São José do Rio Pardo, Brazil

This sleepy town in Brazil's agricultural heartland is a far cry from the glitz of Rio or São Paulo. With a population of just 44,579, São José do Rio Pardo is a quiet, provincial place where bureaucracy is a persistent headache. The town was founded in 1870 and saw an influx of Italian immigrants in the late 1800s who worked the coffee fields. Today, the elevation of 676 meters provides a cooler climate than the coast, though the lack of amenities may wear thin for some. For those seeking a slower-paced life away from the crowds, São José do Rio Pardo could be the right fit – but don't expect big-city excitement.