The Cheap Bastard was amazed at a recent news story he saw, which showed that in 2005, nearly 40 percent of all children were born out of wedlock. That’s right, we are becoming a nation full of bastards.

The United States is also a nation of people who don’t have passports. Do you know that less than 740 people in the U.S. have a passport? And no, I can’t back that up, you’ll just have to take my word.

What matters is that you need a passport, and you need one now. Because starting January 2007, everyone, including U.S. citizens, who are entering or re-entering the U.S. and traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central, and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda, will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner document.

So, while the Bastard is sure there are plenty of Merchant Marines out there like him, he also knows there are a lot of Americans out there who should get their passport. Luckily for you, the passport-desirous, nations like Aruba and Jamaica wants to make it cheaper to get your passport and easier to visit their fine beaches and resorts.

Some resorts in Aruba, such as The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba an all-suite property, will give every guest a $50 car-rental voucher on stays of five nights or more in 2007 if Aruba is the first destination stamped on the guest’s new passport. You must make your reservation by December 31, and it is valid for new reservations only.

Jamaica has a Passport to Rewards program, with participating resorts will providing services and amenities equal to or greater than the $97 that adults ($82 for children) cost of a new U.S. passport. The Jamaica Tourist board web site has the details and the 18 participating resorts. The deals only apply to new passport holders. You can redeem your credit for a variety of items, including a hotel room upgrade, spa services, golf green fees, late check outs and more.

If you need more information on the new restrictions, head over to http://travel.state.gov. Remember, if you want to travel outside the country at all, you need a passport, so I expect all you bastards out there to get one, and maybe take advantage of some great deals while you’re at it.