I usually read the rulebook, then find a video (ideally “Watch It Played”, Rodney is a treasure) to confirm my understanding of what I read and/or clarify anything I didn’t. This is usually sufficient. Another cheeky way to learn a game is to play it on BoardGameArena where the system won’t allow you to play the game wrong.
Hive Pocket goes on every vacation with me; its portable, indestructible, and can be played anywhere. Will also usually bring: Love Letter, Tides, SpaceShipped, and a deck of cards for Regicide/Scoundrel/Loot-The-Loop/etc. Will sometimes try to bring Bang! The Dice Game, Anomia, or Happy Salmon if there’s a potential for party games being played.