Canela, Brazil

With a population of just 24,801, Canela in Brazil's Serra Gaúcha region is a quaint tourist town, but one that offers little to the average expat. The city's economy is heavily dependent on ecotourism, with hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting drawing in visitors - though the persistent bureaucracy is a headache for anyone looking to put down roots. And while the Christmas lights and occasional snowfall make for picturesque winter scenes, the harsh climate is a turn-off for those seeking year-round warmth. Canela is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a scenic escape, not pragmatic expats.