'Everyone's giving me grief' over the Ashes being over ahead of my trip.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.
That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their family home in the north of England.
"All my colleagues has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line by the time we arrived."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a whitewash.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.
However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".
"All analysts alludes to it, but it all is about mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."
"There is going to have to be more than one player that delivers for the team and makes a big impact."
Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that attitude."
"Obviously it is unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's our first experience traveling over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.