Frequent the big screen without the big price

With Thanksgiving approaching, holiday movie season is in high gear and many flock to the local cinema to recover from that Tryptophan-induced coma and catch the latest Oscar contender or big-screen bio-pic.

But is it affordable?

With the average adult ticket costing around $10, folks shell out major cash for a family night out. However, you can catch a flick on the big screen without the big price ... and snag one of those mega tubs of popcorn while you're at it.

Here are a few tips:

Be loyal
Join a loyalty club at a theater near you. This is an easy way to snag discounted tickets. For example, AMC Theaters' AMC MovieWatcher Rewards offers free small popcorn each week. Loyalty clubs allow you to accumulate points from purchases made. Once you have enough points, you earn a free movie ticket.

Go at "off" times

Off hours are less expensive than peak hours. In San Francisco, Cinemark charges an extra 50 cents per ticket on Friday and Saturday night. Go during the day or right after work... then go out for dinner and drinks.

Buy in bulk

Is going to the movie theater becoming a weekly habit? Buy your tickets in bulk. At AMC theaters, you can buy your tickets in increments of 50. The price, between $6 and $7.50 a ticket.

Clip coupons

Always be on the hunt for coupons. You can find these in your local entertainment book. Special promotions happen too. Marriott is offering four free movie passes when you spend a weekend at a participating hotel or resort before Sept. 7.

Dig for discounts
Check with your local theater for the discounts they offer. There is usually a student discount, as well as a senior discount. Don't forget to bring your student ID card!

GiftCards.com Deal: Take 15% off AMC Theaters gift cards here.

Tips to make vacation dollars go further

It's easy to go over your budget while on vacation. With the current economic downturn, it's probably not a smart idea to overindulge while hitting the road or jetting off to a foreign locale. We've compiled these tips to help make your vacation dollars go a little further.

Plan out your route
How will you get there? Before you decide on your method of travel, find out which way is more cost effective. Maybe your vehicle's mpg will save you a lot of money.

Search for discounts

Yes, there are discounts out there! Many travel sites, and hotels offer discounts to help keep the cost of your vacation down. If you are a member of AAA, visit the local office and ask about additional discounts in the area. Maybe your hotel offers perks and visit Hotels.com for $20 off a three night booking.

Grab your camera

Stay away from purchasing souvenirs. Instead, bring your camera along for memories that will last forever. You can always enlarge a beautiful photo and make your own souvenir for a low cost. Don't have a camera? Snag a cheap digital camera here.

Find free activities

Try not to pay for fun. There are always attractions for the whole family that are free, and very noteworthy. Visit the National Park Service for a list of historic sites and parks across the U.S. Search your destination's government site. Maybe there is a free concert on the common. Many museums have free or discounted nights/days as well.

Book your flight early

While it's possible to get discounts on last minute flights, it is a safer choice to book those seats early. Check out CheapOair.com, Priceline.com, and TravelZoo.com to book your travel.