'I'm getting constant stick' about the Ashes finishing ahead of my trip.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans traveling for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
There are also tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
A group of four supporters are among those affected.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a rare England series success.
Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "reinvigorated" 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 requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good at the moment."
"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."
Regardless of the result, the group remains excited about the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that outlook."
"Obviously it is a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us traveling at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to fall back on," she added.