'I'm getting constant stick' regarding the series finishing ahead of my trip.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.
This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends heading for a dream holiday.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.
Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.
"All my colleagues 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 by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.
Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "renewed interest in" the longest format for followers of the team.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."
The Remaining Matches
Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that delivers for the team and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."
A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.
"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," Katie concluded.