'People keep ribbing me' over the series finishing before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?
Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
This is not the case during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.
There are also tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as families and friends embarking on a dream holiday.
The Ryding Siblings
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
The four siblings had their flights and tickets secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their residence in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"Everyone at work has been giving me grief about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."
Lowered Expectations
Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne this week.
Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for England fans.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".
"All analysts references this, but it all is about mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."
The Remaining Matches
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, Sam said: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good at the moment."
"There is going to have to be multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the group remains excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."
"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. It is also a new experience for us traveling 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, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.