'Everyone's giving me grief' regarding the Ashes being over before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
That will not be happening this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans flying out for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.
There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.
The tourists - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.
However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Looking Ahead
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."
"There is going to have to be several individuals that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Even with the series lost, the fans are looking forward to the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money by now."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."
A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.
"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.