If you are tired of shoveling snow or just sick of the cold, maybe it is time to think about spending the holidays somewhere warm. Darwin is a small town in Northern Australia that offers beaches, culture, and best of all 90 degree temperatures.

The Darwin harbor was discovered by Captain of the Beagle, John Lort Stokes, in 1839. He named it after a former shipmate, the famous British evolutionist Charles Darwin. Today, the harbor has become an active port and Darwin is continuing to thrive as one of the top cosmopolitan cities of the North.

Darwin can be reached by international flight. The airport is close to the city center and can be reached easily by taxi or commuter bus. If you are already in Australia, you can take a train or a bus to reach Darwin. Both stations are also near the city center.

There are tons of hostels in Darwin because of the city's popularity with backpackers. Check out Dingo Moon Lodge or Melaleuca on Mitchell. Dingo Moon Lodge offers free breakfast, a swimming pool, and laundry facilities for around $25-$30 per day, per person. At around the same price, Melaleuca on Mitchell offers a large outdoor deck, 24 hour check in service, and a bar. Most of the hostels will do something for the holidays, so there is no need to worry about celebrating alone.

If you are looking to splurge on a hotel, check out the Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront. From around $100-$150 a night, you can enjoy waterfront views and lively atmosphere.

So, what is there to do in Darwin? Tons. There are beaches all around town that you can visit and all of them are great for those sunset instagrams. Check out the community schedule when you arrive to see when the local beach flea markets are. They often host local craftsmen and food vendors serving crocodile dogs and more Australian cuisine specialities.

You can also visit the Charles Darwin National Park,  go to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, or visit the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels. There is also a nearby lake that is safe for swimming all year long.

The city has a laid back feel, so do not expect to visit and be busy at every moment. Some of the best times in Darwin are walking through the Aboriginal shops or getting dinner from a street vendor. Make sure to take it easy and relax.

Also, do not expect to find any Christmas markets in Darwin. The town will be lively but there is little holiday celebration. But, there is still a lot to do and there will be other expats there to provide some company.

Although the weather is nice and hot, December does fall into the rainy season. It will be a little wet, but the area will also be nice and green. The natural landscape is really spectacular during the rainy season and is worth the trip. On a positive side, Darwin will be cheaper during the December month because Australians usually travel internationally for the holidays.

After Darwin, you could visit the Tiwi Islands, where over 90 percent of the inhabitants are of Aboriginal descent. The islands have stunning beaches and diverse wildlife. However, you do have to have a guide and a permit to visit the area. Kakadu National Park is also close by and is easily accessed from Darwin. At the park you can visit some beautiful waterfalls and hike through some really diverse terrain.