'I'm getting constant stick' regarding the Ashes concluding before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?
Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.
This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.
Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in the north of England.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"We always thought that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia before it began.
However, the situation is now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for followers of the team.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.
"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."
Future Prospects
Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."
"It will require more than one player that stands up for England and makes a big impact."
Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."
"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season overseas. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home during the festive period."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.