform the proper adults beforehand about your PCD and what to do in an emergency.
How do you handle time zones and eating on the go?
Figure out your dosing schedule for the new time zone before you go, rather than improvising on arrival. Travel days often mean irregular meals (long car rides, layovers, packed itineraries), so keep snacks accessible in your carry-on or day bag as a default, not just a backup plan.
Can I go to summer camp or on school trips?
Yes, you can go to summer camp or on school trips with PCD. As you prepare for camp or a school trip, make sure you pack an appropriate amount of medication (a bit extra never hurts) and review the program's policies on medication, since many camps require you to turn in your meds to a resident nurse who distributes them on a predetermined schedule. We highly recommend full transparency about your PCD with the appropriate staff members prior to your arrival, to make sure everything goes smoothly and any emergencies are handled properly and efficiently. Make sure to provide the camp nurse or trip chaperones with a copy of your emergency triage card, so that anyone at the ER can start the right treatment if your parents are far away.
What should you research before you land?
Know where the nearest hospital or pharmacy is at your destination, and if you're traveling internationally, check whether carnitine supplements are easy to find there in case you need a backup. See Carnergia's Travel Checklist in Helpful Downloads for the full packable version of this list.
This page offers general suggestions and isn't a substitute for advice from your own doctor, especially before international travel.
Last updated October 2026.