São Lourenço da Mata, Brazil

With a population of just 85,861, São Lourenço da Mata is hardly the bustling metropolis its proximity to Recife might suggest. While the city is set to benefit from infrastructure upgrades tied to the 2014 World Cup, the reality is a sleepy, industrial town with a hot, humid climate and persistent bureaucratic headaches. Those seeking an affordable launch pad to explore the greater Recife area may find São Lourenço da Mata a practical option, but it's hardly a destination in its own right.