One tangentially related thing -

I get the impression by what you said about weaponry that you have to travel by air. If that's the case, then you don't necessarily have much choice about rental cars.

But if you get to use your own car, you might think strongly about getting one with a "smart" key. I rarely park in places where I'm uncomfortable, so for me it's usually mostly an enormous convenience. But I'm very aware that not even having to look for my key - never having to take my eyes off my surroundings or open my purse - is a big safety advantage, too.