With an acting career spanning more than five decades, Margaret Avery’s latest role is on the Netflix comedy, “A Man on the Inside,” which has been renewed for a second season. “My character, Florence, has accepted the passing of her husband and has discovered a love for poetry to aid in her grieving process,” said Avery, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Shug in “The Color Purple.” “She has made a new best friend, Virginia, who is played by Sally Struthers. Florence (would make a great travel companion), particularly to places that allowed exploration into the lives of her favorite poets. She is very frugal, a trait I share, so she might be a stickler on over-spending and would be looking for the best travel deals.”

This interview with Avery has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: Do you prefer filming on location or on a set?

A: I prefer a combination of both, actually. Working on set allows the planned schedule as you don’t have to worry about weather. Location shooting allows the exploration of a new environment on my off days.

Q: Do you have any upcoming trips planned?

A: I am planning to go on a European tour — take advantage of all those great countries that are geographically close. I’d love to see the castles in person, not just in the movies.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Jamaica. I especially love mango season there.

Q: What childhood trip stands out?

A: At the age of 13, my mom put me on a Greyhound bus to visit my grandparents in Oklahoma. At the New Mexico stop, I met a civil rights group bound for Itta Bena, Mississippi. Their mission was to protest racial injustice. I decided on the spot to join them. They welcomed me into their Volkswagen Squareback station wagon and off we went to cure the world. We stayed in private local homes. Protesting at a segregated restaurant, a German shepherd police dog attacked me and left a scar on my arm. The scar has faded, but not the terrifying memory. To this day, the German shepherd is the only dog I fear.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?

A: I learned to pack clothes only, leave my American ways. Be open and respectful of a new culture and ideas. Be ready for an adventure in seeing and learning something new.

Q: If you could only pick one, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?

A: I would prefer fine dining, particularly when traveling, because it would have a wider range of choices. However, I would probably risk losing the uniqueness of the local’s food palate because fine dining is prone to cooking for the tourists, which means missing out on the true culture.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: When I was singing in Jakarta years ago, many people suggested I should visit Bali. They said it was a must see. Regretfully, my visa did not allow it on that trip, so it is now on my go-see list.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: A great moisturizer, seasonal clothes that don’t scream tourist, a must-see list and my suggestion is to always pack light and know that weight limits vary from country to country.

Q: What is your best or worst vacation memory?

A: My best and worst vacation memory is actually the same. I was in Montego Bay and I had the most glorious open-air suite overlooking the ocean. I came back from a lovely dinner to find a huge five-foot snake exploring my room. I am terrified of snakes, so hasta la vista.

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