With gasoline prices at incomprehensibly high levels, area residents are scouring the Internet, looking for economical ways to take family trips this summer.

It’s not going to be easy, but it can be done. The tourism industry is hurting as bad as the rest of us, and many sectors are offering deep discounts to compensate for the sticker shock brought on at the pump.

Heading East

As I’ve said before, a trip to Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Orlando, for all intents and purposes) is not what anyone would call cheap, but with its Magical Express shuttling visitors to and from the airport, it does offer a way to lodge a protest against gas prices – by simply refusing to pay them outright. Never mind that the cost of someone’s fuel is probably built into other fees and charges; it’s worth it to know you won’t have to get behind the wheel.

But if you insist upon at least renting a car during a trip to Central Florida, there are a number of other family destinations you shouldn’t miss. There are plenty of great amusement parks, and these will be among the best deals this summer.

Right now, Universal Orlando (www.universalorlando.com) is offering a two-park unlimited admission ticket for only $81, which will get you seven days of fun at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We spent one day there recently, and that’s hardly enough to enjoy all the attractions.

The Universal parks compare to Disney in their elaborate theming, and by that I mean that standing in line is part of the attraction. Film clips, scenery, sounds and other trappings tell part of the story of what’s to come. But the parks are still comparatively small, well-laid-out, and not at all intimidating, even for folks who tend to get lost or confused in such environments. I’ve said before that Islands of Adventure is one of my favorite parks if only for its ambiance, but it has two of the best roller coasters in the country: The Hulk, and Dueling Dragons. It also has the multidimensional Spiderman ride and several other surprises for guests of all ages. (One thing you can get at most theme parks: Adults can find refuge in one of several bars while the kids continue exhausting themselves on the ride.)

Next door, at Universal Studios, there are a number of terrific shows, as well as some don’t-miss rides. The shoot-’em-up Men in Black (and it’s just like the movie) is one my husband and son make a beeline for, and the new “Mummy the Movie” indoor roller coaster is like no other I’ve ever experienced, with truly frightening special effects including animatrons and a flaming ceiling. Unfortunately, the newest ride, based on “The Simpsons” animated series, wasn’t open when we were there, but apparently it’s designed to replicate some sort of cheesy outfit called “Krustyland.” No doubt Simpsons fan will understand what this means, but a look at www.simpsonsride.com may answer some questions. (Note to Harry Potter fans: A new section of Islands is still supposed to open in 2009, supposedly with a ride based on Ron Weasley’s crazy car as the centerpiece.)

I always recommend staying in theme park resorts, and this is no exception. Universal has three good ones, but book early – all three, but especially Hard Rock, book fast. They do honor American Automobile Association discounts if you call early enough, and you can find online discounts for many of the restaurants at the resorts, as well as the adjacent City Walk. (At a seafood buffet at the Royal Pacific Resort, my husband must have consumed three dozen oysters on the half-shell.)

Heading North

If you’re thinking of heading north instead of east, Chicago is always my first choice, and several other local folks – including Tahlequah Public Schools Superintendent Paul Hurst – also list it as their favorite city. There’s always something to do in Chicago, and you don’t need a car to get around, because the Chicago Transit Authority can take you almost anywhere you’d want to go. I recommend finding a cheap flight there (watch for sales), or taking the long way around via train. Then get a five-day CTA pass, which covers both buses and trains; it’s only $18, and you can order them online.

Where to stay? Most folks know we recommend the Monaco, hands down, but whatever you do, stay as close to the Loop as you can, or in the “Magnificent Mile,” since that’s where all the action is.

The best time to go, in our opinion, is during the Taste of Chicago celebration, downtown in Grant Park, which this year is slated for June 27-July 6. The original event of its kind, Taste features booths from 80 or so restaurants, plus lots of live entertainment, fireworks, and other cool events. Admission is free (including the concerts), but to sample the cuisine (and believe me, you’ll want to), you have to buy tickets, eight for $12. You won’t believe the variety of food! I noticed that Stevie Wonder is one of the featured entertainers this year, as is Bonnie Raitt.

If you have time while you’re in Chicago, go to www.citypass.com and order tickets for massive discounts to some of the city’s best attractions: The Shedd Aquarium (which has in residence a Komodo dragon named Faust), The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and either the Hancock Observatory or the Sears Tower Skydeck. About the only thing missing is the Art Institute, but here’s a tip: Admission to this museum is free Thursday and Friday nights this summer.

A couple of other Chicagoland attractions you need to try are worth touching on here: the Chicago Botanic Garden (www.chicagobotanic.org) and the summer-long Ravinia Festival (www.ravinia.org). For both of these destinations, you’ll need to take another type of train (www.metrarail.com), but the fares are low and it’s easy to navigate.