What else can I do with BTC other than hodl?

I recently won some money gambling and decided to withdraw it as Bitcoin. It’s my first time using crypto and I’m trying to figure out what I can do with it other than just holding onto it. I’ve got a few thousand dollars worth of BTC.

I know Bitcoin can be used for online purchases, but I’m curious about the best ways to actually spend it. Are there specific sites or services that are particularly good for spending Bitcoin? Can I use it for travel, buying gift cards, or even paying bills? I’ve heard about using BTC for investing or earning interest, but I’m not sure where to start.

Also, are there any important security tips I should know about when using Bitcoin for transactions? I’ve got a wallet set up, but I want to make sure I’m doing everything right to keep my BTC safe.

Any advice or recommendations for a crypto newbie would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!