Inkisi, Democratic Republic of the Congo

This small town of 115,317 people is hardly the idyllic tropical paradise that some expats imagine. The Kisantu Botanical Garden may draw researchers and nature lovers, but the town itself is a persistent headache of bureaucracy and infrastructure woes. Getting around requires navigating the national railway system or a potholed national road, while the airport offers limited options. And with the town situated along the Inkisi River, the climate is hot and humid, hardly ideal for those seeking an escape from the grind. Unless you're a botanist or wildlife enthusiast with a high tolerance for red tape, Inkisi is best left to the locals.