With the high price of gas and cancellation of mass transportation, many people are electing to relax at home in what has become affectionately dubbed the "staycation."

Yes, taking a week long vacation at home has suddenly become very popular. Many are using their time around the house to catch up on projects, organize files, discard old junk, and consolidate their finances. But just as many use their staycation to actually relax.

Ah, life's simple pleasures. If only they were completely free. It's heaven to hang out in the backyard and strike up the barbeque, but someone has to pay for the burgers and dogs.

With a little detective work and some ingenuity, I've managed to compile five darn-near or absolutely free activities anyone can enjoy at home during that week off from work. Introducing, a pauper's quick guide to staycations.

1. Create a tropical paradise: Fill up the bath tub and send in the portable fans. Fill the CD player with Hawaiian songs and Beach Boys hits. Light coconut aeromatic candles. Then park yourself in the water with some mai-tais, a good book, and enjoy the quiet. Don't forget to lock the door.

2. Movie Bingo: You don't have to belong to an expensive video club or spend a fortune on DVDs. Every Monday, your local Red Box kiosk offers free videos just by entering the right code. Visit this site for updates. You can also watch free movies and televsion content at Hulu. Excellent quality and no downloading. Don't live near a Red Box or own a computer? Try your local library. Most allow free video rentals or rentals for less than $2.

3. Visit Virtual Reality: Most people look at me like I've spouted two heads when I mention Second Life. Yes, I know this sounds crazy, but Second Life is a virtual world that just happens to exist on the Internet. Already populated by news agencies, universities, and television studios, Second Life provides the opportunity to exist as a person of your creation, experiencing its universe through teleportation. Entry fee optional.

4. Book Excursion: If you don't have books you've been dying to read but can't get to, consider visiting your local bookseller. To compete with libraries, many now offer reading lounges or comfortable receptacles scattered throughout their stacks. Find a quiet spot and get cracking. Most stores won't mind if you spend the afternoon, provided you leave the material in tip-top quality. Secure additional privilges by purchasing a magazine or cup of coffee from the in-house Starbucks.

5. Play Outside: You don't need a kid to act like one. Visit the local playground or park. Go fly a kite. Take your old bicycle out for a spin. Check your local newspaper for free outdoor gatherings. Pack a picnic lunch or dinner and go hiking. Swing in a hammock. Break out the slip 'n slide. Turn on the sprinkler.

And fire up the barbeque. With all that outside activity, a person still needs to eat.