Sheila O’Brien Egan, President & Owner

Sheila O’Brien Egan, President & Owner, moved to Nantucket in October 1983. In September of 1984 she purchased and expanded Swain’s Travel, Inc. In April of 1995 Sheila formed Group Reservations Service of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Her latest venture is “Best of Nantucket”®.

Through her client centered philosophy, travel expertise, destination knowledge and vendor relationships her business has grown and prospered in a very competitive environment. She attributes the success of her business to her belief in and the practice of placing the clients needs first and exceeding their expectations for service, recommendations, travel experience and destination knowledge.

Sheila enjoys working directly with clients from the planning stages to the client’s evaluation of their travel experience.

Give Sheila a call at 508-325-6797 or email at soe410@hotmail.com for your vacation and she will make sure you have the “best” Nantucket experience.

Kristin Chambers

Kristin is our manager for Best of Nantucket.  Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 14 years, Kristin is an expert at meeting all of her customers needs while exceeding their expectations as they relate to customer service.  Kristin has worked both in the restaurant and tourist industry for several years on Nantucket.   In order to recommend the appropriate property based on the clients needs and preferences, Kristin has personally visited and inspected all of the “Best” properties on island.  From the client who needs a quaint Bed & Breakfast in town, or the client wishing to stay in a luxurious hotel, or the corporate client looking for both accommodations and meeting space, Kristin will assist the client in securing the “Best” accommodations that will suit his/her needs. 

Recommending restaurants, fishing trips, island tours or coordinating group functions, weddings or rehearsal dinners is not small feat on Nantucket.  Having formed relationships with several of these exceptional vendors on island, Kristin will assist you in choosing the “Best” option that will complete the clients dream vacation, wedding or seamless event.

In addition to managing the “Best of Nantucket” Division at Swain’s Travel, Kristin is an Independent Travel Agent.  Her travels have included residing in London, trekking through Italy, with stays in Paris, Germany, Prague, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Belgium.  She has also stayed in “fun in the sun” with recent trips to Belize, St. John, Virgin Gorda, Bermuda, Mexico, Paradise Island.   Kristin has also cruised with Royal Caribbean, on one of their newest ships, The Jewell of the Seas.  Kristin is also an expert in Disney travel and honeymoon planning. 

Please email Kristin at  bestofnantucket@hotmail.com.

Mary Ellen Dineen-Reservations Specialists

Mary Ellen has lived on Nantucket for 4 years.  Prior to moving to the island Mary Ellen coordinated several Harvard Medical School Continuing Education Courses for the Division of Surgical Oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital.  Having acquired the knowledge and expertise in event planning in her previous position, Mary Ellen was initially responsible for coordinating all of the agencies incoming weddings and corporate groups.  She has now transitioned to a part time travel specialist in the office.  Having lived in Boston for entire life, Mary Ellen is very Familiar with New England destinations including: Boston,  New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and the Cape & Islands. 

After catching the “travel bug” several years ago Mary Ellen has traveled to many locations in Europe including Italy, Ireland (extensively), France, Austria, and the Czech Republic.  She has also visited many of the Caribbean islands including most recently the Turks & Caicos Islands along with St Maarten, Anguilla, the Grenadine Islands, British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands.  Three years ago Mary Ellen also had the opportunity to visit Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

In recent years she has developed expertise in Disney destinations including Disney Cruises with her young family.  For those families wanting a getaway that is superbly organized  with activity rich children’s programs, she highly recommends Disney Cruises.  

 Mary Ellen can be reached via email at groupres@nantucket.net

Emily Pihl