Apia, Samoa

Capital City

With a population of just 37,708, Apia is hardly the bustling metropolis some may expect. The capital of Samoa is plagued by infrastructure issues, with the city's "haphazard growth" leading to persistent flooding and sewage problems. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Apia lacks a unified administration, instead comprising 45 independent villages.

Still, the tropical climate is consistent year-round, with an average temperature of 26°C. And the city offers a slice of Polynesian culture, from the Bahá'í House of Worship to the Robert Louis Stevenson museum.

Apia may suit those seeking a slower pace and natural beauty, but the practical challenges of daily life could overwhelm the casual visitor.