While gas prices are continuing to set record highs and the price of food is at a steady rise, US consumers are feverishly seeking alternative ways to save extra cash and get the most out of their summers. From backyard vacations to carpooling to summer clearance sales, shoppers are becoming more and more adept at hunting down values this season.

As a result, online couponing has seen significant growth in comparison to the same time last year. According to online-measurement firm Hitwise, visits to online coupon sites have increased 56 percent between the week of June 6, 2008 and the same week in 2007.

"As consumers become more and more conscious of saving money, they're exploring new ways to cut costs without giving up too much of what they love, which includes shopping," said Scott Kluth, founder and president of CouponCabin.com. "At CouponCabin.com, we've seen a more than 35 percent increase in traffic this summer compared to last."

For shoppers looking to take their first forays into online couponing this summer, Kluth offers the following tips:

- Be Safe -- Only Shop at Secure Websites: Secure websites are definable by a yellow padlock in the status bar. By shopping at a secure website, it ensures hackers are unable to obtain any of the shopper's personal information.

- Save On Shipping -- Search for Discounted or Free Shipping Coupons: Sites like CouponCabin.com have entire sections dedicated strictly to coupons for discounted or free shipping.

- Let The Sales Find You: Register for e-newsletters to stay constantly informed of sales and discounts.

- Stack For More Savings: Stacking is an online shopping trick that allows shoppers to use multiple coupons at once, providing extra savings. If there are two promotional code boxes, make sure to use two different coupon codes to maximize savings.

- Shop For The Things You Want: Check listings for coupon codes that pertain to specific items you are interested in. Sites like CouponCabin.com have a link for "favorite deals," which allows shoppers to browse by category to view products with discount codes that may peak their interest.