It's really so much easier to get a travel cage in my opinion. It's tough lugging around a big cage and finding a good spot for it in someone else's home. It also leaves more at risk for damage during the car trip which you definitely don't want! I've always used a 10 gallon tank or similar sized bin as a travel cage. Though it's insanely small, it'll work for the time you're away. Just make sure to fill it with all of your hamster's bedding and old toys (as many as you can fit) and you'll be okay
