'Everyone's giving me grief' about the Ashes concluding before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan desire?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.
This is not the case this time, though, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
A group of four supporters are a prime example.
The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
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 the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for followers of the team.
However, the group said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.
"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."
The Remaining Matches
Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the fans are looking forward to the trip.
"We will have a fantastic experience nonetheless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that attitude."
"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money already."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season overseas. It is also our first experience abroad at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to turn to," Katie concluded.