Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team desire?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.
The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have a large group flying out for the concluding fixtures in New South Wales and Victoria.
Furthermore, other organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
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 Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.
From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"All my colleagues has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The England team - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "renewed interest in" the five-day game for English supporters.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"All analysts points it out, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the batting lineup."
Looking Ahead
Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."
"There is going to have to be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."
Regardless of the result, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We have to go with that attitude."
"Obviously it is disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."
"We'll enjoy spending the festive season overseas. Additionally, it's mine and Rory's first time 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, there's always golf to fall back on," she added.
