This year, driving out to one of Utah's many tourist meccas is more expensive than ever. As the cost of these summer activities continues to climb, many families are looking for ways to save money.

Michael Negron, senior fellow for economic opportunity at the Center for American Progress, said he regularly travels to vacation destinations during the summer holiday season and shared steps consumers can take to keep more money in their pockets.

"It's shopping for deals. It's instead of making one trip, perhaps making a few to find the best deal. It's just looking at different grocery options, being careful about driving. If you can do something in one trip versus two, you can carpool," Negron recommended.

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Utah gasoline prices are up 23% from a year ago, airfares for domestic flights are up nearly 30%, and beef and coffee are at or near record highs. Negron attributed the higher costs to energy prices tied to the conflict with Iran and recent trade policy changes.

Negron added trucking is critical to both manufacturing and agriculture and diesel fuel also plays a key role in the cost of everyday goods.

"Diesel prices are still quite high, and diesel's really important because it's what fuels our trucks. It fuels farm vehicles. And so when the price of diesel is up, that means that the price of everything that goes on a truck starts to go up," Negron pointed out.

Negron added consumers will see some relief but it may not be immediate. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects gasoline prices to gradually ease over the next two years but higher diesel and fertilizer costs could mean grocery prices may take longer to come down.