Nadi, Fiji

With a population of 71,048, Nadi is Fiji's third-largest city, but it's hardly a tropical paradise. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism and transportation, leaving little room for local industry. And while the city boasts the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, the government bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with high turnover among city administrators.

Nadi's location on the western side of Fiji's main island makes it the primary gateway for air travelers, but the tropical monsoon climate means a lengthy wet season that can put a damper on any vacation plans. Still, for those drawn to Fiji's Hindu cultural sites and willing to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles, Nadi may be a suitable landing spot.