Ilopango, El Salvador

With a population of 88,824, Ilopango is no sleepy suburb. Home to El Salvador's second airport, this town is a hub of activity, though not always for the right reasons. The civil aviation authority may have its headquarters here, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. And while the nearby Lake Ilopango may sound picturesque, the climate is hardly a selling point.

Ilopango is a functional, no-frills destination, serving as a gateway for charter flights and military operations. For those seeking an authentic Salvadoran experience, away from the tourist crowds, Ilopango could be a pragmatic choice. But anyone hoping for a relaxed, scenic retirement should look elsewhere.