Driving from Arizona to Long Island , New York

After an 8 year adventure living in Arizona, I’ve decided to move back to New York. I have a 6 year old mixed breed cattle dog named Kali, and 5 year old brother cats named Sam & Dean (extra points for knowing where their names came from 😁). My fiancé and I plan to make the drive to New York in about two months. I’ve never driven this far with animals, so I’m asking for any advice on how to do it.

So my first dilemma is that Sam and Dean do not love being in the car. Whenever I take them to the vet, they spend the entire ride in their carriers meowing pitifully. I’m talking nonstop meowing. For this trip, I’m thinking I’ll drive my Honda Cr-v with my back seats down and set up a litter box and a little food and water bowl, and just let my cats roam free. I’ll have their carriers open and available for them to go in whenever they want, but this way, they’ll have access to a litter box at all times. Is there anyone who has tried this before and has advice for me? I am also planning on getting some kind of sedative or calming medicine from the vet in case they have a really hard time with the drive.

Kali also tends to whine a lot on longer drives. I figure I’ll get something from the vet for her too just in case, but she should be fine driving in the U-Haul truck with my fiancé.

I’m thinking we’ll drive for maybe 10 hours a day and then spend the night in hotel. Does anyone know any resources that would help me find not terrible hotels that are pet friendly along the way? I’d also love any other advice you might have about taking animals on a long drive. Thanks!