'Everyone's giving me grief' about the series finishing before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan desire?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have a large group making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.
In addition, there are travel parties who will be vacationing down under, as well as loved ones planning a dream holiday.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are among those affected.
The four siblings had their flights and tickets secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in the north of England.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have something to play for still when we got there."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.
But they are now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for followers of the team.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"All analysts references this, but it all is about fortitude. 'Bazball' has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.
"During a long match, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never featured in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the group remains looking forward to the trip.
"We will have a wonderful trip anyway," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling over Christmas."
An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.
"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," she added.