'Everyone's giving me grief' regarding the series concluding prior to my arrival.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an Three Lions follower ask for?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays down under, as well as families and friends planning a special expedition.
The Disappointed Travelers
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are among those affected.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a long-awaited triumph.
Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their house in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.
The tourists - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.
One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" Test cricket for English supporters.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the fundamentals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
Looking Ahead
Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior right now."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that stands up for England and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a great time anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that outlook."
"Of course, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment already."
"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time traveling over Christmas."
A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, there's always golf to rely on," she finished.