Some chins get stressed from traveling while others seem to enjoy it. For those who seem to stress by travel, the more enclosed it is, the more secure they seem to feel. In the wild they are use to hiding in cracks and between rocks ... a cardboard box (Kleenex Tissue Box) in a cat or dog carrier would probably be best ... unless you have a way to attach their hut to the inside of the carrier. The cardboard box is a safety factor ... it weighs little and would be least likely to injure your chin if jolted about.
Chins that like travel are rare ... but the ones that do really seem to love it. We've had a couple that have ridden on Bill's shoulder on long trips watching the scenery and would go back into their cages for stops only.
Just keep in mind to plan to do drive ins only when it comes to eating ... OR ... plan on leaving the car running with the air conditioning going while you go inside ... inside car temperatures can go from 70 to 120 in less than 15 minutes.
Take along a chest of ice (not the plug in ones that run on electricity ... if you break down, it won't work long) and have several mason jars filled with ice inside (or empty mason jars that can be filled with ice) to keep your little one cool should your car break down. You can withstand the heat much longer and better than they can.
Take along a large plastic bag or sheet to place under the cage when you take your little ones inside the room for the night ... this way, you will not leave a mess for the hotel to be able to charge you extra for on your bill.
Jo Ann
P.S. At 2 and 1/2 years old, your chins should be large enough to be safe in a cat or dog carrier even with the bars being 1 inch square.