Spain in 8 days tour Sept 3-10

You must be in the wrong forum.... "was warned about doing it on my own" ??? Spain is one of the safest countries around, why wouldn't you? Spain is visited by 75 million tourists every year, and in fact, 99% of the visitors DIY...

It seems tour companies do not want any possible liability or litigation so won't encourage people to venture out on their own. I ran into that a few times. If you booked an early room through them, they might feel obliged to make dire warnings so you won't sue them...or they answer as if everyone was terrified unexperienced travellers (the lowest common denominator rule).
You don't say which city you will be in so we can't make recommendations. Even mentioning hotel or street may receive some suggestions of how to while away your time. A shame to be hotel bound because someone 'said so'.
Also, doesn't RS tours have their own forum or question area per tour? Many do - but also many aren't well used.

Sorry Enric, didn't mean to offend, but I am a woman and am always careful when I travel alone. I meant mostly that pickpocketing might be an issue....not worried about physical harm! It is easier when you are with someone as they can look around while you may be looking at a map or book, etc...I have traveled alone many times but am new to the city and would naturally be a bit more comfortable wandering around with someone if possible:)

hahaha, no offense at all, I was just surprised to read this. I did imagine your question was related as "female solo traveler", but my advice stands, don't you feel a worry about wandering on your own, moreover if, as you mention, you're already used to travel on your own. Just follow your instincts, those never fail.

As per pickpockets, sadly, there are too many unfounded scaremongers out there blowing things out of proportion. Since we here in Barcelona don't make the news day in day out for shootings, rapes or other gruesome crimes, it seems that to grab on pickpockets is the only way to have a conversation about crime for some.

Aaaanyway, yes there are pickpockets, as in other cities, but being Barcelona one of the most popular tourist cities in the world, we seem to gather a greater concentration of them, both local and foreign, that pick on unsuspected visitors (and locals alike!) to relieve them of some of their belongings, mostly phones and wallets, without one noticing... until you need either of them and you realized you have been pickpocketed!

It's not a violent crime, in fact, is often a faceless crime, a crime of opportunity, so try not to give "them" the opportunity. Be aware, especially in places with a large concentration of people (metro/tube, in the queues of major attractions...) for people suspiciously invading your personal space. In those cases, keep you purse/bag in front of you so as to control if anyone's hand is trying to open any zipper, don't carry your phone or wallet in your back pocket, especially following this dumb fashion -among some local teens and young women!- of carrying your smartphone sticking out of your back pocket, pretty much as if it was just one more garment. I don't doubt it probably makes a fashion statement, but it's the dumbest way to have your phone stolen. In short... always keep an eye on your stuff.

You'd be surprised at how careless some people are. Seems obvious to me, but one doesn't leave say an unattended bag on a coffee shop while going to the toilet, or one doesn't place the smartphone or an expensive camera on top of a table in a terrace in the street knowing anyone can grab it and run, or one doesn't go about drunk as a skunk at wee hours in secluded streets, and so on and so forth. Being a bit street smart it does certain help!

Thank you for the tips Enric! Yes, people can be careless...I am usually pretty aware of my things and don't leave them out. I am the perfect target for people coming up to me asking for help, etc because it is my nature to try and help them , but I will be careful about this. I have only heard the most wonderful things about Barcelona. Everyone here RAVES about it, so I am so excited to be going there and can't wait!