I use the canvas carrier with the opening in the top. Much easier to get the cat in and out. It's very roomy and my outside cats don't mind it at all when having to go to the vets. In the old plastic carrier they would howl all the way there, but not in the canvas one. I put an old bath towel in the carrier in case there is an accident and then just toss it. The cat will last all day and not go to the bathroom until you get to the hotel and put out a box with litter. I doubt he will eat much while traveling. I drove from CA to AR many times with various cats and never had a problem. Be sure and strap the carrier in a seat belt. Keep the cat in the carrier until safely in a closed bathroom. Cats will bolt in a heartbeat in a strange place.