Top Global Cities Where Travelers Indulged the Most in 2018

While on vacation, people are more likely to spend money, oftentimes living more lavishly than they would at home. Being away from home gives people the excuse they need to let loose and not adhere so strictly to their budgets-and some cities entice travelers to spend even more than others. Recently, Mastercard released their 2018 Top Global Destinations for Dining and Shopping, ranking the cities by overall dollars spent. See if your favorite destination made the top ten of the most splurge-worthy spots.

As the ultimate city to treat yourself, it's no surprise that Dubai tops both lists as being the most indulgent city for both dining and shopping. Dubai has a reputation for being extravagant when it comes to, well, anything and everything. I mean they have an indoor ski park, in the middle of the desert, along with man-made islands in the shape of the world.

To really treat yourself and make sure you see all the top sites check out the very best Dubai has to offer.

Located on the Island of Mallorca (Majorca), and coming in as the second highest rated city where visitors spend the most on food, is Palma. Located off the coast of Valencia near well-known Ibiza, Mallorca definitely needs to be on your travel bucket list. Palma, the capital and largest city on the island, overlooks the beautiful Bay of Palma and is littered with resorts, popular beach hangouts and historical buildings like the Bellver Castle. And, of course, the food is an exquisite blend of Spanish and Mediterranean influence with some of the freshest seafood.

Settling in at third in terms of dining and ranking sixth in highest for shopping, Bangkok, Thailand made both lists as a splurge-worthy city. It's no secret that Americans love traveling to Thailand-in 2018, Bangkok was rated as one of the top destinations for Americans. With the current exchange rate, one Thai Baht being equivalent to just thirty-one cents, it's no wonder why travelers felt they could spend lavishly on food and shopping in the area.

Of course, 'we'll always have Paris' to count on for superb dining and fashionable shopping. A forever popular tourist destination, travelers are even beginning to use the city as a layover spot to get just the slightest taste of the city-and get a taste, they do. Paris landed as number four on Mastercard's list for dining and number ten for shopping. If you have more than just a few hours, be sure to check out these top spots around the City of Lights.

New York City was the only American city to top either Mastercard list, coming in at number five for dining and number eight for shopping. A true metropolitan with a multitude of neighborhoods and something for everyone, New York City was also one of the top business destinations for 2018. Thankfully the city is easily walkable-with the occasional assist from the subway-that you don't need to feel too bad for all those extra calories you'll be eating.

An all-time personal favorite destination of mine, London offers new adventures and places to explore each time I visit. Although you can easily make your entire trip based around the city, many may not realize that London is also a great city for a long layover. Over the last year, tourists definitely treated themselves, landing the city at number six for dining and two for shopping.

Although La Palma is an island belonging to Spain, it is actually located off the coast of Africa near southern Morocco and Western Sahara. A part of the famous Canary Islands, Santa Cruz de la Palma is the capital city and known for historic architecture, cobbled streets and delicious food. The city comes in at number seven on Mastercard's list for dining.

With hotels inspired by movies and a tour dedicated to Instant Ramen, Tokyo is truly a city dedicated to the fandoms. Dining in Tokyo comes in at number eight on Mastercard's list while shopping in the busy city comes in at number four. Honestly, I'm a little surprised the city isn't ranked higher on either list considering just how many unique experiences are littered throughout this remarkable city.

It's often difficult to decide what to eat while walking these historic streets, so it's no surprise that Istanbul made Mastercard's dining list, coming in at number nine. With wonderful aromas coming from every direction, you'll want to try some of everything. While you're at it, make the most of your trip and enjoy the many off the beaten track experiences the city has to offer.

Singapore rounds out the bottom of Mastercard's list at number ten for dining and lands itself right in the middle of the list at number five for shopping. Singapore offers a perfect mingling of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures and each of the Hawker Centers (open-aired food markets) is a must for any visitor to the city. These are the perfect-and cheap-way to try food from each culture. For shopping, I highly recommend a trip to Orchard Road where there is an annual fashion show that ends with a huge street party.

Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia is Islam's Holiest City and millions make the pilgrimage to the birthplace of Muhammad. Therefore, it's no surprise the city comes in at number three on Mastercard's list for shopping. Saudi Arabia actually has a lot to offer the Western Traveler, so you may want to look at adding it to your bucket list if it's not there already.

Did you know that the world's most popular air route is from Seoul's Gimpo Airport to popular Jeju island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula? With so many people traveling along the route, it's no surprise then that Seoul would also come in as Mastercard's number seven city for shopping.

Rounding out the shopping list at number nine (previously mentioned Paris came in at number ten), the final global city for Mastercard's most splurge-worthy places is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. If you want to indulge in the city's many offerings, look no further than Adventoro Travel Technologies to help you in booking your next trip to Malaysia.