If you “have to” use plastic, I suggest a debit card. I use them for travel and the occasional convenience of ordering something over the Internet or phone. Other than that, I use cash.
The debit card stays in the vault. It’s not taken out except for buying things on the internet that are impossible to buy locally. Most purchases like that are done through the mail with a money order.
I don’t think you can rent a car or reserve a hotel/motel room without a credit card now. Everyone should have one to use in an emergency.
I am personal friends with my bank manager. She told me that debit cards are much riskier than credit cards because someone using the card can clean out your account in minutes and you have no protection. Where with a credit card the most you can get stuck with is $50.
Either way, I use cash for darn near everything.