TOR and/or VPN

[usonian]

1. Some info.

To your precise point:
How to Use a VPN and Tor together
https://proprivacy.com/vpn/guides/using-vpn-tor-together

Why using a VPN and Tor together can backfire on your privacy
VPNs and Tor both offer security, but using them together isn't always safer. Here's what you should know.
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2791638/why-you-should-not-use-a-vpn-together-with-the-tor-network.html

In general, for beginners:

A VPN routes your traffic through one server at a time. You can change it to suit location.
Most are encrypted, so your coffee shop traffic can't be easily hijacked and decrypted. (1)
Same for your ISP.

Tor "onion router" sends your encrypted traffic through a bunch of servers, with one exit server at a time.

I looked for an article NOT written by a VPN company. Most are, and are pitching their product.
This looks informative and neutral.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/tor-vs-vpn/

The information at EFF is comprehensive, but a little hard to search through (because there is so much)
Recommended: (AWESOME)
Surveillance Self-Defense
https://ssd.eff.org/

Tor at eff:
https://tor.eff.org/

(1) an https connection should help, but I am not sure where MITM (man in the middle) attacks play in this.