'People keep ribbing me' regarding the Ashes concluding before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an Three Lions follower desire?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", anticipating a rare England series success.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"We always thought that we would have something to play for still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.
But they are now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.
The England team - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
Alex said 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.
But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
The Remaining Matches
When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this contest, one fan responded: "It appears the Australians are superior currently."
"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."
Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"We are going to have a fantastic experience regardless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that mindset."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her time off.
"If all else fails, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.