Let’s face it, college spring break is a breeding ground for rookie travel mistakes: rip-off packages, questionable accommodations and, of course, the inevitable bad behavior.

Yes, there are alternatives to spring break, but if you want to have the complete experience with cheap hotels and 48-hour-long parties, there is a way to travel smart. Alyssa Caverley has been there before and knows what to do. Follow her advice to have fun, stay healthy and safe, and avoid the five most-common spring break mistakes.

For more time and money-saving secrets, check out the other episodes of Know Before You Go series including how to travel solo, how to survive a road trip, how to avoid the most common travel fees, how to prevent lost luggage, how to sight-see on public transportation, how to find free Wi-Fi, how to pack everything into a carry-on and the travel beauty essentials.

By Alyssa Caverley for PeterGreenberg.com

Shot using a Sony HDR AX-2000 HD camera.