As Rowan and other have detailed, it can be a bit of a minefield for the uninitiated.

I would, as a first step, work out what your BCD is to determine potential front chain-ring compatibility.

Some cranks and some rings have this stamped on them but certainly not all so you might have to break out the ruler.

Certainly for touring lower gear inches are enjoyed generally more than high ones.

Some arent so fussed but having bad knees from past grinding in too low a cadence amongst a litany of other things I'd say its definitely worth a squiz at what can be gained from dropping a few teeth at the front.

More detailed help might be available should you let it be known what model group-set your currently running and what year.