Maybe there are other animals that would be better for long distances?

I just spoke with a woman who is in charge of the pet rats at a large pet store. She says they can make for great, intelligent, affectionate, bonded, lovingly interactive pets, and are among the very best she has seen. There are many exotic types available now. You can also help and save the life of an animal that is otherwise doomed to become reptile food.

When selecting one, it is best to follow suggestions outlined in books, or on knowledgable internet sites. If you get them very young, or find some that have been lovingly handled by humans, they tend to be better pets. Early experiences with humans are important. Also, if you are choosing from a group of young rats, the one(s) that come right up to your hand, and are friendly and fearless and affectionate tend to make better pets when they grow up. Their tendencies when young often carry over into adolescence and adulthood. If one is shy and reclusive when young, it is likely to be something like that later as well. If one is outgoing and fearless and playful, those tendencies also tend to carry over.