It’s no secret that customers who have a negative experience are likely to leave a bad review, but what about those who have had a positive experience? Receiving a disappointing review online is something that fills all businesses with dread, especially from ‘serial complainers’, also widely recognized around the globe as “the Karen”.
It’s not unusual to run into people who demand to see the manager and make a complaint over minor issues. Whether we’re on holiday or going about our daily business at home, there’s always going to be someone who is unhappy with their experience. But is this behavior even more common than we think? Popular culture has led us to believe that this complaint culture is associated with people’s names, so we decided to prove this theory wrong.
We analyzed over 10,000 reviews across hundreds of attractions, hotels, and restaurants in India, including all historical reviews*, to identify the names most likely to leave five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Let’s take a look at whether names really do reveal more about us than we think.
*All data is correct as of September 2022
What’s in this article?
- Top 10 tourists most likely to leave 5-star reviews in India
- Top 10 locals most likely to leave 5-star reviews in India
- Who is more likely to leave a 5-star review in India? Men or women?
- How to give helpful five-star reviews on TripAdvisor
- Top 5 best-rated attractions in India
- Our top tips on how to look after your money abroad
- Methodology
Top 10 tourists most likely to leave 5-star reviews in India
The tourist name most likely to leave a five-star review in India is John, which topped the list of over 10,000 names on TripAdvisor.
| Rank | Tourist Names |
| 1 | John |
| 2 | David |
| 3 | Peter |
| 4 | Michael |
| 5 | Thomas |
| 6 | Richard |
| 7 | Paul |
| 8 | Ian |
| 9 | Barbara |
| 10 | Mark |
John is the ‘anti-Karen’ of India
People with the name John are most likely to give five-star reviews in India, and therefore we have declared John as the ultimate ‘anti-Karen’. ‘Johns’ typically display the opposite behavior of what popular culture refers to as the ‘Karen’. The reviews left by people with the name John are complimentary, helpful and generous – there are no complaints in sight.
David follows closely behind in second place and Peter comes in third.
But what about Karen?
Karen ranks in 17th place amongst tourists most likely to give positive reviews in India. Although ‘Karens’ have not left many reviews on TripAdvisor, it does suggest they are not as bad as popular culture would have us believe. In fact, Karen is just as likely to give attractions, hotels, and restaurants great feedback as anyone else, ranking alongside Steve and Mike.
| Rank | Tourist Names |
| 1 | John |
| 2 | David |
| 3 | Peter |
| 4 | Michael |
| 5 | Thomas |
| 6 | Richard |
| 7 | Paul |
| 8 | Ian |
| 9 | Barbara |
| 10 | Mark |
| 11 | Dave |
| 12 | Chris |
| 13 | Ann |
| 14 | Alan |
| 15 | Steve |
| 16 | Mike |
| 17 | Karen |
Does your name affect the likelihood of leaving a positive review?
There’s a lot of debate about the link between someone’s name and their personality traits; however, some researchers do believe that the correlation exists. Our names give us an identity from the second we’re born, and they are often thought to influence what our personality will be like when we’re older. When it comes to our personalities, there are many uncontrollable factors that come into play, such as our DNA and life experiences. But do our names really have that much of an effect on our characteristics?
Many names have underlying meanings that are sometimes considered to be powerful indicators of the personality traits we are likely to develop over time. On trend names, such as Alexander, are more likely to be perceived more positively than those with ‘unfashionable’ names like Kevin. People with trendy names can appear to be more optimistic to their friends and family, and have a tendency to be more generous. However, a lot of it comes down to exactly that – how we are perceived by others.
So, if your name is fashionable of its era, the chances are that you’re more likely to make a lasting impression, and leave positive reviews after visiting attractions, hotels, and restaurants!
Top 10 locals most likely to leave 5-star reviews in India
We decided to investigate whether tourist names and local names made the results differ in any way. Local people tend to know the best places to visit in their area, so it’s only fair that we accurately reflected this in our findings.
Having analyzed all the local names who left five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, we can conclude that those with the name Amit are most likely to leave positive reviews in India. Meaning boundless or infinite in Hindi and Bengali, it’s no wonder that ‘Amits’ are very bountiful with their feedback and are very forthcoming with how much they enjoyed their experiences.
Abhishek comes in second place and despite its placement, it’s not considered to be as popular a name as you might think, as it’s typically a surname. In third place is Sunil.
| Rank | Local Names |
| 1 | Amit |
| 2 | Abhishek |
| 3 | Sunil |
| 4 | Rahul |
| 5 | Ashish |
| 6 | Rajesh |
| 7 | Sachin |
| 8 | Sanjay |
| 9 | Sandeep |
| 10 | Deepak |
Who is more likely to leave a 5-star review in India? Men or women?
We looked at the gender split between men and women who leave five-star reviews in India. For the sake of this data collection, we focused on local names that are traditionally considered to be male and female names, although many names are not gender-specific.
Men are 15x more likely to leave a five-star review than women in India
As shown above, the top 10 names most likely to leave five-star reviews are male names. With only one female name ranking in the top 10 tourist names and none ranking in the local names, men are far more likely to give positive feedback on their experiences compared to women.
Looking at the top 100 names overall, 94 five-star reviews have been left by male names and only 6 reviews by female names. This means men are 15x more likely to share their positive experiences in India compared to women.
Who are the top 10 male and female reviewers in India?
We have identified the top 10 male and female names most likely to leave five-star reviews in India. Amit and Priyanka rank in first place, followed by Abhishek and Krishna in second place, and Sunil and Neha in third place.
Priyanka is a popular Hindu and Buddhist name, which means someone who is amiable and loveable – a fitting nod to their unselfish nature when leaving reviews. More commonly used as a surname, Abhishek derives from the conceptual meaning of purification and is reflective of their positivity when giving feedback. Neha, meaning love, is the 1,959th most common name in the world and is the name shared with approximately 515,952 people in India. It’s clear that the correlation between names and their meanings in India is prevalent.
The top four positions, both male and female names, are all Indian names, which illustrates that tourists are less likely to leave positive reviews compared to locals. Barbara ranks in 5th position, followed by Ann and John in 9th place.
| Rank | Female Names | Male Names |
| 1 | Priyanka | Amit |
| 2 | Krishna | Abhishek |
| 3 | Neha | Sunil |
| 4 | Priya | Rahul |
| 5 | Barbara | Ashish |
| 6 | Ankita | Rajesh |
| 7 | Krishna | Sachin |
| 8 | Divya | Sanjay |
| 9 | Ann | John |
| 10 | Shweta | Sandeep |
Not seeing your name on the list? Next time you have a fantastic time at an attraction, hotel, or restaurant in India, be sure to head over to TripAdvisor and share your positive experience. Then, maybe next time, you’ll make it to the list!
How to give helpful reviews on TripAdvisor
Sharing feedback often prompts an emotional connection to the experience, whether it was good or bad, and nothing influences people more than recommendations from a trusted source. But how can you give more high-quality reviews on TripAdvisor? Let’s find out…
7 tips on how to give good quality reviews
Here are our top tips on how to leave a good quality five-star review on TripAdvisor.
- Be honest about your experience, especially if it was a bad one, and be transparent about what went wrong.
- Provide actionable advice on how the business can improve or what customers can do to make their experience better.
- Include as much information as possible and give specific examples about your experience – good and bad – to give the business and other customers clarity.
- Give an accurate timescale of when your experience with the business was to avoid any confusion.
- Try to make your review more detailed than just a few words, as this will be more valuable to the business and future customers.
- Avoid writing anything that could be considered as inflammatory, or your review won’t be made public.
- Don’t name and shame any individuals, even if you had a bad experience with them, as this could be seen as a personal attack.
Top 5 best-rated attractions in India
We’ve compiled a list of the top five best-rated attractions in India based on those with the most five-star ratings on TripAdvisor.
1. Gateway of India
Built during the 20th Century in Bombay, the Gateway of India is an arch monument located on the Apollo Bunder waterfront, overlooking the Arabian Sea. It was originally erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder, during their visit to India in 1911. The basalt structure stands 85 feet (ca. 26 meters) high, and its Indo-Saracenic architecture is indicative of British architects during the 19th Century.
In 1924, George Wittet’s design was finally completed and was later used as a ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys. The Gateway of India is rated as Mumbai’s top tourist attraction and is often referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai. Well-connected by road and train, this stunning monument is a sight you don’t want to miss.
With over 5,537 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, it’s no surprise that the Gateway of India is rated number one of 508 things to do in India.
Price rating: $-$$
2. Taj Mahal
Located on the bank of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is one of the most universally admired masterpieces. The immense white marble mausoleum dates back to 1632 AD when construction first began and is widely considered the greatest architectural achievement of Indo-Islamic culture. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal and is inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones.
The breathtaking mausoleum complex is situated in a vast Mughal garden of nearly 17 hectares in the Agra District. A carpet of vibrant green grass begins at the main gateway and ends at the base of the monument. Every inch of the garden has been planned with precision, from the raised stone paths to the sixteen flowerbeds. It’s no surprise that the Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Price rating: $-$$
Amber Palace
The Amber Palace fort sits upon a small hill 11 km from the main city and is considered to be one of the best tourist attractions in Jaipur. Located in the Amer region of Rajasthan, the Amber Palace is constructed from red sandstone and marble, and its opulence echoes throughout all four of its levels. Each level is famous in its own right and consists of the Diwan-e-Aam or “Hall of Public Audience”, Diwan-e-Khas or “Hall of Private Audience”, Sheesh Mahal or “Hall of Mirrors” and the Sukh Niwas or “Hall of Pleasure”.
First built in 1592, the Amber fort was expanded by Jai Singh I and continued to grow in size for the next 150 years. The Amber Palace is listed as a World Heritage Site, but visitors can still go and experience the fort in all its glory. You will be welcomed by imposing and harsh exteriors, which give way to a more inviting interior with precious stones, carvings, and mirrors that adorn the palace.
Price rating: $-$$
4. Swaminarayan Akshardham
One of the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temples, the Swaminarayan Akshardham is located on the outskirts of New Delhi and only opened its doors in 2005. The temple complex of Swaminarayan Akshardham was originally the vision of the Yogiji Maharaj and had been planned since 1968, but very little progress was made before his death in 1971. The Delhi Development Authority and the Uttar Pradesh Government offered 90 acres of land in 2000 to fulfill the project, which took five years to complete.
The main body of the Swaminarayan Akshardham building is made from 6,000 tons of pink Rajasthani sandstone, and its carvings are based on 8th to 12th-century Indian craftsmanship at sites such as Angkor Wat. As you wander around and soak up all the ornate details, keep a look-out for the 20,000 deities, saints and mythical creatures around the temple. Don’t miss the 3 m high gold statue of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan!
Price rating: $-$$
5. Qutub Minar
Built in 1193, Qutub Minar is a tower of victory that stands 72.5 m high and was erected by Qutab-ud-din Aibak (the first Muslim ruler of Delhi) after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom. It features five very distinct stories and each is marked with a balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top of the building. The first three stories are made from red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth stories are made of marble and sandstone. Its differences in architectural style is a result of the changing of rulers over the course of its construction.
At the foot of the Qutub Minar lies the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque—the first mosque to be built in India. Over the top of its eastern gate is an inscription, which informs that it was built with the material from demolishing ‘27 Hindu temples’. The Qutub Minar is the perfect example of architectural excellence, so it’s no surprise that it is one of the most popular places to see in Delhi.
Price rating: $-$$
Our top tips on how to look after your money abroad
Whether you’re planning a holiday or jetting off to visit family and friends, you want to have as much fun as possible. So, it’s important to consider how you’re going to keep your money and valuables safe. While exchanging large sums of money into cash is a more traditional practice, you risk falling victim to theft and scams, and there’s also the possibility of losing your money.
At Remitly, we offer advice on how to keep your money safe while abroad. As a leading digital financial service provider, we are here to help you look after your money, whether on vacation or when sending money to India.
Here are our tips on how you can look after your money abroad.
1. Avoid carrying more cash than necessary
Carrying cash on you is always useful when traveling abroad, especially when you get off the plane. However, if you have too much cash on you at one time, you could be putting yourself in danger of being pickpocketed. Avoid carrying more cash than you would normally have on you at home. Three days’ worth of money should be enough to see you through emergencies, and you can always withdraw more money while on vacation.
If you are going to carry cash on you at all times, make sure it is secure and out of reach. Keep your money in a wallet that is securely tucked away inside your rucksack. So if someone were to look for your money while you’re wearing the rucksack, you would feel them rummaging around inside it. Avoid leaving any money or valuables in your pockets!
2. Familiarize yourself with the foreign currency
When traveling internationally, it’s always important to understand the foreign exchange rate. You should always research the currency before you fly, so that you’re familiar with both small and large denominations. If you’re not familiar with the currency rate, it can be really easy to get overwhelmed and you may end up being overcharged. Research how much everyday essentials items should cost before you travel, so you never have any unwanted surprises.
3. Use cash and credit cards
Using different types of payment methods can prevent you from getting in a sticky situation when abroad. Traveling with a bank card and cash should keep you covered in most situations, especially if you find yourself in a remote location. Cash can be used for smaller, everyday purchases, such as cab fares, while credit cards should be used for larger purchases. Credit cards are often a cheaper and safer option because if your card does get stolen, your card issuer can block any unauthorized payments.
4. Avoid keeping your valuables in one place
When it comes to leaving tips, having cash available is always handy. But if you want to keep your money safe, you should try not to keep all your cash stashed away in one place. Hide your cash, credit cards, travel documents and any other valuables in different places to avoid them getting stolen. Try stashing your travel document away in your suitcase and hiding your money in a safe, if one is provided. But, don’t forget to make sure it’s secure first!
5. Set yourself a budget for the essentials
When planning a trip abroad, it’s always important to consider how much money you’ll need. On your next visit to India you’ll need to budget for the essentials, so you should plan to spend an average of Rs2,611 or $32 USD per day. But don’t forget to budget for more if you want to include activities or extra luxuries.
6. Travel with a pre-paid currency card
Take a pre-paid currency card with you to reduce the amount of money you have on you when traveling. Not only will it help prevent you from being pickpocketed, but it will also mean you’re less likely to lose your money. Pre-paid currency cards are a great way of making sure you stick within your budget, as you can’t go overdrawn. You can also make your money go further if you lock in a good exchange rate – it’s a win-win!
Methodology
Remitly analyzed TripAdvisor data and collated a list of the ‘names most likely to leave a five-star review’ in India. The data was collected using the ‘top 10’ pages for attractions, hotels, and restaurants in India on Tripadvisor. All data includes all historical reviews and is up-to-date and correct as of September 2022.
Over 10,000 names were crawled across nearly 15,000 reviews to identify the reviewers. The 10 names that appeared most frequently were named the most positive reviewers, and therefore, the most likely to leave a five-star review.
These data points were segmented into a ‘most likely’ list for tourists, locals, and men/women. Local names were selected using the most common names in the country, while tourist names were based on all reviews with non-local names.
Remitly makes international money transfers faster, easier, more transparent, and more affordable. Since 2011, over 5 million people have used our secure mobile app to send money with peace of mind.
Download our app to get started.
Image sources:
- Gateway of India – https://pixabay.com/photos/gateway-of-india-mumbai-gate-390768/
- Taj Mahal – https://pixabay.com/photos/taj-mahal-tourist-attraction-tourism-4608641/
- Amber Palace – https://pixabay.com/photos/india-amber-strong-caravan-1545823/
- Swaminarayan Akshardham – https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/swaminarayan-akshardham-delhi-india-1097741294
- Qutub Minar – https://pixabay.com/photos/qutub-minar-delhi-monument-fort-2155776/