Unique vacations - around the world and close to home

Travel eco-friendly If South Africa isn't exactly the easiest place to get to in order to get in touch with nature, how about AMC's Highland Center at Bretton Woods, N.H.? The Highland Center's green design - including triple-glazed energy-efficient windows, recycled steel, communal meals, and a wood-burning boiler - prompted National Geographic to call it one of the world's Top 50 ecolodges. At a top rate of $162 a night (dinner and breakfast included) it's also one of New England's top bargains.

Travel eco-friendly

If South Africa isn't exactly the easiest place to get to in order to get in touch with nature, how about AMC's Highland Center at Bretton Woods, N.H.? The Highland Center's green design - including triple-glazed energy-efficient windows, recycled steel, communal meals, and a wood-burning boiler - prompted National Geographic to call it one of the world's Top 50 ecolodges. At a top rate of $162 a night (dinner and breakfast included) it's also one of New England's top bargains.

(Globe Staff Photo / Mark Wilson)