Alexandra, Barbados

Barbados is not the tropical paradise many dream of. As actress Jordan Alexandra can attest, the island's bureaucracy is a persistent headache - she spent her childhood summers there, and her family even relocated to Brazil for two years. With a population of just over 287,000, the country has a relatively small economy and limited job opportunities outside of tourism.

The climate is hot and humid year-round, with a hurricane season that can disrupt daily life. While Alexandra's Jamaican and Barbadian heritage gave her a cultural connection, not everyone will find the pace of life and limited infrastructure to their liking. Navigating the island's systems requires patience and persistence.

Overall, Barbados may appeal to those seeking a slower, more relaxed lifestyle, but it's hardly the Caribbean fantasy many envision. Pragmatic, resilient types will fare best in this small island nation.