'I'm getting constant stick' regarding the Ashes being over before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.
The Disappointed Travelers
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.
The group had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.
The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".
"Every pundit points it out, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."
Looking Ahead
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the Aussies are just too good at the moment."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a great time regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."
"Of course, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. It is also our first experience away from home at this time of year."
A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.
"Should the cricket disappoint, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.