When I flew in the past I planned on my range based on fuel burn and time. If VFR I always used IFR rules for fuel burn and to get to an alternative. It is just plain damn sense. Actually, flying IFR even if the weather is VFR is much safer. ATC knows how much fuel and time you have on board and they give your separation from other aircraft. They will help you. With the rare exception of some duffas, they are the good guys.
Once I was flying up to Coloradan and encountered head winds in excess of forecasts. I had decided to divert to another airport for fuel. ATC then reminded me of my theoretical fuel left and time aloft. I had already made the decision but it was good to know that ATC was there for me. ATC can piss you off at times, but they do “have your back.”
A friend of mine was flying cross country in his Bonanza at night. He entered the frequency of the VOR near his destination airport and flew toward it. After an unusually long time, the needle on the VOR swung around and he started looking for his airport but he could’nt find it. After some head scratching, he realized he flew to a different VOR with the same frequency as his destination VOR. He was able to limp back to his home airport on fumes and a puckered rear end.