Get some self-defense training. Carry pepper spray - this can be good for animals too (ever been chased by wild dogs in the country?). Get a concealed carry license that is valid in the states you are going to travel to and throw a pistol in your handlebar bag - provided you are comfortable with it and a decent shot. When you're in camp carry it on your person. If you are a law-abiding person you'll have no problems, just have to declare your firearm if you have it and happen to be questioned by police.

There was a picture of a bike I saw somewhere where the owner attached 2 pepper spray holders, one on either side of the bar bag. I can't remember where I saw that. Its a good idea - easy access. Even better is to split your gear off your handlebar bag (except your computer or anything else you need right up top) with a second stem and pipe below your bars. As I build my bike that is what I am going to do - gives my hands more clearance and more positions on the bars to stay comfortable with my gear out of the way.