Samana, Dominican Republic

With a population of just 58,156, Samana is a sleepy coastal town that offers little of the vibrancy and amenities one might expect in the Dominican Republic. The region's tropical rainforest climate brings over 2,000 millimeters of annual precipitation, a persistent headache for residents. And while the town boasts picturesque beaches, the peninsula was once a hotbed of conflict between colonial powers, with the "first hostile encounter between Europeans and natives" occurring here in 1493. For those seeking an isolated, rustic getaway, Samana may fit the bill - but most would-be expats would be wise to consider more developed areas of the country.