It would be riskier with the whole covid thing (for your health eat) BUT you might see if there are some small bed and breakfasts around that could put you up (as opposed to a hotel). They could still use cleaners and Teflon...but I imagine at least the cleaners wouldn't be as strong..Not even sure if they are allowing B &B's to run at this point..but you could check into it...OR---Rent a cabin or something for a night.
Here's an odd solution that really could work ---There are usually cabin rentals available in touristy places and near lakes/ state parks /hiking etc so maybe you could plan your trip around those locations and stay the night in a few cabins across the country--that way, you wouldn't have to worry about active chemical use or teflon...I know it might seem likes it's kind of a stretch, but it might be worth it. You might tack on an extra half hour if you had to go off the beaten path to get to these areas, but at least you wouldn't have to worry about breathing the same air as other guests either...Start looking now-- they do book up, but if you go during the week, I bet you can find quite a few still open (esp with COVID and travel restrictions)..That is what I would try to do- and then you also don't have to teach him to like a new carrier..
For instance--- I know there are lots of cabins in the Smokey Mountain area of TN--It would add about an hour to your trip, but that is a scenic area. I bet you can find others less off-the-beaten-path,
but FL to that area of TN is about 10.5 hours. From there, look for another forested area near your path and stay there the following night. From TN to Mark Twain National forrest (also has cabins) that is 8:30, but you could go further before stopping again and likely find another spot in MO. From there to Denver is 12 some hours and Colorado has cabins...and then from Denver to Idaho is 12:40ish....you could probably drive the rest without stopping again....
So in theory, that is
DAY 1 10.5 Hours -stay in Smokey Mountains (depending on where you start in Florida...could be more slightly I suppose)
Day 2 8:30 hours stay in Mark Twain National Forest cabins somewhere
Day 3-12 hours ish -stay in Denver or somewhere else in CO nearby
Day 4- 12:40 hours from Denver to idaho...+ however long it takes you to get to your actual destination.
You would just have to make sure that check-in times didn't conflict too much with plans for late arrivals (or super early ones)...because to pick up your keys, you usually have to go to a little office a few miles away--but you can almost always drop off the keys/check-out without their office actually being open. I know we did in the Smokey Mountains. Gatlinburg is annoying lol-- so I wouldn't get one RIGHT there...lol, but hey- whatever works.
You could book more than one night if you wanted....start this trip on a Sunday or Monday so you avoid weekend hikes in prices *if those exist in the current covid climate* EVEN if you can't find any good deals on cabins,
worst-case-scenario, you would be looking at around $2000 + probably $200 in gas...? (total guess---no clue what you drive etc) *IF each cabin charged $500 a night- but I bet money you could get some great deals right now because so few people are travelling* !!!
Plus, staying at hotels would be super expensive anyway--- probably like $300+ a night anyway (+same gas) and riskier for the bird and for your health. Flying would cost at least that much for both of you plus the bird--especially for you to both fly out, then fly back to get him and fly back again. And then there is the cost of the airline travel cage and any health checks etc required for flying..and the stress on your bird (flying is kind of stressful with them...)
https://www.stonybrooklodging.com/g...dio/?check_in=06/22/2020&check_out=06/24/2020 <-- required 2 night stay but $440 (for both nights combined) with all taxes, including deposits on things you will get back as long as you don't trash it. So that's under $200 a night for your own place.
You often have to make a higher deposit than the actual cost (for damage etc) but you get that back at check-out.
If you went farther from main attractions, this price would be even lower- and not all require 2 nights...but lots in the touristy areas do.
Things aren't as booked now as they normally would be this time of year, so I am pleased with this idea LOL!
PROS:
1. You will ultimately save money
2. He stays with you
3. No new travel cage or red-tape for the plane
4. Most cabins are far enough apart that they aren't going to know you have a bird with you (unless you show them or ask..)
5. see some scenic areas
6. Don't have to worry about Teflon or cleaning products being used by those in the same building...OR SMOKING!
7. You wouldn't have to share an air-space with others at a cabin.
8. You will have lots more space than you would at a hotel
9. Due to COVID, you can get some real bang for your buck (and stay in nicer places for less)
CONS:
1. You may have to tack on a bit of time to the trip if places have specific times for checking in or if they have a stay-minimum.
2. You will have to shop around ahead of time and have a plan so you can quickly reserve your cabins one after another without dates getting blacked out (but there are still a lot of options--and in these areas, you can find a billion cabin rental companies, even if one is already booked).
3. No continental breakfast ? ?? Not sure if that is even a con...lol buy some crappy cereal and OJ and you've got the same thing.
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LOL---I think it's perfect...but I guess that's just me lol!
