Why were european countries looking for a new route to asia

merchants and crusaders had brought many goods to Europe from Africa

Explanation:

Motives for Exploration For early explorers, one of the main motives for exploration was the desire to find new trade routes to Asia. By the 1400s, merchants and crusaders had brought many goods to Europe from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Demand for these goods increased the desire for trade.

in about winter like late november to january