Dog,
Not an expert, but here is what I'd do...
-find a teenager, trust me they know all the expert shortcuts...
and which apps cause problems
-learn how to :
extend battery life
shut off roaming
track usage
familiarize yourself with internal "settings"
get a bullet proof case if lots of "camping"
(I use the Otter)
go slow with purchasing apps... many of the free ones
work just as well
buy extra chargers..truck/Rv/home/boat etc.
get a weather app ..I use ClearDay.... but most tie in to NOAA
one app I am very pleased with is Gas Buddy.
a flashlight app has proven very useful on occas.
heavy user of LibriVox audiobooks... don't have to be online.
Google maps is functional.
big learning curve...but doesn't have to be done all at once.
good luck , others will have better suggestions.
Charles