A traveller who wants to be included
Many Tonkinese cats travel comparatively well, because the trait that defines the breed — intense sociability inherited from its Siamese and Burmese roots — means the journey itself is less frightening than being separated from their people. A Tonkinese in a carrier beside you, able to hear your voice, will often settle after an initial burst of loud commentary. The same cat left alone in a quiet house or handed to strangers may fret far more. So the honest answer depends on the shape of the trip: travelling with you, usually yes; travelling as cargo or being left behind without company, much less happily.
What the car journey actually looks like
Expect noise at first. Tonkinese cats are vocal and will narrate the early miles, which is communication, not necessarily distress — watch instead for panting, drooling, restlessness that does not ease, or toileting in the carrier. Strap the carrier on a seat where he can see and hear you, keep the cabin at a steady comfortable temperature, and talk to him normally. On longer drives, stop somewhere quiet to offer water and a litter opportunity inside the secured car, and keep doors closed during any transfer, because an active, curious Tonkinese can slip a loose hold quickly.
Preparing him before the first real trip
Leave the carrier out at home as furniture with a blanket and treats inside, so it stops predicting journeys. Follow with short drives that end in something pleasant at home, lengthening them only while he stays relaxed. If your Tonkinese is harness-trained and genuinely enjoys it, short, controlled leg stretches at quiet stops can burn off his considerable energy, but only on a secure harness — never loose, and never if he startles at traffic. Pack his usual food, because an abrupt diet change plus travel is a common recipe for an upset stomach in an otherwise willing traveller.
Settling at the destination
Set up one room first with his litter tray, water, food, scratching surface and something that smells of home, and let him survey the rest of the space gradually. This breed explores confidently once the base feels safe, but a whole unfamiliar house at once can tip curiosity into hiding. Keep windows and external doors managed carefully for the first days — a people-focused cat who follows you from room to room can also follow you out of a door. Maintain his play sessions at the usual times; a Tonkinese whose energy has nowhere to go in a holiday rental will find an outlet, usually involving your belongings.
When staying home suits him better
If the trip involves long hours where he would be confined alone at the destination, a trusted sitter in his own home may genuinely suit this breed better than travelling — company at home beats isolation away. If he shows persistent travel sickness or panic that gradual practice does not improve, ask your veterinarian for advice before a long journey rather than hoping he will simply get used to it. For the trips he does take with you, his KinsLe Pet Pass puts his identity and your contact details in one card you can show anywhere, which matters for a cat who is always trying to be where the people are.