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(photo by Flickr user BigRedBall)

We know the economy’s in the shitter, but damn a staycation. Sometimes you need to get out and about and see things your local park and monuments can’t provide.

Problem is, older you get, higher the chances are you’ve already been to Paris, Tokyo, and Chiang Mai; so where should you go next?

Well, never mind the where, think about the how. Ever been on a cargo ship? Montreal-based A la Carte Freighter Travel will put you on a ship loaded with 7,000 containers but only 11 other passengers (and maybe as few as five or six). Here are some details:

[Your fellow passengers] are usually people who love adventure and who do not enjoy regimentation. Large groups and organized activities are not for them! Rather, the excitement of surprise and discovery is their motivation. They often are people who can take lengthy periods of time off ... such as teachers, entrepreneurial types who run their own businesses as well as retired people.

All suites and staterooms are of a good standard, spacious, equipped with air conditioning, private facilities and shower, carpeted and handsomely furnished. Located on the upper decks and on the outside of the vessel, all cabins have windows, however, the view can sometimes be obstructed by the containers stowed on deck. Some cabins are also equipped with a TV/VCR and refrigerator. Bed linen and towels are changed once or twice a week.

Most vessels have a swimming pool, sauna and fitness room, as well as a passenger lounge with TV/VCR and stereo sets and small video and book libraries. Deck space can be limited, however, there is always room for sunbathing and deck chairs are usually provided.

The passage fare includes accommodation and three meals per day. Passengers dine with the ship’s officers and, on many vessels, enjoy complimentary wine at lunch and dinner. The pantry is usually always open to anyone fancying a light snack. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available on all vessels, at duty free prices.

You can go anywhere that cargo ships go, which is just about anywhere in the world. (Hint: Stay away from the waters of Somalia, unless you want to get stabbed by someone wearing an eyepatch while being taunted by a parrot.)

Price? About $80 to $140 per day, depending. Sure it’s more expensive than airfare, but do we have to remind you that flying sucks?

Some resources: Traveler’s Notebook has a good article up called ”How to Travel by Cargo Ship,” and A la Carte recommends the print magazine Maris Freighter Cruises. Enjoy!