Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan desire?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are tour groups who will be vacationing in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under ahead of the tour.
But they are now facing the prospect of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The England team - and their supporters - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.
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".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"During a long match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior right now."
"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 fans are anticipating the trip.
"We will have a great time nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."
"Obviously it is a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."
"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year overseas. Additionally, it's our first experience away from home during the festive period."
A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.
